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, thislarge-caliber round has evolved from a blackpowder military staple into areliable survival tool. Today,this classic round is prized for itsdevastating stopping power on large game, includingbear.
Performance and Ballistics
What makes the45-70 load 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 olderantique Trapdoor Springfield rifles,reduced-velocity ammunition ensurehistorical authenticity. Thetypical bullet weight ranges from305 to 405 grains, withinitial speeds between1,100 and 1,900 fps.
Hunting and Practical Use
For themodern hunter,the 45-70 round excels indense brush. 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 theBuffalo Bore offerings providereliable performance at various distances.
Availability and Considerations
While45-70 ammo is not ascheap as popular rifle rounds, it remainsin steady production from major manufacturers likeFederal. Prices for45-70 rounds typically range from$1.75 to $2.50 per cartridge. For 45-70 ammo thoselooking to expand their collection, it's crucial toverify pressure ratings. Whether used forpersonal defense, the45-70 ammo remains aproven performer that bridgesold-school power and contemporary reliability.