The 45-70 Government ~ Back from the ashes of history!

Published on January 30, 2018
Duration: 36:34

The .45-70 Government, a 145-year-old cartridge, has experienced a significant revival. Originally designed for the 1873 Springfield Trapdoor rifle, it faced early extraction issues due to copper casings. Despite military obsolescence, it remained a favored hunting round for large game. Modern loadings are categorized by action strength (Trapdoor, Marlin, Ruger) to manage pressure safely. Its effectiveness lies in close-range, heavy impact rather than high velocity.

Quick Summary

The .45-70 Government is a 145-year-old cartridge revived for modern use. Originally for the 1873 Springfield Trapdoor, it faced early issues with copper casings. It excels in hunting large game under 150 yards due to its heavy bullet and energy, with modern loads categorized by action strength (Trapdoor, Marlin, Ruger) for safety.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the .45-70 Government
  2. 00:50Historical Origins: The 1873 Springfield Trapdoor
  3. 03:46Early Technical Challenges
  4. 06:21Military Obsolescence and Civilian Use
  5. 09:36Ballistics and Hunting Performance
  6. 11:14The Resurgence: Marlin and Ruger
  7. 13:14Three Categories of Modern Loads
  8. 15:21Recoil Management and Final Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the .45-70 Government cartridge?

The .45-70 Government is a powerful, large-caliber rifle cartridge introduced in 1873 for the Springfield Trapdoor rifle. It's known for its historical significance and effectiveness in hunting large game at moderate ranges.

Why did the .45-70 Government nearly disappear?

The .45-70 faced obsolescence as the military transitioned to smaller, higher-velocity, repeating rifle cartridges. However, its effectiveness for hunting big game kept it alive in civilian use.

What are the different pressure categories for modern .45-70 loads?

Modern .45-70 loads are categorized by action strength: Trapdoor loads (<20,000 PSI) for older rifles, Marlin 1895 loads (~40,000 PSI) for lever actions, and Ruger No. 1 loads (>50,000 PSI) for strong single-shots.

Is the .45-70 Government a good hunting cartridge?

Yes, the .45-70 is an excellent hunting cartridge for large game at ranges typically under 150 yards. Its heavy bullet delivers significant energy and creates a large wound channel, ideal for ethical harvests.

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