The45-70 round is one of the most enduring and versatileprojectiles in firearms history. Originally developed in 1873 45-70 round for theSpringfield Model 1873 Trapdoor rifle, thisbig-bore 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 the.45-70 cartridge unique is itsability to be loaded for different firearms. In modern lever-action rifles like theHenry Big Boy,45-70 ammo can be loaded tohigher pressures, deliveringsubstantial kinetic force. Conversely, for olderantique Trapdoor Springfield rifles,reduced-velocity ammunition ensurepreservation of the firearm. Thetypical bullet weight ranges from300 to 500 grains, withinitial speeds between1,100 and 1,900 fps.
Hunting and Practical Use
For theoutdoorsman,45-70 ammo excels inthick timber. Itslarge-diameter projectile createsexcellent tissue damage while minimizingpass-through. Manyhandloaders appreciate the45-70's case capacity, allowing them totune loads for specific rifles. Additionally,hollow-point variants like theBuffalo Bore offerings provideexceptional expansion 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$30 to $60 per box. For thoselooking to expand their collection, it's crucial tomatch ammunition to your rifle's action. Whether used forhistorical reenactment, the45-70 round remains alegendary cartridge that bridgestraditional design with modern technology.