01 / At a glance
The basics
- Origin
- United States
- Introduced
- 1873
- Ignition
- Centerfire
- Case form
- Rimmed, straight-walled
- Diameter
- 11.6 mm
- Case length
- 53.5 mm
Rounded values to help you identify the cartridge, not manufacturing drawings. See the cited standard for exact dimensions and tolerances.
Do not mix it up
Many loads are too strong for old trapdoor rifles and some lever guns. Only fire loads made for your rifle, and check with the maker or a gunsmith if the gun is old.
The .45-70 Government is a large, rimmed rifle cartridge that fires a .458 inch bullet, usually 300 to 405 grains, at about 1,300 to 2,000 ft/s. The U.S. Army adopted it in 1873, and it has been loaded ever since. It is one of the oldest cartridges still in common use, and it has had a strong revival among lever-action hunters who want a heavy bullet for deer, hogs and bears at close range.
This guide explains what the cartridge is, how it performs out to 300 yards, how to choose ammunition and a rifle, and how it compares with the .30-06 Springfield, the .44 Magnum, the .45 Colt, the .338 Winchester Magnum and other cartridges people weigh it against. It is a reference page, not a loading manual, and it contains no handloading data.
A short history
The U.S. Army adopted the .45-70 Government in 1873 for the single-shot Springfield Model 1873, known as the trapdoor. The original load was a 405 grain lead bullet over 70 grains of black powder, which gave the cartridge its name. It replaced the older .50-70 and served as the service round for about two decades.
Lever-action rifles from Marlin and Winchester soon chambered it, and so did single-shot rifles made for hunting and target work. Settlers, hunters and soldiers carried it across the American West. When the Army moved to smokeless powder and the .30-40 Krag in the 1890s, the cartridge stayed in civilian use and never really left.
It has had a long second life. Marlin's lever-action rifles and later guns from Henry, Winchester and Ruger kept it in front of hunters. In the last few decades, new bullets and stronger rifles have given it far more power than its black powder origins, and it has become a favorite for big bears, hogs and deer in thick cover.
Why it is still popular
The first reason is the bullet. A .458 inch bullet of 300 to 405 grains is large, heavy and slow, and it hits like a hammer. It makes a big wound channel and penetrates deeply, which is what a hunter wants on a hog or a bear at close range.
The second reason is the rifle. Lever-action rifles are quick, handy and well balanced, and a .45-70 lever gun is a classic. Many hunters carry one because they like the gun as much as the cartridge.
The third reason is flexibility. Factory loads range from mild, black powder-style rounds to heavy, hard-hitting hunting loads. The same cartridge can be gentle in an old rifle and powerful in a modern one, so long as the load matches the gun.
Specifications at a glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Bullet diameter | .458 in (11.6 mm) |
| Case length | 2.105 in (53.5 mm) |
| Overall length (SAAMI) | 2.550 in (64.8 mm) |
| Case type | Rimmed, straight-walled |
| Primer | Large rifle |
| Maximum average pressure (SAAMI) | 28,000 psi for standard loads |
| Typical bullet weights | 250 to 535 grains; 300, 325 and 405 grains are the most common |
| Typical muzzle velocity | About 2,000 ft/s with a 325 grain bullet from a 24 inch barrel |
| Typical rifling twist | 1 in 20 inches |
Values are rounded for reference. Exact dimensions and tolerances are in the SAAMI standard cited at the end of this page. Loads made for strong modern rifles run above the standard pressure.
Strengths and limits
The .45-70 is a powerful, short-range cartridge with a long record. It also has clear limits.
| Advantage | Limitation |
|---|---|
| Heavy bullets and deep penetration | Slow bullets with a curved path; best inside 150 to 200 yards |
| Classic lever-action rifles | Wide range of load strengths; not every load is safe in every rifle |
| Works on big bears, hogs, deer and elk at close range | Heavy loads kick hard and cost more per round |
| Good stopping power in thick cover | Not a long-range cartridge |
The cartridge does best when the shot is close and the target is big. A hunter in dense timber or brush, or after a large bear, will find it very effective. A hunter who needs to shoot across canyons will want a flatter cartridge.
Know your rifle
This is the most important point with the .45-70. Old trapdoor rifles and some old lever guns were made for black powder and standard-pressure loads. Many modern hunting loads run much higher in pressure than the SAAMI standard and are meant only for strong modern rifles, such as the Ruger No. 1, a modern Marlin or a Henry. Loading a heavy load in an old rifle can damage it and hurt the shooter. Read the load's label, and check with the rifle's maker.
Ballistics
The tables and charts below show one common modern factory load, a 325 grain FTX bullet at 2,000 ft/s from a 24 inch barrel, with the rifle zeroed at 200 yards.
| Range (yd) | Velocity (ft/s) | Energy (ft-lb) | Drop (in) | Wind drift, 10 mph (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 1838 | 2437 | 3.3 | 0.6 |
| 100 | 1685 | 2049 | 5.4 | 2.4 |
| 150 | 1543 | 1717 | 4.5 | 5.6 |
| 200 | 1412 | 1439 | 0 | 10.2 |
| 250 | 1296 | 1212 | -8.9 | 16.6 |
| 300 | 1197 | 1033 | -23 | 24.6 |
Reading the numbers
With a 200-yard zero the bullet rises about 5 inches above the line of sight at 100 yards, returns to the line at 200 and falls about 23 inches at 300 yards. A 10 mph crosswind moves it about 2 inches at 100 yards, 10 at 200 and 25 at 300. Velocity drops from 2,000 ft/s at the muzzle to about 1,197 ft/s at 300 yards, and energy from about 2,890 to about 1,030 foot-pounds.
The path is the curved arc of a heavy, slow bullet. That is why most hunters use the .45-70 inside 150 yards, where the bullet is within a few inches of the line of sight with a shorter zero. A 100-yard zero is common for thick cover, and keeps the drop small and predictable to about 150 yards.
How these figures were made: the muzzle velocity (2,000 ft/s), weight (325 grains) and the published velocities at 100, 200 and 300 yards (1,685, 1,413 and 1,197 ft/s) are Hornady figures for its 45-70 Government 325 grain FTX LEVERevolution load from a 24 inch test barrel. The ballistic coefficient (G1 0.234) was fitted to match those published velocities, and the computed drop matches the published trajectory (about +5.5, 0 and -23 inches at 100, 200 and 300 yards). Drop, velocity, energy and wind drift are computed with a standard point-mass model, a 200-yard zero, a 1.5 inch sight height and standard atmosphere. They are estimates. Different bullets and loads change the results.
Recoil and shooter comfort
Recoil depends heavily on the load and the rifle. A standard-pressure load in a rifle of 7 or 8 pounds is a firm push, about like a .30-06. A heavy hunting load in a light lever gun is a hard shove that can be punishing in a long session.
A heavier rifle and a good recoil pad help. The curved steel butt plate on many lever guns is hard on the shoulder, and a rubber pad improves it. If the recoil is too much, move to a milder load. A moderate load that you shoot well is better than a heavy load you flinch with.
How to choose ammunition
Choose by rifle first, then by purpose. The same name covers loads with very different strength.
| Load type | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard-pressure lead or jacketed, 300 to 405 grains | Old rifles, plinking and cowboy shooting | Safe in trapdoors and most old guns; check the label |
| Modern polymer tip (FTX), 300 to 325 grains | Deer and hogs in modern lever guns | Flatter and faster; made for strong rifles |
| Heavy hard-cast or solid, 405 to 535 grains | Big bears and tough game | Deep penetration; heavy recoil; strong rifles only |
| Black powder or cowboy loads | Historic rifles and reenactment | Soft shooting; low velocity |
| Jacketed soft point, 300 to 350 grains | All-round hunting | Reliable expansion at moderate speed |
Bullet weight
A 300 to 325 grain bullet is a good all-round weight for deer and hogs. A 350 to 405 grain bullet is traditional and suited to elk and bear. Heavier bullets of 430 to 535 grains are for the largest animals and for guns made to shoot them.
Read the label
Many boxes say what rifles the load is meant for. Some say "for modern rifles only" or "not for trapdoor rifles." Follow it. If a box does not say, ask the maker or use a standard-pressure load.
How to choose a rifle
The right rifle depends on what you hunt. These are the points that matter most.
- Strength. Know what loads your rifle can take. A Ruger No. 1, a modern Marlin or a Henry can handle heavy loads. A trapdoor or an old lever gun cannot.
- Action. Lever-action rifles are quick, handy and traditional. Single-shot rifles are strong and accurate. Some bolt-action rifles are made for the cartridge.
- Barrel length. 18 to 22 inches is handy in thick cover. 24 inches and longer give more velocity.
- Weight. A lighter rifle is easier to carry and kicks harder. A heavier rifle is steadier and softer to shoot.
- Sights. Open sights and peep sights are traditional and work well at close range. A low-power scope of 1-4x or 2-7x is a good choice for hunting.
- Condition. With an old rifle, have a gunsmith check it before you shoot it. Look at the bore, the action and the lockup.
Lever or single shot
A lever gun gives quick follow-up shots and a magazine of several rounds. A single-shot rifle gives more strength and is often more accurate. Pick the one that matches how you hunt.
Zeroing and practice
A 100-yard zero is the most useful for close hunting. The bullet stays within a few inches of the line of sight to about 150 yards, and the drop at 200 yards is predictable. A 200-yard zero suits open ground, and the bullet then rises several inches at 100 yards, so you must know the path.
Practice with the load you plan to hunt with, because different loads shoot to different places. Check the drop at 100, 150 and 200 yards. Practice from field positions and keep your shots inside the range where you are confident. A well-placed shot with this cartridge works at 100 yards just as well as a long one.
Practical uses
Deer and hogs in thick cover
This is the .45-70's core use. A heavy bullet gives a large wound channel, often with an exit wound, and a blood trail that is easy to follow. In brush, timber and swamp, where shots are inside 100 yards, it is a very effective cartridge.
Elk and moose
With a heavy, strong bullet and a good shot, the .45-70 is a proven elk and moose cartridge at closer ranges. A hunter should get close and keep the shot inside 150 yards.
Large bears
Many hunters and guides in Alaska carry a lever-action .45-70 for protection from bears, and use it for hunting. It is a favorite as a backup gun because it is quick to operate and hits hard. A hard-cast heavy bullet is the standard choice.
Cowboy action and historical shooting
It is used in cowboy action matches, black powder cartridge rifle silhouette and military rifle matches. Mild loads let the shooter enjoy an old rifle without punishment.
Long range
It is not designed for it. Some shooters stretch it to 500 yards or more with heavy bullets and strong single-shots, but the arc is steep, and it is a hobby rather than a hunting method.
.45-70 Government vs similar cartridges
The table lists the cartridges most often compared with the .45-70 Government. Figures are rounded and use SAAMI maximum average pressures.
| Cartridge | Bullet diameter | Case length | Max pressure | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .45-70 Government | .458 in | 2.105 in | 28,000 psi | Close-range big game, lever actions |
| .30-06 Springfield | .308 in | 2.494 in | 60,000 psi | All-round big game |
| .338 Winchester Magnum | .338 in | 2.500 in | 64,000 psi | Elk, moose and large bears |
| .44 Magnum | .429 in | 1.285 in | 36,000 psi | Hunting revolvers and carbines |
| .45 Colt | .452 in | 1.285 in | 14,000 psi | Revolvers and lever-action carbines |
Against the .30-06 Springfield, the .45-70 has a heavier bullet and a steeper path, and the .30-06 shoots flatter and has more range. Against the .338 Winchester Magnum, it has a larger bullet and a shorter reach. Against the .44 Magnum and .45 Colt, it is far stronger, with a rifle case and a heavier bullet, and the pistol cartridges are far easier to shoot.
Care and storage
Clean the bore after each session. Black powder loads leave heavy, corrosive residue, so clean the rifle the same day with water-based solvents if you use them. Wipe the action and the magazine tube of a lever gun, and oil lightly. Inspect old rifles for pitting and cracks. Store the rifle unloaded in a dry place. Keep firearms and ammunition locked and out of reach of children and unauthorized users.
Safety and common mistakes
- Never fire a heavy modern load in an old trapdoor or a rifle made for black powder. Read the label and the rifle's marking.
- Do not confuse the .45-70 with the .45 Colt, the .450 Marlin or the .444 Marlin. Check the barrel marking and the headstamp before loading.
- Treat every firearm as loaded. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
- Know your target and what is beyond it. A heavy bullet can travel more than a mile.
- In a tube-magazine lever gun, do not load pointed bullets that could set off a primer. Use flat-nose or polymer-tip bullets made for the purpose.
- Wear eye and ear protection at the range.
- If you reload, use only published data from a current manual and start low. This page does not contain loading data.
- Store firearms unloaded and locked, and keep the ammunition apart.
Frequently asked questions
What is the .45-70 good for?
Hunting deer, hogs, elk and large bears at close to moderate range, especially in thick cover. It is also popular for cowboy action and historic rifle shooting.
How far can the .45-70 shoot?
Most hunters keep shots inside 150 to 200 yards. The bullet is heavy and slow, so the path is steep beyond that.
Can I shoot modern loads in an old trapdoor rifle?
No, not unless the load is made for it. Trapdoors and some old lever guns need standard-pressure loads. Heavy modern loads can damage the rifle and hurt the shooter.
Is the .45-70 enough for bears?
Yes, with a heavy, hard-cast or solid bullet and good shot placement. It is a favorite of many Alaskan guides as a backup gun. Some hunters prefer a larger or faster cartridge.
How much recoil does the .45-70 have?
It depends on the load and the rifle. Standard loads are like a .30-06. Heavy loads in a light lever gun are harsh.
What is the difference between the .45-70 and the .45 Colt?
The .45-70 is a much longer rifle cartridge with much more power. The .45 Colt is a revolver cartridge. The two use almost the same bullet diameter but are not interchangeable.
What bullet weight is best?
A 300 to 325 grain bullet is good for deer and hogs. A 350 to 405 grain bullet suits elk and bear. Choose heavier bullets only for rifles made to shoot them.
Can I reload .45-70 Government?
Yes. The brass is widely reloaded. Use only published data from a current loading manual made for your type of rifle, and follow its safety instructions.
Sources
Sources reviewed · 29 October 2026