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 versatilerifle cartridges in firearms history. Originally developed in 1873 for theSpringfield Model 1873 Trapdoor rifle, thisbig-bore round has evolved from a blackpowder military staple into 45-70 round amodern hunting powerhouse. Today,45-70 ammo is prized for itsunmatched terminal ballistics 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, deliveringtremendous knockdown power. Conversely, for oldervintage Sharps rifles,blackpowder-equivalent rounds ensurepreservation of the firearm. Thestandard projectile ranges from300 to 500 grains, withinitial speeds between1,200 and 1,800 feet per second.

Hunting and Practical Use

For theoutdoorsman,45-70 ammo excels indense brush. Itssubstantial mass createsexcellent tissue damage while minimizingover-penetration. Manycustom ammunition makers appreciate theround's reloading potential, allowing them todevelop subsonic rounds. Additionally,specialized ammunition like theBuffalo Bore offerings providereliable performance at various distances.

Availability and Considerations

While45-70 ammo is not asubiquitous as pistol calibers, it remainseasy to find from major manufacturers likeHornady. Prices fora 50-count pack typically range from$1.50 to $3.00 per round. For thosenew to the caliber, it's crucial tocheck barrel twist rate. Whether used forhunting, the45-70 ammo remains aproven performer that bridgesold-school power and contemporary reliability.

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