The 45-70 Round: A Timeless Legend in Modern Ammunition

The 45-70 Round: A Timeless Legend in Modern Ammunition

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The.45-70 Government cartridge is one of the most enduring and versatileprojectiles in firearms history. Originally developed in 1873 for theSpringfield Model 1873 Trapdoor rifle, thislarge-caliber round has evolved from a blackpowder military staple into amodern hunting powerhouse. Today,this classic round is prized for itsunmatched terminal ballistics on large game, includingwild boar.

Performance and Ballistics

What makes the45-70 round unique is itsability to be loaded for different firearms. In modern lever-action rifles like theHenry Big Boy,this caliber can be loaded tohigher pressures, deliveringsubstantial kinetic force. Conversely, for olderoriginal 1873 45-70 ammo rifles,reduced-velocity ammunition ensurehistorical authenticity. Thetypical bullet weight ranges from300 to 500 grains, withinitial speeds between1,100 and 1,900 fps.

Hunting and Practical Use

For themodern hunter,this cartridge excels inthick timber. Itsheavy, slow-moving bullet createsexcellent tissue damage while minimizingover-penetration. Manyhandloaders appreciate the45-70's case capacity, allowing them totune loads for specific rifles. Additionally,hollow-point variants like theHornady FTX offerings providereliable performance at various distances.

Availability and Considerations

Whilethe 45-70 Government is not asubiquitous as pistol calibers, it remainswidely available from major manufacturers likeFederal. Prices fora box of 20 typically range from$1.75 to $2.50 per cartridge. For thosenew to the caliber, it's crucial tocheck barrel twist rate. Whether used forhunting, the45-70 ammo remains aproven performer that bridgesthe gap between past and present.

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