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 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,this classic round is prized for itsunmatched terminal ballistics on large game, includingbear.

Performance and Ballistics

What makes the45-70 round unique is itsrange of power 45-70 ammo from mild to wild. In modern lever-action rifles like theMarlin 1895,45-70 ammo can be loaded tomodern SAAMI specs, deliveringover 2,000 foot-pounds of energy. Conversely, for olderoriginal 1873 rifles,reduced-velocity ammunition ensurepreservation of the firearm. Thecommon grain 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 inclose-to-medium-range scenarios. Itslarge-diameter projectile createsexcellent tissue damage while minimizingpass-through. Manyreloading enthusiasts appreciate the45-70's case capacity, allowing them todevelop subsonic rounds. Additionally,hollow-point variants like theLehigh Defense 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 50-count pack typically range from$30 to $60 per box. For thoselooking to expand their collection, it's crucial tomatch ammunition to your rifle's action. Whether used forhunting, the45-70 ammo remains abeloved classic that bridgesold-school power and contemporary reliability.

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