The45-70 round is one of the most enduring and versatilerifle cartridges in firearms history. Originally developed in 1873 for theU.S. Army's standard-issue long gun, thisbig-bore round has evolved from a blackpowder military staple into areliable survival tool. Today,45-70 ammo is prized for itsdevastating stopping power on large game, includingmoose.
Performance and Ballistics
What makes the.45-70 cartridge unique is itsflexibility across pressure levels. In modern lever-action rifles like theHenry Big Boy,45-70 ammo can 45-70 round be loaded tofull-power levels, deliveringsubstantial kinetic force. Conversely, for oldervintage Sharps rifles,blackpowder-equivalent rounds ensurepreservation of the firearm. Thecommon grain ranges from300 to 500 grains, withexit velocities between1,300 and 1,700 fps.
Hunting and Practical Use
For theoutdoorsman,this cartridge excels indense brush. Itssubstantial mass createsexcellent tissue damage while minimizingover-penetration. Manycustom ammunition makers appreciate theround's reloading potential, allowing them todevelop subsonic rounds. Additionally,hollow-point variants like theBuffalo Bore offerings provideexceptional expansion at various distances.
Availability and Considerations
Whilethe 45-70 Government is not ascheap as popular rifle rounds, it remainswidely available from major manufacturers likeHornady. Prices for45-70 rounds typically range from$30 to $60 per box. For thosenew to the caliber, it's crucial toverify pressure ratings. Whether used fortarget shooting, the45-70 round remains abeloved classic that bridgesthe gap between past and present.