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 versatileloads 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 itsimpressive energy transfer on large game, includingwild boar.

Performance and Ballistics

What makes the45-70 load unique is itsflexibility across pressure levels. In modern lever-action rifles like theMarlin 1895,45-70 ammo can be loaded tofull-power levels, deliveringover 2,000 foot-pounds of energy. Conversely, for olderoriginal 1873 rifles,blackpowder-equivalent rounds ensurepreservation of the firearm. Thecommon grain ranges from305 to 405 grains, withinitial speeds between1,100 and 1,900 fps.

Hunting and Practical Use

For theoutdoorsman,45-70 ammo excels inthick timber. Itssubstantial mass createsdeep penetration while minimizingover-penetration. Manyreloading enthusiasts appreciate thecartridge's versatility, allowing them todevelop subsonic rounds. Additionally,hollow-point variants like theLehigh Defense offerings providereliable performance at various distances.

Availability and Considerations

While45-70 ammo is not ascheap as popular rifle rounds, it remainseasy to find from major manufacturers likeFederal. Prices for45-70 rounds typically range from$1.50 45-70 round to $3.00 per round. For thoseconsidering a purchase, it's crucial toverify pressure ratings. Whether used forhunting, the45-70 round remains abeloved classic that bridgesold-school power and contemporary reliability.

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