.45-70 Government Ammo

The Three Pressure Levels: Trapdoor, Lever-Action, and Modern Loads

The .45-70 is unique in that ammunition is loaded to three distinct pressure levels depending on the intended firearm. Standard .45-70 loads are safe in all firearms including antique trapdoor Springfields. .45-70+P loads (marked as such, or sold specifically for strong lever-actions) are designed for the Marlin 1895, Henry .45-70, and other modern lever-actions with stronger actions than the original trapdoor design. Maximum pressure loads from Buffalo Bore and Garrett are designed exclusively for the Ruger No. 1 and other single-shot or bolt-action rifles with the strongest actions — they should never be fired in trapdoor or older lever-action rifles. Always match your ammunition to your specific rifle — using high-pressure loads in a firearm not rated for them is dangerous.

Best .45-70 Lever-Action Rifles

The .45-70 Government is most at home in a lever-action rifle — the format it was originally designed for in 1873. Modern lever-action .45-70 options include the Marlin 1895 (the benchmark .45-70 lever action, now produced by Ruger), the Henry Single Shot and Henry Side Gate lever actions, and the Winchester 1886 reproductions from Chiappa and others. The Marlin 1895 SBL with its stainless steel and laminate stock is the most popular hunting configuration; the standard 1895 Guide Gun in 18.5" is the classic dangerous game packhorse variant. For anyone hunting large or dangerous game in dense cover, a .45-70 lever action loaded with hard-cast bullets is one of the most capable close-range hunting configurations available.

Best .45-70 Loads for Hunting

For deer and hogs, Hornady LEVERevolution 325gr FTX is the most recommended modern .45-70 load — the flexible polymer tip initiates reliable expansion while being safe in a tubular magazine, and Hornady’s spitzer design extends effective range significantly over traditional flat-nose loads. Federal Trophy Bonded Bear Claw 300gr is the premium choice for large and dangerous game — deep penetration, high weight retention, and reliable expansion under all conditions. Buffalo Bore 430gr Hard Cast and Garrett 420gr Hammerhead are the standard recommendations for brown bear and dangerous game where maximum penetration is required over expansion.

Rifles Chambered in .45-70

The Henry Side Gate H010 in .45-70 and Marlin 1895 are the dominant lever-action platforms. The Ruger No. 1 and No. 3 are the primary single-shot options, allowing higher pressure loads than lever-actions. The Springfield Model 1873 trapdoor original and replicas are available for historical collectors and black powder enthusiasts. Bolt-action .45-70 options exist from custom builders. For most hunters, the Henry or Marlin lever-action is the practical platform — fast follow-up shots and classic aesthetics in a package that handles any .45-70 hunting load.

Frequently Asked Questions: .45-70 Government

What is .45-70 Government good for?
.45-70 Government is a serious big-game hunting cartridge effective on any North American game within 200 yards. At close range, heavy hard-cast loads produce penetration that exceeds most modern magnum rifle cartridges — making it the choice of guides and hunters in Alaska and other dangerous game country. At typical hunting distances under 150 yards, the .45-70 with Hornady LEVERevolution is effective on deer, elk, hogs, and black bear.

What is the effective range of .45-70?
With standard flat-nose loads, practical hunting accuracy is typically 150 yards due to the cartridge’s pronounced rainbow trajectory. With Hornady LEVERevolution FTX loads, effective range extends to 250 yards for deer-sized game. The .45-70 is at its best within 150 yards where its large-diameter heavy bullet delivers maximum terminal effect — it is not a long-range cartridge and should not be used as one.

Can I use .45-70 in my old trapdoor Springfield?
Only with standard-pressure loads clearly marked as safe for the trapdoor action. Never use +P, Buffalo Bore, Garrett, or any load marketed for modern lever-actions or single-shots in an original trapdoor Springfield. The trapdoor action is significantly weaker than modern designs and can fail dangerously with high-pressure loads. When in doubt, use only loads with a listed maximum pressure under 28,000 CUP.

What is the recoil like from .45-70?
Recoil varies significantly with load. Standard deer loads from an 8-pound lever-action are comparable to 12 gauge shotgun recoil — manageable but noticeable. Maximum pressure Buffalo Bore and Garrett loads from a lighter single-shot produce very heavy recoil — well beyond most shooters’ comfort level without a muzzle brake or mercury recoil reducer. For hunting use, standard Hornady LEVERevolution loads in a typical lever-action are the most comfortable starting point.

See Also: Lever-Action Rifles • Henry Firearms • Marlin 1895 • Single-Shot Rifles • All Ammunition