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 theSpringfield Model 1873 Trapdoor rifle, thislarge-caliber round has evolved from a blackpowder military staple into areliable survival tool. Today,the 45-70 round 45-70 Government is prized for itsunmatched terminal ballistics on large game, includingwild boar.

Performance and Ballistics

What makes the.45-70 cartridge unique is itsrange of power from mild to wild. In modern lever-action rifles like theHenry Big Boy,45-70 ammo can be loaded tomodern SAAMI specs, deliveringover 2,000 foot-pounds of energy. Conversely, for olderoriginal 1873 rifles,low-pressure loads ensurepreservation of the firearm. Thecommon grain ranges from325 to 450 grains, withexit velocities between1,100 and 1,900 fps.

Hunting and Practical Use

For theoutdoorsman,45-70 ammo excels inclose-to-medium-range scenarios. Itssubstantial mass createsa massive wound channel while minimizingover-penetration. Manycustom ammunition makers appreciate thecartridge's versatility, allowing them totune loads for specific rifles. Additionally,specialized ammunition like theLehigh Defense offerings provideexceptional expansion at various distances.

Availability and Considerations

While45-70 ammo is not ascheap as popular rifle rounds, it remainseasy to find from major manufacturers likeRemington. Prices fora box of 20 typically range from$1.50 to $3.00 per round. For thosenew to the caliber, it's crucial tomatch ammunition to your rifle's action. Whether used forhunting, the.45-70 Government remains aproven performer that bridgestraditional design with modern technology.

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