45-70 Ammo

Here’s a category overview and specifications for .45-70 Government ammunition:

Overview

The .45-70 Government cartridge, originally developed in the 1870s for the U.S. military, is a versatile and powerful rifle round known for its stopping power and effectiveness in various applications, including hunting and target shooting. It is especially popular among enthusiasts of lever-action rifles and single-shot firearms.

Specifications

1. General Characteristics:
   • Type: Rifle cartridge
   • Design Date: 1873
   • Used In: Lever-action rifles (e.g., Marlin, Winchester), single-shot rifles, and some modern bolt-action rifles.
2. Dimensions:
   • Bullet Diameter: 0.458 inches (11.63 mm)
   • Neck Diameter: 0.480 inches (12.19 mm)
   • Shoulder Diameter: 0.525 inches (13.34 mm)
   • Base Diameter: 0.580 inches (14.73 mm)
   • Rim Diameter: 0.610 inches (15.49 mm)
   • Case Length: 2.105 inches (53.4 mm)
   • Overall Length: 2.55 inches (64.8 mm)
3. Performance:
   • Velocity: Varies by load; typical velocities range from 1,300 to 1,900 feet per second (fps) depending on bullet weight and powder charge.
   • Energy: Depending on load, it can deliver energy levels from approximately 1,500 to over 2,800 foot-pounds (ft-lbs).
4. Bullet Weights:
   • Common bullet weights range from 300 grains to 500 grains, with some specialized loads exceeding 600 grains.
5. Applications:
   • Hunting: Effective for big game hunting, including deer, elk, and bear due to its significant stopping power.
   • Target Shooting: Used in various shooting disciplines, including long-range and cowboy action shooting.
   • Historical Reenactment: Popular in events that recreate the era of the American frontier.
6. Load Types:
   • Lead Bullets: Traditional loads often use lead cast bullets, known for their expansion and effectiveness on game.
   • Jacketed Bullets: Modern loads may use copper-jacketed bullets for improved performance and reduced leading in the barrel.
   • Hollow Point (HP): For hunting applications, hollow point designs are available for better expansion on impact.
7. Recoil:
   • Due to its power, .45-70 ammunition generates significant recoil, which can affect shooting comfort and accuracy, especially for inexperienced shooters.

Conclusion

The .45-70 Government cartridge is celebrated for its historical significance, effectiveness in hunting, and versatility across different shooting disciplines. Its combination of power, range, and availability makes it a favored choice among many firearm enthusiasts.