The.45-70 Government cartridge is one of the most enduring and versatileloads in firearms history. Originally developed in 1873 45-70 round for theU.S. Army's standard-issue long gun, thisheavy-hitting round has evolved from a blackpowder military staple into amodern hunting powerhouse. Today,45-70 ammo is prized for itsdevastating stopping power on large game, includingelk.
Performance and Ballistics
What makes the.45-70 cartridge unique is itsrange of power from mild to wild. In modern lever-action rifles like theMarlin 1895,this caliber can be loaded tohigher pressures, deliveringtremendous knockdown power. Conversely, for olderoriginal 1873 rifles,blackpowder-equivalent rounds ensurepreservation of the firearm. Thecommon grain ranges from325 to 450 grains, withexit velocities between1,100 and 1,900 fps.
Hunting and Practical Use
For theoutdoorsman,this cartridge excels indense brush. Itslarge-diameter projectile createsexcellent tissue damage while minimizingrisk to bystanders. Manycustom ammunition makers appreciate the45-70's case capacity, allowing them todevelop subsonic rounds. Additionally,hollow-point variants like theLehigh Defense offerings providecontrolled fragmentation at various distances.
Availability and Considerations
While45-70 ammo is not asubiquitous as pistol calibers, it remainseasy to find from major manufacturers likeRemington. Prices fora 50-count pack typically range from$1.75 to $2.50 per cartridge. For thosenew to the caliber, it's crucial tomatch ammunition to your rifle's action. Whether used fortarget shooting, the.45-70 Government remains alegendary cartridge that bridgestraditional design with modern technology.