Introduction to the .45-70 Government Cartridge
The .45-70 Government cartridge is one of the most historically significant and enduring big-bore rifle cartridges in American history. Originally developed in 1873 by the U.S. Army's Springfield Armory, it has stood the test of time, transitioning from a military cartridge to a favorite among hunters, sport shooters, and big-game enthusiasts. With its legendary stopping power, deep penetration, and versatility, the .45-70 remains a go-to choice for those who require serious firepower.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the .45-70 Government, including its history, development, ballistic performance, modern applications, and comparisons to other cartridges. Whether you’re a history buff, a reloader, or a hunter considering the .45-70 for your next rifle, this is your definitive guide.
The Origins of the .45-70 Government: History and Development
The .45-70 Government was designed to replace the .50-70 Government, which had been in service since 1866 following the Civil War. The U.S. Army sought a cartridge that would provide better long-range performance, higher velocity, and improved accuracy, particularly for engagement distances beyond 1,000 yards.
The new cartridge, originally designated "US Centerfire Cartridge, Model of 1873", was developed for the Springfield Model 1873 "Trapdoor" rifle. It featured a .45 caliber bullet with 70 grains of black powder, which is how it earned its designation as the .45-70-405 (with "405" referring to the grain weight of the lead bullet in the original loading).
Military Adoption and Use
Upon its introduction in 1873, the .45-70 was adopted as the standard U.S. military service cartridge. Soldiers carried Springfield Model 1873 rifles chambered in .45-70 during the Indian Wars, the Spanish-American War, and even early engagements in the Philippine-American War.
The cartridge was renowned for its stopping power, but its rainbow-like trajectory at extended distances required skill to master. The introduction of the 500-grain "government" load in 1881 helped improve long-range accuracy, particularly with the Buffington rear sight introduced in the Springfield Model 1884.
Weapons That Chambered the .45-70 Government
Although originally developed for the Springfield Model 1873, the .45-70 soon found its way into a wide range of lever-action, single-shot, and modern rifles. Below is a list of firearms that have been chambered in .45-70 Government, from the late 19th century to modern times.
Historic Rifles
- Springfield Model 1873 – The first standard-issue rifle chambered in .45-70, featuring a "trapdoor" breechloading design.
- Sharps 1874 Rifle – A favorite among buffalo hunters in the late 1800s, the Sharps rifle helped drive the near-extinction of the American bison.
- Winchester Model 1886 – One of the first lever-action rifles strong enough to handle the .45-70 Government.
- Remington Rolling Block No. 1 – A simple and reliable single-shot rifle used by hunters, frontiersmen, and military units worldwide.
- Browning Model 1885 High Wall – A legendary single-shot rifle that allowed for higher-pressure loads.
Modern Rifles Chambered in .45-70
The .45-70 remains a popular chambering in lever-action and single-shot rifles produced today, including:
- Marlin Model 1895 – A robust lever-action rifle widely used for big-game hunting.
- Henry Side Gate Lever Action .45-70 – A beautifully crafted modern lever gun with brass and steel options.
- Winchester 1886 Extra Light – A high-quality reproduction of the classic Winchester Model 1886.
- Ruger No. 1 – A single-shot rifle capable of handling hotter loads safely.
- Pedersoli 1874 Sharps – A modern reproduction of the legendary buffalo rifle.
Handguns in .45-70
While the .45-70 was never designed for handguns, Magnum Research introduced the BFR (Biggest Finest Revolver), a single-action revolver chambered in .45-70 Government. This revolver is capable of handling high-pressure loads, but its sheer size and recoil make it a niche firearm.
Ballistic Performance of the .45-70 Government
The ballistic performance of the .45-70 varies depending on the rifle, barrel length, and ammunition load. Below are common loads:
| Bullet Weight | Muzzle Velocity (fps) | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 405 gr (original) | 1,350 fps | 1,630 ft-lbs | Military, hunting deer-sized game |
| 500 gr (Gov't load) | 1,250 fps | 1,560 ft-lbs | Long-range shooting, military use |
| 325 gr (Hornady FTX) | 2,050 fps | 3,032 ft-lbs | Modern high-velocity hunting load |
| 430 gr (Buffalo Bore) | 2,100 fps | 4,227 ft-lbs | High-power load for strong rifles |
Trajectory and Range
One downside of the .45-70 is its steep trajectory, making it less suitable for extreme long-range shooting compared to modern bottleneck rifle cartridges. However, experienced shooters can compensate for bullet drop using elevated sights or scopes.
Comparison: .45-70 vs. Other Big-Bore Cartridges
.45-70 vs. .444 Marlin
- The .444 Marlin was designed as a high-velocity, flatter-shooting alternative to the .45-70.
- The .45-70 has a larger bullet selection and more reloading versatility.
.45-70 vs. .450 Marlin
- The .450 Marlin is a modernized version of the .45-70, designed to be used in lever-action rifles without the risk of overpressure.
- The .45-70 can be loaded to similar performance levels, making the .450 Marlin somewhat redundant.
.45-70 vs. .458 Winchester Magnum
- The .458 Win Mag is a true big-game cartridge designed for African hunting.
- The .45-70, in strong rifles, can approach .458 Win Mag performance but is generally more suited to North American game.
Conclusion: Why the .45-70 Government is Still Relevant Today
Despite being over 150 years old, the .45-70 Government remains a powerhouse in the firearms world. It excels in hunting, big-game stopping power, and historical significance. Whether you’re interested in classic lever-action rifles, modern high-performance loads, or simply a piece of American history, the .45-70 is a cartridge that refuses to fade into obscurity.
Key Takeaways
✅ Originally designed in 1873 for the Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor
✅ One of the most versatile big-bore cartridges ever made
✅ Ideal for hunting large game like moose, elk, and bears
✅ Still widely chambered in lever-action and single-shot rifles
✅ Capable of handling modern high-velocity loads
With its unmatched history, stopping power, and adaptability, the .45-70 Government stands as a true testament to American firearms ingenuity.
The Marlin Owners website has a forum dedicated to the discussion of Marlin .45-70 and can be found here.
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