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What is 45-70 Ammo? 🤔
It is a type of rifle cartridge that has been around since the late 1800s. It was originally developed by the U.S. Government to be used in their service rifles, but it has since become a popular firearm choice among hunters and target shooters alike due to its excellent stopping power.
Features 🔥
💠 The 45-70 ammo is primarily used as a hunting cartridge, owing to its powerful knockdown power and ability to take down large games.
- ✅ The most popular style is the jacketed hollow point (JHP). JHP bullets feature a metal jacket around the exterior of the bullet and an exposed lead tip that expands upon impact with soft tissue.
- ✅ Another style is soft point (SP) rounds. SP rounds are similar to JHP rounds but don’t feature an exposed lead core at the tip of the bullet. Instead, they have a soft metal tip that deforms slightly upon impact, resulting in increased wounding effects on animals without overly damaging edible meat or fur.
😉 No matter what your purpose may be – big game hunting, small game hunting, or target shooting – there are several types of 45-70 ammo available on the market today that will suit your needs perfectly.
Benefits 🤩
The 45-70 ammo is a great choice for hunters and target shooters alike due to its excellent stopping power and accuracy. It is a versatile round with a wide array of bullet weights and velocities, making it suitable for any situation.
- 🔷 One of the main benefits of using is its ability to take down large game animals such as deer, elk, and moose.
- 🔷 Its heavy weight ensures that there won’t be overpenetration when shot through thick hides or bone structures.
- 🔷 It also has a relatively flat trajectory compared to other similar rounds, making it easier to compensate for wind drift at longer ranges. This makes it ideal for long-range shooting if you have the skill set necessary to make that kind of shot.
- 🔷 This ammo can also be used in rifles with shorter barrels than some other calibers because of its lower velocity loads.
- 🔷 Its versatility also extends to home defense, as some lighter loads are well suited for self-defense purposes in urban environments where over-penetration can become an issue.
How to reload? 🧑🔧
If you are searching for the most economical way to shoot your 45-70 ammo, then reloading is the answer.
- 🚨 To begin reloading, you’ll need some essential tools such as a hand press or turret press, dies, shell holders, powder measurer, primers, bullet pullers, and calipers.
- ➡️ Once you have all of the components, it’s time to start loading the cartridges. When using a press, place an empty case onto the shell holder on top of the die and carefully pull down on the handle to seat the case into its chamber.
- ➡️ Next, use a primer feeder or priming tool to insert into the new casing where you will add primers for ignition when fired.
- ➡️ After that, fill the case with the appropriate amount of powder and then place a bullet into the neck of the casing.
- ➡️ Finally, use a crimping tool on top of the die to secure the bullet in place.
🤠 Reloading this ammo can be an enjoyable experience once you get used to it and become familiar with all of its components. Plus, it can save you money in the long run compared to buying commercially manufactured cartridges.
Our Selection 17 Best 🚀 .45-70 Government Ammo – Editor’s Choice
1# 45-70 Government – 325 Grain HoneyBadger – Black Hills Gold
The 45-70 Government – 325 Grain HoneyBadger – Black Hills Gold is a revolutionary bullet that boasts simply devastating terminal performance. The HoneyBadger is made completely of copper, so its weight retention is phenomenal, it keeps a rifle’s bore in better shape, and Californian hunters won’t invoke the ire of game wardens by firing it. The HoneyBadger’s profile resembles that of your vanilla FMJ, but it possesses deep spade-shaped notches which give it a star-shaped meplat. As these scallops rotate within your game’s body, they force the soft tissues they come into contact with outward, creating a wide wound channel.
2# 45-70 Government – 300 Grain SP – Federal Power-Shok
The Federal Power-Shok .45-70 Government cartridge is a great choice for hunters searching for an affordable round that performs well. With 20 rounds in each box, this ammunition is perfect for taking down a variety of game animals including deer, elk, and hogs. The 300-grain soft point bullet delivers plenty of power and energy transfer, making it a great option for short to medium-range hunting. Order your box of Federal Power-Shok .45-70 Government today!
3# 45-70 Government – 300 Grain JHC – Fiocchi
Searching for an affordable, reliable round for your 45-70 Government firearm? Pay attention to Fiocchi’s 45-70 Government cartridge topped with a 300-grain projectile. This light bullet weight gives you a flatter trajectory while hunting and less recoil, making it a great choice for shooters of all experience levels. The JHC bullet design is a powerful and effective option for taking down games of all sizes. Grab a box or two of this ammunition today and be prepared for your next big hunt.
4# 45-70 Government – 325 Grain FTX LEVERevolution – Hornady
Want to purchase premium lever gun ammo that will deliver flatter trajectories and more energy? Look at Hornady’s FTX LEVERevolution line. This custom-grade ammunition features a Flex Tip technology that dramatically improves the ballistic coefficient, resulting in flatter trajectories and more devastating terminal performance. With up to 40% more energy and 250 fps faster than traditional flat point loads, the FTX LEVERevolution is sure to give you the edge you need on your next hunt. Don’t miss out on this game-changing technology – pick up a box of Hornady FTX LEVERevolution today!
5# 45-70 Government – 250 Grain Monoflex – Hornady LEVERevolution
The 45-70 Government is a massive round that was invented in 1870. With this accurate, high-powered rifle round, you can successfully hunt big game as well as medium game like deer and boar. Hornady’s LEVERevolution ammo provides increased speed, flatter trajectory, and phenomenal terminal performance all while being safe for tubular magazines. These Monoflex projectiles demonstrate controlled expansion upon impact, making them the ideal choice for hunters who demand the utmost in accuracy and performance.
6# 45-70 Government – 405 Grain SP – Sellier & Bellot
The 45-70 Government – 405 Grain SP – Sellier & Bellot is a classic American cartridge that is perfect for hunting or zeroing in your scope. This Czech-made cartridge is manufactured by a company with over 50 years of experience, so you can be sure it is of the highest quality. The bullet is a soft point design that is affordably priced and will create a wide wound channel upon impact. With rounds per box, this is outstanding ammunition for your next hunting trip or a trip to the range.
7# 45-70 Government – 300 Grain JHP – Winchester Super-X
The 45-70 Government is a unique round that offers amazing performance. It was designed in the late 1800s and was originally used in a rolling breech lock rifle, which allowed for much faster reloading times. The heavy bullet weights and massive energy make this round a great choice for big game hunting, and it is even used on African safaris. Whether you are an antique fan or a big game hunter, the 45-70 Government is the perfect choice for you.
8# 45-70 Government – 300 Grain Fragmenting Polymer Tip – Winchester
The Winchester Ballistic Silvertip .45-70 Government 300-grain Fragmenting Polymer Tip is the faultless choice for deer hunting. The polymer tip fragmenting bullet provides superior accuracy and penetration, making it ideal for taking down big games. The high velocity of 1880 ft/s and muzzle energy of 2354 ft-lbs make this ammunition lethal on impact. The brass cartridge case ensures reliable feeding and extraction, while the centerfire primer provides consistent ignition. Don’t wait – order it today!
9# 45-70 Government – 300 Grain Bonded Soft Point – Federal Premium
Wish to get ammunition that will make your lever gun run smoother than ever before? Check out Federal Premium’s HammerDown loads. These velocities are customized to produce superior ballistics and terminal performance through lever-action barrel lengths, and the construction of the molecularly bonded soft point bullets has been adjusted for the best accuracy and expansion at those velocities. This is the ammunition you need for optimal performance from your lever gun!
10# 45-70 Government – 405 Grain Cowboy Action Lead Flat Nose – Winchester
The Winchester 45-70 Government – 405 Grain Cowboy Action Lead Flat Nose is a wonderful choice for cowboy action shooting. It is a high-quality centerfire cartridge that is reliable and accurate. The brass cartridge case is durable and the lead flat-nose bullet is deadly on deer. With a muzzle velocity of 1150 ft/s, this ammunition packs a punch.
11# 45-70 Government – 300 Grain Jacketed Soft Point – Federal Premium
When you need reliable, affordable ammunition for your hunting rifle, look no further than Federal Premium Power-Shok loads. These traditional lead-core Rifle Ammo loads offer solid accuracy and power and are suitable for a wide variety of medium and big game animals. These are high-quality rounds that will help you bag your game without breaking the bank!
12# 45-70 Government – 300 Grain Centerfire Rifle Ammunition – Fort Scott Munitions
Fort Scott Munitions 45-70 Government TUI ammo is a match-grade bullet made of solid copper. While it is precision ammo for rifle hunters, the multi-patented Tumble Upon Impact technology also makes it an ideal round for home and self-defense or law enforcement. If you want to get a high performance – order this ammo just now!
13# 45-70 Government – 405 Grain Core-Lokt Soft Point – Remington
The 45-70 Government 405 Grain Core-Lokt Soft Point from Remington is one of the most trusted and popular hunting ammunition options on the market, and for good reason. It has been relied on by hunters for over 75 years due to its time-proven performance and delivers massive 2X expansion weight retention as well as consistent on-game results thanks to its tapered copper jacket that is locked to a solid lead core. It is available in both soft point and pointed soft point versions, making it a versatile option for virtually every centerfire hunting caliber, and is perfect for your next hunt.
14# 45-70 Government – 405 Grain Core-Lokt Soft Point – Remington
If you want to buy a tough, dependable load that won’t let you down when it matters most, then you need the 45-70 Government from Remington. This is a classic load that has been used by hunters for generations, and with good reason. The Core-Lokt design ensures that the bullet will retain its weight and expand to twice its original diameter upon impact, making it ideal for taking down medium to large games. When you need a tough, dependable load that won’t let you down, reach for the 45-70 Government from Remington.
15# 45-70 Government – 300 Grain Semi-Jacketed Hollow Point – Remington
The Remington High-Performance Rifle .45-70 Government 300 Grain Semi-Jacketed Hollow Point Centerfire Rifle Ammunition is proof of the dedication to providing the widest selection of centerfire ammunition in the industry. This High-Performance Rifle series consists of a multitude of calibers and popular bullet styles to match your specialized hunting and shooting pursuits. All are assembled with premium components and ultra-tight tolerances that put more home reloading presses on the back shelf than any other brand.
16# 45-70 Government – 300 Grain TSX FN Rifle Cartridges – Barnes
The 45-70 Government – 300 Grain TSX FN Rifle Cartridges – Barnes is the perfect choice for hunters who demand precision and terminal performance. These rounds utilize a powerful double-diameter TSX FN bullet that is 100 percent weight-retention with exceptional double-diameter expansion. With a factory-fresh look, these rounds are sure to deliver. All rifles chambered in .45-70 will shoot this live round without a problem. Try them today, and you will never need to buy ammunition again!
17# 45-70 Government – 300 Grain Trophy Bonded Bear Claw – Federal Premium
If you need reliable and accurate ammunition, think about Federal Premium’s Vital-Shok line. This cartridge is perfect for taking down large games, and with 20 rounds in each box, you’ll have plenty of ammo for your next hunting trip. Bonded soft point bullets offer superior penetration and expansion, while the 300-grain bullet weight provides excellent accuracy. Don’t settle for less than the best when it comes to your hunting ammunition – make sure you’re using Federal Premium Vital-Shok.
Bullet Drop 🎯
When firing 45-70 ammo, the bullet drops noticeably more than those fired from smaller calibers. This is because of the increased mass and velocity of the round, which produces a greater recoil and a correspondingly greater drop in trajectory over range.
- 💥 The higher powder charge also leads to less wind drift than other rifle rounds, making it more accurate at longer ranges despite its larger size.
- 🛠️ To get optimum performance, shooters should use adequate gun rests or shooting supports when firing their rifles. Shooting supports will help reduce felt recoil and keep the muzzle on target while ammo is fired.
- 💡 Whether ammo will drop more or less than other rounds depends on the characteristics of each round, such as bullet weight, powder charge, and velocity. However, shooters can minimize this effect by using proper shooting techniques and choosing ammunition tailored to their application.
FAQ 😎
Conclusion 🙂
45-70 ammo is a powerful round that has been used for hunting and self-defense for many years. In this article, we’ve reviewed some of the best ammo on the market to help you make an informed decision about what’s best for your needs. We’ve also included some tips on how to use this ammo effectively to get the most out of its power. Thanks for reading! 😊❤️🔥
As someone new to Levers and the 45-70, I’m looking to purchase ammo. However, I’m not familiar with the various types of ammo such as SPCL, LFNGC, FBHP, TSX, FN, and so on. Although I can understand the meanings of these acronyms, I’m wondering which type of ammo would be considered basic range rounds for zeroing an optic or just practicing.
In my opinion, when it comes to 45-70 caliber, you don’t necessarily need to invest in fancy overengineered bullets. A simple hard cast or jacketed soft point should suffice.
As someone who doesn’t intend to hand load, I would suggest buying a box of all the available large-quantity (big-name) ammo that is reasonably priced. Then, I would head to the range and shoot some groups with it while allowing the barrel to cool down between groups. To maintain consistency, I would single-feed or load the same number of rounds each time. Afterward, I would stockpile whichever ammo performed the best and was the most consistent.
Based on my experience, the appropriate bullet size for a gun/barrel length/twist rate may vary. However, for distances of 200 yards or less, an FN round is usually a standard choice. I recommend lighter bullets (300-350 grains) for shorter barrel levers, while longer barrel levers would most likely perform better with bullets weighing 405 grains and above. Single shots can use any type of bullet, but repeaters require blunter-tipped ones due to the tubular magazine.
I just spent a whopping $1300 on a Winchester 1886 and another $50 on a box of ammo for it. It was quite a stroke of luck because all the stores I visited were sold out of guns, and only one store had ammo for it. I had to resort to getting the gun off GunBroker. I’m wondering why it seems like everyone and their mother is trying to buy up all the 45-70 and ’30-’30s these days. It’s quite baffling because just three years ago, people were calling me dumb for getting one, saying it had the ballistics of an artillery gun (which was an actual response I got from a gun store owner). But now, everyone seems to be going crazy just to get their hands on one. It’s just unbelievable. What is happening?
I have a couple of 45-70s, but I’ve never been able to find 45-70 ammo in stores, even before the current shortages. Reloading has been a fun and interesting hobby for me, especially since the 45-70 round is so variable. However, I do have to warn you that brass can be quite expensive. And it’s true, the ballistics of the 45-70 can be quite powerful, especially with black powder rounds. But that just adds to the excitement and enjoyment of shooting it.
I’ve noticed that the 45-70 is becoming increasingly popular in Texas. Lever-action rifles seem to be making a comeback, and I’ve been seeing more and more trade posts on TGT where people are looking to trade for a 45-70. It’s interesting how certain firearms and calibers seem to go in and out of fashion over time.
While I reload my ammo for the .444, I don’t think I’ll ever go after one of the great bears, so I don’t see a significant advantage for the 45-70 other than having a wider selection of factory ammo.
I opted for a 44 magnum because I already had a revolver in that caliber and I reload for it. Initially, I was also considering a 357. While the 45-70 is an amazing round, I believe it has a specific purpose.
In my opinion, everyone should have a 45-70 lever gun in their collection. The solution to pretty much all of life’s problems is simply owning more lever guns! With a 22lr, you can spend all day at the range practicing your aim, and then switch over to shooting the powerful 45-70. Just be warned, nobody wants to be in the shooting bay next to the person firing a 45-70!
I do know that out of my collection, I prefer my .45-70 over my other calibers like the .300 Weatherby Magnum and .30-06. Even though I don’t have the other calibers like you do, I find that the .45-70 is a more enjoyable gun to shoot. While it does kick, it’s not as unpleasant as the other two calibers. It feels more like a slow, hard push rather than a jarring impact that hurts your shoulder and travels down to your nuts.