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 theU.S. Army's standard-issue long gun, thisbig-bore round has evolved from a blackpowder military staple into areliable survival tool. Today,the 45-70 Government is prized for itsimpressive energy transfer on large game, includingelk.

Performance and Ballistics

What makes the45-70 round unique is itsflexibility across pressure levels. 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 45-70 ammo 1873 rifles,reduced-velocity ammunition ensurehistorical authenticity. Thetypical bullet weight ranges from305 to 405 grains, withexit velocities between1,100 and 1,900 fps.

Hunting and Practical Use

For thebig-game enthusiast,the 45-70 round excels inclose-to-medium-range scenarios. Itssubstantial mass createsexcellent tissue damage while minimizingover-penetration. Manyreloading enthusiasts appreciate thecartridge's versatility, allowing them tocreate reduced-recoil options. Additionally,hollow-point variants like theLehigh Defense offerings provideexceptional expansion at various distances.

Availability and Considerations

Whilethis caliber is not ascheap as popular rifle rounds, it remainswidely available from major manufacturers likeRemington. Prices for45-70 rounds typically range from$30 to $60 per box. For thoselooking to expand their collection, it's crucial toverify pressure ratings. Whether used fortarget shooting, the45-70 ammo remains abeloved classic that bridgesthe gap between past and present.

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