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 45-70 round 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,45-70 ammo is prized for itsunmatched terminal ballistics on large game, includingbear.

Performance and Ballistics

What makes the45-70 load 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 from325 to 450 grains, withmuzzle velocities between1,200 and 1,800 feet per second.

Hunting and Practical Use

For thebig-game enthusiast,the 45-70 round excels inthick timber. Itsheavy, slow-moving bullet createsa massive wound channel while minimizingover-penetration. Manyhandloaders appreciate the45-70's case capacity, allowing them totune loads for specific rifles. Additionally,specialized ammunition like theHornady FTX offerings providereliable performance at various distances.

Availability and Considerations

Whilethe 45-70 Government is not ascommon as 9mm or .223, it remainswidely available from major manufacturers likeRemington. Prices fora 50-count pack typically range from$30 to $60 per box. For thoseconsidering a purchase, it's crucial tomatch ammunition to your rifle's action. Whether used fortarget shooting, the45-70 ammo remains alegendary cartridge that bridgesthe gap between past and present.

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