The 45-70 Round: A Timeless Legend in Modern Ammunition

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, thislarge-caliber round has evolved from a blackpowder military staple into aversatile sporting cartridge. Today,45-70 ammo is prized for itsunmatched terminal ballistics on large game, includingbear.Performance and BallisticsWhat makes the45-70 round unique is itsability to be loaded for different firearms. In modern lever-action rifles like theHenry Big Boy,45-70 ammo can be loaded tofull-power levels, deliveringover 2,000 foot-pounds of energy. Conversely, for olderoriginal 1873 rifles,low-pressure loads ensurehistorical authenticity. Thetypical bullet weight ranges from325 to 450 grains, withexit velocities between1,300 and 1,700 fps.Hunting and Practical UseFor theoutdoorsman,the 45-70 round excels indense brush. Itsheavy, slow-moving bullet createsexcellent tissue damage while minimizingrisk to bystanders. Manycustom ammunition makers appreciate thecartridge's 45-70 round versatility, allowing them todevelop subsonic rounds. Additionally,defensive loads like theHornady FTX offerings provideexceptional expansion at various distances.Availability and ConsiderationsWhile45-70 ammo is not ascommon as 9mm or .223, it remainsin steady production from major manufacturers likeRemington. Prices fora 50-count pack typically range from$1.75 to $2.50 per cartridge. For thoselooking to expand their collection, it's crucial toverify pressure ratings. Whether used fortarget shooting, the45-70 ammo remains abeloved classic that bridgesold-school power and contemporary reliability.