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, thisheavy-hitting round has evolved from a blackpowder military staple into amodern hunting powerhouse. Today,the 45-70 Government is prized for itsunmatched terminal ballistics on large game, includingelk.
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,45-70 ammo can be loaded tofull-power levels, deliveringover 2,000 foot-pounds of energy. Conversely, for olderoriginal 1873 rifles,low-pressure loads ensuresafe operation. Thecommon grain ranges from300 to 500 grains, withmuzzle velocities between1,300 and 1,700 fps.
Hunting and Practical Use
For theoutdoorsman,the 45-70 round excels inclose-to-medium-range scenarios. Itsheavy, slow-moving bullet createsdeep penetration while minimizingrisk to bystanders. Manyhandloaders appreciate 45-70 round thecartridge's versatility, allowing them totune loads for specific rifles. Additionally,specialized ammunition like theLehigh Defense offerings providecontrolled fragmentation at various distances.
Availability and Considerations
Whilethe 45-70 Government is not ascheap as popular rifle rounds, it remainswidely available from major manufacturers likeRemington. 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 forhistorical reenactment, the.45-70 Government remains abeloved classic that bridgesthe gap between past and present.