WHY THE BIG BORE CLASSIC .45/70 GOVERNMENT CARTRIDGE IS BETTER THAN EVER

How is an original black powder cartridge from U.S. Cavalry times so popular today?

Let’s take a look at why the .45/70 is so popular today and well into the future.

When a new cartridge way back in history was needed for the then new Springfield Armory Model 1873 rifle the .45/70 cartridge was born. Originally loaded with 70 grains of black powder and a 405 grain round nose lead projectile, it proved quite capable as a military and big game cartridge. With a muzzle velocity of around 1,350 feet per second and a heavy weight projectile it packed a wallop. If that wasn’t good enough, in 1884 the projectile weight was increased to 500 grains over the usual 70 grains of black powder. Now that was some serious knock down power! By 1892 the .45/70’s U.S. military service life was all about over. It however was quite popular with buffalo hunters. The big bullets had a rainbow trajectory, but a skilled rifleman would know the bullet drop for different distances and plan accordingly using adjustable sights.

When bottle necked cartridges boasting higher velocities and better trajectories came onto the scene, along with smokeless powders, the ole .45/70 cartridge looked like it was heading into the world of the obsolete. Technology was taking this once great cartridge to the grave, yet the modern day would reincarnate it into a hugely popular big game cartridge.

Military surplus rifles like the Springfield Trapdoor Rifle kept the cartridge alive. At this point smokeless powder was being used for the loads, but kept at a safe pressure level for those old war boom sticks. While the lower power loads were great for deer sized game and up, hunters wanted more punch with that big projectile. What about hotter loads with the now popular jacketed ammunition?

A NEW ERA HAS ARRIVED!

Marlin came out with their New Model 1895 Lever Action Rifle in 1972. This rifle was chambered in the same .45/70 Government cartridge but it would safely fire the new jacketed and hotter loaded ammunition. Talk about a game changer! Now big game hunters could have a fast cycling lever action lighter weight big bore rifle that was perfect for even the big bears of Alaska. This rifle now opened up a new chapter and a rebirth of the .45/70 cartridge.

I happen to own one of these original 1972 date Marlin rifles that I talked a good friend and seasoned hunter out of. It indeed loves to accurately fire the hotter loaded jacketed projectiles. The cast lead variety in my particular rifle has acceptable accuracy at 50 yards but sadly not much past that. It appears that possibly the earlier barrel rifling just does better with the previous mentioned jacketed cartridges. Many shooters I have talked with have had the same experience with their own Marlin New Model 1895’s from that era.

The Marlin rifles in that cartridge would remain highly sought after for many years and still are today. In more modern times a new player decided to join the ranks of .45/70 caliber rifle makers. Henry Arms stunned the world with their tube load lever action rifle in that hard hitting cartridge. Yes, deer hunters in “straight walled cartridge states” like Ohio (I admit I am in that category) had to get their hands on one. When I did, I was amazed by the craftsmanship and that this tough rifle would also fire cast lead projectiles and jacketed ones both very accurately. Later, Henry even added a side load gate feature for quick loading. I am hooked on their All Weather Side Gate model in .45/70 and it has brought home venison.

Many other rifles have come out lately in this very handy cartridge. Henry Arms even makes a single shot along with many other manufacturers too. This rifle sporting a scope is dead on at 100 yards.

HANDGUNS IN THE .45/70?

Did you know there are even handguns for this big cartridge? The Magnum BFR (Biggest Finest Revolver) is just massive. There have been single shot pistols and even derringers made.

Overall though, the .45/70 cartridge is best served from a rifle length barrel for complete burn of the propellant for maximum velocity and accuracy potential.

ROLL YOUR OWN!

For reloaders the .45/70 Government cartridge is simply wonderful. Compared to hotter bottlenecked cartridges, the brass stretching is extremely slow so case length generally is not a problem. Case life can be quite impressive through many reloads especially with the more moderate powered loads.

Power levels generally fall into 3 distinct categories. Listed in the Lyman 51st Edition Reloading Handbook we begin at the “For 1873 Springfield” category, otherwise known commonly as trapdoor loads. These are lower pressure loads that are safe in older rifles but still pack a wallop on big game. The second is labeled “For 1866 Winchester & 1895 Marlin Only”. This is modern day hunting level power. That load level can be dangerous in trapdoor rifles or other older models. Don’t take any chances using them in those rifles.

The last level is certainly a ground shaker and is for use only in “Ruger No. 1 and No. 3” rifles. This power level can be dangerous in any of the previously discussed rifles. In my mind even if you own the accepted rifles it’s not worth it. Stick with the previous two levels for maximum enjoyment and safety in the approved rifles. Your shoulder will also thank you.

WHAT ABOUT CASTING LEAD BULLETS?

For maximum savings it pays to buy a lead bullet mold and cast your own. Currently I cast a Lee 405 grain hollow point. Make sure to use a hard lead mixture and never pure lead as you can foul the inside of your barrel quickly. My mold casts projectiles true to diameter and swaging them to size is not necessary. Always lube the cast projectiles (I use toilet wax rings from the local hardware that are both cheap and work great in my lead casting applications) but there are many commercially made lubes available. Choose what works best for you.

When you are about to begin your handloading operation, make sure before that you consult your Lyman 51st Edition Reloading Handbook for up to date load data. Half of the fun is researching and tinkering with your loads at the reloading bench and the range. What is my favorite load you ask? Well I like a moderate load from a gifted can of vintage H-4227 with 28 grains topped off with that cast and lubed 405 grain Lee hollow point. Make sure you give it a good case mouth crimp especially if you are using it in a lever action rifle.

Modern factory loads are also great for shooters and hunters that choose not to “roll their own”. Cutting edge technology has allowed the old time .45/70 cartridge to do things the old Cavalry men and hunters of yesteryear could only dream of. A quick online search will show there are a lot more selections than you can imagine and than I have space here to write about.

I have to admit that the .45/70 Government cartridge is by far my favorite big bore cartridge. If you haven’t pulled the trigger on one yet, try one out and you probably will be hooked!