What is 45-70 Ammo?🧐
It also known as .45-70 Government, is a rifle cartridge primarily used for hunting and target shooting. It was developed in 1873 by the United States Army and is still popular today among hunters and long-range shooters.
Features⚡
In the world of firearms, few cartridges carry the legendary status of the .45-70 Government, affectionately known as .45-70 ammo. Join us as we explore the key features that make this ammo a beloved choice for those seeking power, precision, and a touch of nostalgia.
📝 Caliber and History:
🧩 The allure of the cartridge lies in its timeless design. The “.45” designation signifies the bullet’s diameter, measuring .458 inches (11.63 mm) – a characteristic that ensures a potent impact on the target. The “70” harks back to its historic roots, representing the black powder charge in grains used in the original military load.
🧩 Hailing from a bygone era, this cartridge was first introduced for the Springfield Model 1873 “Trapdoor” rifle, the pride of the U.S. Army in its time. Since then, it has left its mark on hunting expeditions and shooting ranges, standing tall as a symbol of American heritage and ingenuity.
📝 Bullet Types and Weight:
🧩 Diversity is the hallmark of such ammo. Available in various bullet types, including soft-point (SP), hollow-point (HP), full metal jacket (FMJ), and lead round nose (LRN), it caters to a wide range of shooting purposes. Whether you seek controlled expansion for hunting or precise target shooting, there’s a bullet type to suit your needs.
🧩 The bullet weight further defines the cartridge’s performance. Ranging from 300 grains to 500 grains, enthusiasts can choose the perfect balance of weight and velocity for their specific shooting objectives. While heavier bullets excel in taking down large and formidable games, lighter ones lend themselves well to target practice and plinking fun.
📝 Power and Range:
🧩 Steeped in power, it delivers a forceful blow to its target. The energy it imparts is unrivaled in its class, making it an ideal choice for hunters pursuing big game such as bears, deer, and boars. When you hold a firearm loaded with this ammo, you hold the key to unlocking an adrenaline-filled hunting adventure.
🧩 Though it reigns supreme in close-to-medium ranges, with effective distances reaching several hundred yards, it is an exceptional choice for scenarios where precision matters. Be it stalking prey or taking part in shooting competitions, this cartridge boasts unwavering reliability.
Benefits🔥
The .45-70 ammo offers several advantages that make it a popular and versatile choice for hunters, sports shooters, and enthusiasts. Here are some of the key benefits:
✳️ Stopping Power: This cartridge is known for its substantial power and stopping power. With its large bullet diameter and heavy bullet weights, it can deliver significant energy to the target, making it highly effective for hunting large and dangerous game, such as bears, elk, and moose.
✳️ Hunting Capabilities: It has a long and storied history in hunting big game, and it remains a preferred choice for many hunters. Its combination of power and versatility makes it well-suited for a wide range of hunting scenarios, from close-quarters brush hunting to longer-range shots in open terrain.
✳️ Lever-Action Rifles: This ammo is a natural fit for lever-action rifles, which are renowned for their quick action and historical charm.
✳️ Shooting Competitions: In some shooting competitions that require powerful cartridges to knock down targets at varying distances, it finds a place among competitors seeking a challenge and a touch of historic flair.
Unleashing the power of .45-70 ammo💥
As a team of passionate shooters and avid hunters, we understand the value of finding the perfect cartridge that combines power, versatility, and historical significance. Delve into the compelling reasons why this legendary round deserves a spot in your arsenal.
| 🔰 Versatility for various shooting purposes: In the vast world of ammunition, few cartridges offer the versatility of the .45-70. With an array of bullet types and weights available, it caters to various shooting objectives. Whether your passion lies in hunting, precise target shooting, or the thrill of engaging in shooting competitions, there’s a .45-70 load ideally suited to your specific needs. |
| 🔰 Timeless historical significance: Travel back in time as you hold this cartridge, a living relic from the 19th century. Embracing this classic round connects you to a bygone era of American firearms history, captivating both history enthusiasts and those entranced by the charm of vintage firearms. Owning and shooting the ammo is a journey through time. |
| 🔰 Customization through reloading: As enthusiasts, we revel in the art of customization, and this ammo presents an opportunity to fine-tune your ammunition. Reloading allows you to tailor loads to your precise shooting preferences, enhancing accuracy and achieving specific bullet performance. Make your mark with every shot. |
| 🔰 Effective at short to medium ranges: While not designed for extreme long-range shots like some modern high-velocity rounds, it proves itself highly effective at short to medium distances. For most hunting and sporting purposes, its range capability is more than sufficient, ensuring accurate and impactful shots. |
| 🔰 Confidence in dangerous game hunts: When facing potentially dangerous game animals, there’s no room for uncertainty. With this ammo in your firearm, you’ll face these challenges with unwavering confidence. It’s proven stopping power and reliability instill the assurance needed in such demanding and hazardous situations. |
🤠 This round is more than a choice; it’s an experience that connects you to a rich heritage of American firearms. Whether you seek the thrill of hunting dangerous games, yearn for the timeless charm of lever-action rifles, or crave customization in your shooting endeavors, such ammo awaits to join your collection.
45-70 Ammo Review | Top-10 45-70 Ammo
| Image | Product | Brand | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Winchester BALLISTIC SILVERTIP 45-70 Government Ammo 300 grain | Winchester |  |
 | Winchester SUPER-X RIFLE 45-70 Government Ammo 300 grain | Winchester | |
 | Hornady Subsonic 45-70 Government Ammo 410 Grain | Hornady | |
 | Federal Premium Power-Shok 45-70 Government Ammo 300 grain | Federal Premium | |
 | Federal Premium FUSION 45-70 Government Ammo 300 grain | Federal Premium | |
 | Barnes Vor-Tx 45-70 Government Ammo 300 grain | Barnes | |
 | Winchester DUAL BOND 45-70 Government Ammo 375 grain | Winchester | |
 | Federal Premium VITAL-SHOK 45-70 Government Ammo 300 grain | Federal Premium | |
 | Federal Premium HAMMER DOWN 45-70 Government Ammo 300 grain | Federal Premium | |
 | Fort Scott Munitions 45-70 GOVERNMENT Ammo 300 Grain | Fort Scott | |
1# Winchester Ballistic Silvertip 45-70 Government Ammo 300 grain
As avid hunters and shooters, our team understands the significance of choosing ammunition that delivers immediate knock-down power and unwavering precision in the field. The Winchester Ballistic Silvertip 45-70 Government Ammo 300 Grain boasts a polymer tip that’s designed to resist deformation, ensuring optimum long-range performance and promoting reliable expansion. Whether you’re utilizing tubular magazines or engaging in extended-range shots, the polymer tip remains steadfast in its commitment to precision. Crafted with an alloyed lead core, this ammunition maintains increased retained weight, resulting in deeper penetration upon impact. Such penetrating power ensures the capability to take down even resilient games with authority. Appreciating the intricacies of shooting mechanics, Winchester incorporates a Lubalox (Black Oxide) coating to reduce engraving forces and minimize barrel fouling. Where rapid impact and massive knockdown are non-negotiable, this ammunition rises to the challenge!
2# Winchester Super-X Rifle 45-70 Government Ammo 300 grain
Since its establishment in 1922, this ammunition has consistently delivered exceptional quality and outstanding performance to hunters and shooters across the board. One notable feature is its Jacketed Soft Point design, which ensures optimum penetration during hunting and shooting activities. The carefully engineered profile guarantees reliable functioning, precise accuracy, and consistent expansion, adding to its appeal for discerning users who seek reliability in every shot. Using this product, our team found that the inclusion of a Flat Nose Bullet makes it suitable for use in both revolvers and long guns with tubular magazines, enhancing its versatility in different firearms and applications. The Winchester Super-X Rifle 45-70 Government Ammo is a legacy of excellence and time-tested reliability that instills confidence in users, knowing they can count on it when it matters most.
3# Hornady Subsonic 45-70 Government Ammo 410 Grain
Designed for accuracy and performance below the speed of sound, Hornady Subsonic 45-70 Government Ammo. Incorporating long grooves in the gilding metal jacket, the Sub-X bullet’s flat profile, and the patented Flex Tip insert within its hollowpoint cavity, expansion reliability at low velocities is maximized. The powders used are meticulously selected to ensure optimal performance and consistency from one lot to another, providing shooters with confidence in each shot. Apart from its performance, the ammunition’s silent and stealthy nature is highly appealing. Unlike supersonic rounds, it doesn’t produce a loud report, and when paired with a suppressor, it becomes even quieter. Whether for tactical applications or recreational shooting, this ammunition promises an exceptional shooting experience.
4# Federal Premium Power-Shok 45-70 Government Ammo 300 grain
The Federal Premium Power-Shok 45-70 Government Ammo impresses with its consistent and proven performance, providing hunters with the accuracy and power they need at a price that won’t break the bank. As our tests have shown these rifle loads deliver solid accuracy and reliable power, making them suitable for a wide range of medium and big games. What sets this ammunition apart is its affordability without compromising on quality. Shooters can trust in the reliability of Federal brass, primers, and powder, ensuring a consistent shooting experience with every round. Its consistent performance, suitability for various game sizes, and attractive price point make it an appealing choice for those seeking value without sacrificing effectiveness in the field.
5# Federal Premium Fusion 45-70 Government Ammo 300 grain
When it comes to deer hunting, Federal Premium Fusion 45-70 Government Ammo holds the title as the first rifle ammunition purpose-built for the task, and even after all this time, it still reigns as the best choice. What sets it apart is its precisely applied copper jacket, creating a perfectly uniform covering for the core. This attention to detail contributes to excellent accuracy, allowing shooters to confidently place their shots. The skived, pre-programmed nose ensures consistent expansion, translating to reliable terminal performance with every shot. If you’re on the lookout for trustworthy and effective ammo for deer hunting, it has undoubtedly proven itself to be the top contender.
6# Barnes Vor-TX 45-70 Government Ammo 300 grain
Barnes Vor-TX 45-70 Government Ammo stands as a pinnacle of precision ammunition, featuring some of the deadliest bullets available for hunters. Our research has shown that the key highlight is the powerful double-diameter TSX FN bullet, ensuring 100 percent weight retention and exceptional expansion, delivering a devastating impact on the game. All rifles chambered in .45-70 can confidently fire these live rounds without any issues. The versatility and compatibility of these rounds make them a practical choice for shooters using firearms of this caliber. For hunters seeking an unparalleled combination of accuracy, lethal performance, and innovation in bullet design, this ammunition deserves serious consideration. Its ability to deliver precise shots and maximize terminal performance makes it a top contender in the world of hunting ammunition. Give them a try today, and experience the difference these rounds can make in your hunting endeavors.
7# Winchester Dual Bond 45-70 Government Ammo 375 grain
This ammunition showcases cutting-edge “bullet within a bullet” technology, a result of state-of-the-art engineering. The proprietary construction incorporates a massive hollow point with a 12-segment design, delivering double the expansion compared to conventional bullets. This design ensures effective energy transfer upon impact, maximizing trauma for better terminal performance. The unique feature of Dual Bond lies in its heavy outer jacket, which is mechanically bonded to the inner bullet. This construction not only enhances durability but also provides crucial protection during deep penetration. As a result, the ammunition can maintain its integrity, allowing it to deliver maximum trauma even in challenging scenarios. For shooters seeking innovative design and enhanced performance, Winchester Dual Bond 45-70 Government Ammo is a compelling choice.
8# Federal Premium Vital-Shok 45-70 Government Ammo 300 grain
It offers a unique and patented process that sets it apart from conventional ammunition. With the shooter’s experience in mind, this new line of reliable ammo introduces exciting features that have garnered praise from both law enforcement professionals and professional shooters. Based on our observations the key highlight lies in its bonded jacket and core, which retain more than 95 percent of the bullet’s weight, ensuring deep penetration and impressive stopping power. Shooters can count on their reliability and effectiveness in critical situations. Another notable feature is the grooved shank, enhancing accuracy across all gun platforms. This improvement ensures that the ammunition consistently hits its mark, providing shooters with confidence in their shots. Moreover, the ammunition’s nickel-plated case and bullet play a crucial role in preventing corrosion, ensuring the longevity of the product, and maintaining its reliability over time. Shooters seeking optimal performance and reliability will find Federal Premium Vital-Shok 45-70 Government Ammo to be a compelling choice for their shooting needs.
9# Federal Premium Hammer Down 45-70 Government Ammo 300 grain
Federal Premium Hammer Down 45-70 Government Ammo stands out as a tailored solution designed explicitly for lever action rifles. Its specialized geometry ensures seamless cycling in tubular magazines and typical lever-action feeding systems, guaranteeing smooth and reliable performance with every shot. One notable feature is the molecularly bonded soft point bullet, which provides unparalleled accuracy and expansion, delivering a match-grade terminal performance that shooters can rely on. The bullets boast best-in-class expansion and weight retention on impact, making them a powerful choice for hunting and self-defense applications. With this ammunition, shooters can confidently expect nothing but the best performance, specifically tailored for their lever-action rifles. Its functionality in both side gate loading and tubular magazines, along with the optimized terminal performance, sets this ammunition apart as a reliable and high-performing option for lever-action enthusiasts. Experience the difference today by trying out a box of them, and witness the exceptional performance firsthand.
10# Fort Scott Munitions 45-70 Government Ammo 300 Grain
For hunters seeking unmatched precision in the field, the Fort Scott Munitions 45-70 Government Ammo delivers an exceptional performance with its highest-quality components, ensuring superior accuracy over standard hunting ammunition. Each solid copper projectile undergoes precision machining and rigorous testing, resulting in tight tolerances, making them some of the most lethal match-grade hunting rounds available. Ideal for hunting or guiding large game, this ammunition is engineered to cause significant soft tissue damage and achieve quick takedowns. With remarkable weight retention and penetration capabilities, the solid copper projectiles can power through brush and bone, while initiating a tumbling effect upon entering soft tissue. According to our experience, this high degree of energy transfer disrupts vital organs and bodily functions while minimizing the risk of over-penetration, making it a highly effective and lethal hunting round. The match-grade construction and Tumble Upon Impact technology make these rounds stand out in the market, offering shooters confidence and effectiveness in their shooting endeavors.
45-70 vs 30-06: what difference?🤔
The comparison between these cartridges involves two distinct and popular rounds, each with its unique characteristics and applications. Let’s explore the key differences and considerations when choosing between these two calibers:
| 🔷.45-70 | 🔷.30-06 | |
| 📢 Cartridge Type: | 🔷 The .45-70 is a rimmed, straight-walled cartridge originally designed for use in single-shot rifles and later adapted for lever-action rifles. It has a large bullet diameter of .458 inches (11.63 mm) and typically uses heavy bullets ranging from 300 grains to 500 grains. The .45-70 is renowned for its stopping power and is primarily used for hunting large and dangerous games. | 🔷 The .30-06 is a rimless, bottlenecked cartridge, and it is one of the most popular and versatile rifle cartridges in the world. It features a smaller bullet diameter of .308 inches (7.82 mm) and has a wide range of bullet weights available, from 110 grains to 220 grains. The .30-06 is well-regarded for its balanced performance and is suitable for a variety of shooting purposes, including hunting, target shooting, and military applications. |
| 📢 Power and Stopping Power: | 🔷 The .45-70 cartridge is known for its substantial power and exceptional stopping power. With its heavy and large-diameter bullets, it delivers significant energy to the target, making it highly effective for hunting large and dangerous game animals like bears, elk, and moose. It is a preferred choice for situations where maximum stopping power is crucial. | 🔷 The .30-06 cartridge also possesses considerable power, but it is more balanced in its design and is not as specialized for stopping large and dangerous games as the .45-70. It is an excellent all-around cartridge, capable of taking down a wide range of game, from smaller deer to larger elk and even some African game species. |
| 📢 Range and Versatility: | 🔷 The effective range of the .45-70 cartridge is generally limited to short to medium distances, typically up to a few hundred yards. It excels in close-quarters brush hunting and medium-range engagements. | 🔷 The .30-06 cartridge, with its bottlenecked design and more streamlined bullets, has a longer effective range. It is capable of accurate shooting at extended distances, making it suitable for both short-range hunting and long-range target shooting. |
| 📢 Recoil: | 🔷 Due to the heavier bullets and larger powder charges, the .45-70 cartridge generates more recoil than the .30-06. Shooters should be prepared for the significant kick when using .45-70 ammo, especially in lighter rifles. | 🔷 The .30-06 cartridge produces less recoil compared to the .45-70, making it more manageable for many shooters, especially when used in appropriately sized rifles. |
| 📢 Application and Use: | 🔷 The .45-70 is primarily used for hunting large and dangerous games, where maximum stopping power is essential. It is favored by hunters who pursue animals that may pose a threat to human safety and require immediate incapacitation. | 🔷 The .30-06, with its versatility and balanced performance, is suitable for a wide range of shooting purposes. It is a popular choice for hunting medium to large games, target shooting, and even military applications historically. |
😉 The choice between the .45-70 and .30-06 depends on your shooting objectives and the type of game you plan to hunt.
✔️ If you prioritize maximum stopping power and are specifically targeting large and dangerous games, the .45-70 is a formidable option.
✔️ However, if you desire a more versatile cartridge that excels in various shooting scenarios and provides a longer effective range, the .30-06 may be the better choice.
FAQ 😎
Conclusion😊
The .45-70 Government is a classic hunting and shooting cartridge with a long-standing history that offers both versatility and accuracy. It’s well suited for short to moderate-range engagements, typically up to 300 yards, making it an excellent choice for hunting as well as recreational shooting. In this article, we’ve looked at some of the best ammo on the market and shared our top picks with you. We hope you found it helpful!🥰❤️🔥
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I was browsing for affordable .45-70 ammo, and I noticed that the cheapest listing mentioned that the ammunition should only be used in Marlin firearms. This got me wondering if there’s a difference in the pressure that Marlin and Henry rifles can handle. I suspect they included that warning to prevent users from loading it in a trapdoor Springfield, but they didn’t specify Henry rifles in the listing. I want to be purchasing and avoid any potential issues.
I’ve learned that there are different 45-70 pressure ammo options available for antique rifles. However, they can fire any type of 45-70 ammo without any concerns. It’s essential to be aware of this distinction while selecting the right ammunition to ensure compatibility with the firearm.
What positive experience do you have with 45-70 ammo?
My dad and I have been using Hornady Subsonic 45-70 Government Ammo 410 Grain for about 10 years now, and it’s the one we consistently find at affordable prices locally. However, I understand that availability may vary depending on your location. Some purists may not prefer it for their reasons, and reloaders might have issues with slightly different cases that require special dies for reloading. But if you don’t fall into either of those categories and consider your specific usage, it is likely a suitable choice.
I’ve had such an experience with Federal Premium Power-Shok 45-70 Government Ammo 300 Grain. It’s still highly capable based on what I’ve observed. Plus, it has been the easiest to find in the wild, which is a big advantage for me. Overall, I’m quite satisfied with the performance and availability of this ammo.
Howdy there! I finally got my 1985 rifle zeroed in, and now I’m starting to explore different factory ammo options for deer hunting this upcoming season. I’m not into reloading, and I don’t plan on doing it anytime soon, so I’m focusing on all the available factory ammo choices. For those of you who’ve used .45-70 for hunting, what has worked best for you?
In my experience, I’ve found that the Barnes Vor-TX 45-70 Government Ammo 300 Grain performs well up to about 200 yards. Considering the overall cost of .45-70 ammunition, these rounds are reasonably priced, and I’ve been satisfied with their performance. Overall, I’ve learned that .45-70 ammunition may not be cheap, but the performance and reliability of the Barnes rounds have made them worthwhile choices for my hunting adventures.
When it comes to hunting, I always recommend the Winchester Super-X Rifle 45-70 Government Ammo 300 Grain. They have proven to be fantastic bullet designs and have delivered excellent results for me in various calibers. The performance and effectiveness of these rounds have made them my go-to choice for hunting applications.
I’m new to lever-action rifles and recently acquired a .45-70 Govt. I’m now looking to purchase ammo, but I’m a bit overwhelmed by the various variations. Any guidance or suggestions for the “basic” type of practice rounds would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
It depends on my gun’s barrel length and twist rate, as well as the bullet size I’m planning to use. From what I’ve gathered, an Federal Premium Power-Shok 45-70 Government Ammo 300 Grain is a good standard choice for distances up to 200 yards. If I have a shorter barrel lever-action rifle, it might work better with a bullet, of around 300 to 350 grains, while longer barrel levers could prefer bullets of 405 grains and up.
In my experience, I’ve found that the .45-70’s large bore size doesn’t require fancy overengineered bullets. The Winchester Ballistic Silvertip 45-70 Government Ammo 300 Grain is more than sufficient for my needs. I’ve had good results with these bullets, and they serve me well for various shooting and hunting purposes. No need to complicate things with overly specialized bullets when the basics get the job done effectively.