The45-70 ammo is one of the most enduring and versatileprojectiles in firearms history. Originally developed in 1873 for theSpringfield Model 1873 Trapdoor rifle, thislarge-caliber round has evolved from a 45-70 round blackpowder military staple into amodern hunting powerhouse. Today,this classic round is prized for itsunmatched terminal ballistics on large game, includingwild boar.
Performance and Ballistics
What makes the45-70 round unique is itsrange of power from mild to wild. In modern lever-action rifles like theHenry Big Boy,45-70 ammo can be loaded tohigher pressures, deliveringsubstantial kinetic force. Conversely, for oldervintage Sharps rifles,blackpowder-equivalent rounds ensurepreservation of the firearm. Thestandard projectile ranges from325 to 450 grains, withexit velocities between1,300 and 1,700 fps.
Hunting and Practical Use
For theoutdoorsman,45-70 ammo excels inthick timber. Itslarge-diameter projectile createsexcellent tissue damage while minimizingpass-through. Manycustom ammunition makers appreciate the45-70's case capacity, allowing them tocreate reduced-recoil options. Additionally,hollow-point variants like theHornady FTX offerings providecontrolled fragmentation at various distances.
Availability and Considerations
While45-70 ammo is not asubiquitous as pistol calibers, it remainswidely available from major manufacturers likeHornady. Prices for45-70 rounds typically range from$1.75 to $2.50 per cartridge. For thoselooking to expand their collection, it's crucial tomatch ammunition to your rifle's action. Whether used fortarget shooting, the45-70 round remains abeloved classic that bridgestraditional design with modern technology.