The 45-70 Round: A Timeless Legend in Modern Ammunition

The 45-70 Round: A Timeless Legend in Modern Ammunition

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The45-70 round 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 areliable survival tool. Today,45-70 ammo is prized for itsdevastating stopping power on large game, includingbear.

Performance and Ballistics

What makes the45-70 round unique is itsflexibility across pressure levels. In modern lever-action rifles like theMarlin 1895,the 45-70 Government can be loaded tofull-power levels, deliveringover 2,000 foot-pounds of energy. Conversely, for olderoriginal 1873 rifles,reduced-velocity ammunition ensuresafe operation. Thestandard projectile ranges from300 to 500 grains, withmuzzle velocities between1,300 and 1,700 fps.

Hunting and Practical Use

For themodern hunter,45-70 ammo excels indense brush. Itslarge-diameter projectile createsexcellent tissue damage while minimizingover-penetration. Manyreloading enthusiasts appreciate thecartridge's versatility, allowing them totune loads for specific rifles. Additionally,defensive loads like theBuffalo Bore offerings provideexceptional expansion at various distances.

Availability and Considerations

Whilethis caliber is not asubiquitous as pistol calibers, it remainswidely available from major manufacturers likeRemington. Prices fora box of 20 typically range from$30 to $60 per box. For thosenew to the caliber, it's crucial tocheck barrel twist rate. Whether used 45-70 ammo forpersonal defense, the.45-70 Government remains aproven performer that bridgesthe gap between past and present.

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