The.45-70 Government cartridge is one of the most enduring and versatilerifle cartridges in firearms history. Originally developed in 1873 for theSpringfield Model 1873 Trapdoor rifle, thisheavy-hitting round has evolved from a blackpowder military staple into areliable survival tool. Today,the 45-70 Government is prized for itsimpressive energy transfer on large game, includingwild boar.
Performance and Ballistics
What makes the45-70 round unique is itsflexibility across pressure levels. In modern lever-action rifles like theHenry Big Boy,this caliber can be loaded tofull-power levels, deliveringsubstantial kinetic force. Conversely, for olderoriginal 1873 rifles,low-pressure loads ensuresafe operation. Thestandard projectile ranges from325 to 450 grains, withinitial speeds between1,200 and 1,800 feet per second.
Hunting and Practical Use
For theoutdoorsman,this cartridge excels inclose-to-medium-range scenarios. Itslarge-diameter projectile createsa massive wound channel while minimizingpass-through. Manycustom ammunition makers appreciate thecartridge's versatility, allowing them tocreate reduced-recoil options. Additionally,specialized ammunition like theHornady FTX offerings providecontrolled fragmentation at various distances.
Availability and Considerations
Whilethe 45-70 Government is not asubiquitous as pistol calibers, it remainseasy to find from major manufacturers likeRemington. Prices fora box of 20 typically range from$30 to $60 per box. For thosenew to the caliber, it's crucial tomatch ammunition to your rifle's action. Whether used forhunting, 45-70 ammo the.45-70 Government remains abeloved classic that bridgesthe gap between past and present.