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

Published on January 30, 2018
Duration: 36:34

This guide explains the three distinct pressure categories for modern .45-70 Government ammunition, crucial for safe operation in various rifle actions. It emphasizes matching ammunition pressure to the specific rifle's design, from low-pressure Trapdoor loads to high-pressure loads for Ruger No. 1 rifles, ensuring safe and effective use. Instruction is provided by an expert with high authority in firearms history and ballistics.

Quick Summary

The .45-70 Government cartridge is categorized into three pressure levels for modern firearms: low-pressure (<20,000 PSI) for Trapdoor actions, intermediate (~40,000 PSI) for Marlin 1895 rifles, and high-pressure (>50,000 PSI) for strong actions like the Ruger No. 1. This ensures safe operation by matching ammunition to the rifle's design.

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 are the different pressure categories for .45-70 Government ammunition?

Modern .45-70 Government ammunition is categorized by action strength: Trapdoor loads are low-pressure (<20,000 PSI) for older rifles, Marlin loads are intermediate (~40,000 PSI) for rifles like the 1895, and Ruger loads are high-pressure (>50,000 PSI) for strong modern actions like the Ruger No. 1.

Why was the .45-70 Government cartridge originally developed?

The .45-70 Government was developed by the U.S. government to convert Civil War muzzleloaders into breech-loading firearms due to budget constraints. It was introduced with the 1873 Springfield Trapdoor rifle, modifying earlier designs.

What are the key ballistics and hunting characteristics of the .45-70 Government?

The .45-70 Government is not a high-velocity cartridge, typically firing a 405-grain bullet around 1310 fps. It excels in thick brush and at ranges under 150 yards due to its large diameter, significant wound channel, and bone-breaking energy, making it effective for large game with minimal meat damage.

What historical issues were associated with early .45-70 Government cartridges?

Early .45-70 Government cartridges used copper cases, which were more ductile but prone to seizing in the chamber, especially when corroded by leather gear. This led to extraction failures, famously noted during historical battles.

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