45 70 Ballistics Table

Dive into the world of 45-70 ballistics and discover the performance and characteristics of this historic and versatile cartridge. Whether you're a hunter, competitive shooter, or simply a firearms enthusiast, understanding the ballistics of the 45-70 will help you make informed decisions when choosing ammunition for your lever-action rifle.

A Brief History of the 45-70

The .45-70 Government cartridge, often referred to as the 45-70, was introduced in 1873 as the standard cartridge for the U.S. Army's new Springfield Model 1873 rifle. It quickly gained popularity among civilians and became a favorite among hunters and pioneers for its reliability and stopping power.

The 45-70 cartridge was designed to be versatile, capable of taking down large game animals such as deer, elk, and even bison. Its introduction marked a significant advancement in firearms technology, replacing the older black powder cartridges with a more powerful and efficient smokeless powder load.

Cartridge Specifications

The 45-70 cartridge is a rimmed, bottlenecked, centerfire cartridge that measures approximately 2.10 inches (53.3 mm) in overall length. It features a .458-inch (11.6 mm) diameter bullet and a .70-inch (17.8 mm) case length, hence the name 45-70. The cartridge's rim diameter is 0.57 inches (14.5 mm), and it typically uses a boxed primer.

The 45-70 cartridge is known for its ability to accommodate a wide range of bullet weights and types, making it highly versatile for various hunting and shooting applications. Common bullet weights for the 45-70 range from 250 grains to 500 grains, with various bullet designs such as flat-nosed, round-nosed, and spitzer-pointed available.

Case Capacity and Pressure

The 45-70 cartridge has a relatively large case capacity, allowing for a wide range of powder charges and bullet velocities. The maximum average pressure (MAP) for the 45-70 is 40,000 PSI, with modern loads typically operating at pressures around 30,000 to 35,000 PSI.

The case capacity and moderate pressure levels make the 45-70 a versatile cartridge, suitable for both lever-action and single-shot rifles. It offers a balance between performance and safety, ensuring reliable ignition and consistent performance without excessive wear on the rifle's components.

Ballistics Performance

The ballistics performance of the 45-70 cartridge is influenced by several factors, including bullet weight, type, and velocity. Here's an overview of the ballistics characteristics of the 45-70:

Bullet Velocity

The 45-70 cartridge is capable of generating impressive muzzle velocities, with some modern loads exceeding 2,000 feet per second (fps) at the muzzle. However, it's important to note that the velocity drops off relatively quickly, especially with heavier bullets, due to the cartridge's relatively short case length.

For example, a 400-grain bullet loaded in a 45-70 cartridge may have a muzzle velocity of around 1,800 fps, but at 100 yards, the velocity drops to approximately 1,500 fps. This velocity drop-off is a characteristic of the 45-70 cartridge and should be considered when choosing ammunition for specific hunting or shooting scenarios.

Trajectory and Accuracy

The 45-70 cartridge is known for its flat trajectory and impressive accuracy at medium ranges. With the right bullet and load, the 45-70 can deliver accurate and ethical shots out to 200 yards or more. However, beyond this range, the bullet drop becomes more pronounced, and accuracy may start to suffer.

To maximize accuracy and trajectory, it's recommended to use lighter bullets with higher velocities. Lighter bullets, such as those weighing around 300 grains, can provide a flatter trajectory and better accuracy at longer ranges compared to heavier bullets.

Energy and Knockdown Power

One of the standout features of the 45-70 cartridge is its impressive energy delivery at both short and medium ranges. The large bullet diameter and relatively slow muzzle velocities result in high retained energy downrange, making the 45-70 an excellent choice for hunting large game animals.

For example, a 400-grain bullet loaded in a 45-70 cartridge may have a muzzle energy of around 2,500 foot-pounds (ft-lbs). At 100 yards, the energy drops to approximately 2,000 ft-lbs, which is still more than sufficient for taking down large game effectively.

Recoil and Shooting Comfort

The 45-70 cartridge is known for its noticeable recoil, especially when using heavier bullets and higher-velocity loads. The combination of a powerful cartridge and a lightweight lever-action rifle can result in a significant felt recoil, which may affect shooting comfort and accuracy for some shooters.

To mitigate recoil, it's recommended to use a rifle with a solid build and a moderate weight, such as the Marlin 1895 or the Winchester Model 1886. Additionally, using a softer-recoiling load or a muzzle brake can help reduce the perceived recoil and improve shooting comfort.

Common 45-70 Loads and Applications

The 45-70 cartridge is highly versatile and suitable for a wide range of hunting and shooting applications. Here are some common loads and their typical uses:

Light Bullets (250-350 Grains)

• Hunting: These lighter bullets are ideal for hunting medium-sized game such as deer and wild hogs. They offer a flatter trajectory and better accuracy at longer ranges.
• Varmint Control: The high velocity and flat trajectory make these loads suitable for controlling varmints such as coyotes and foxes.

Medium Bullets (350-400 Grains)

• Big Game Hunting: These medium-weight bullets are a popular choice for hunting larger game such as elk, moose, and black bears. They provide a good balance between energy delivery and accuracy.
• Long-Range Shooting: With the right load, the 45-70 can be effective for long-range target shooting and hunting at extended ranges.

Heavy Bullets (400-500 Grains)

• Big Game Hunting: Heavier bullets are preferred for hunting the largest game animals, such as grizzly bears and African game. They offer exceptional energy delivery and stopping power.
• Home Defense: The 45-70 with a heavy bullet load can be a formidable choice for home defense, providing excellent stopping power and penetration.

Choosing the Right 45-70 Load

When selecting a 45-70 load, consider the following factors:

• Hunting Application: Choose a bullet weight and type suitable for the game you're hunting. Lighter bullets are better for medium-sized game, while heavier bullets are preferred for larger animals.
• Range and Accuracy: Consider the range at which you'll be shooting. Lighter bullets with higher velocities provide better accuracy and flatter trajectories at longer ranges.
• Recoil Tolerance: If you're sensitive to recoil, opt for a softer-recoiling load or a rifle with a heavier build to mitigate the felt recoil.
• Legal Requirements: Check your local hunting regulations and ensure that the chosen load is legal for the game you're hunting.

Shooting the 45-70: Tips and Techniques

Here are some tips to enhance your shooting experience with the 45-70 cartridge:

Choose the Right Rifle

The 45-70 cartridge is most commonly chambered in lever-action rifles, such as the Marlin 1895 or the Winchester Model 1886. These rifles are designed to handle the cartridge's power and provide a smooth shooting experience. Ensure your rifle is in good condition and properly maintained.

Practice Recoil Management

Due to the cartridge's noticeable recoil, practice good recoil management techniques. Use a solid shooting stance, maintain a firm grip on the rifle, and focus on follow-through to minimize the impact of recoil on your accuracy.

Zero Your Rifle

Before heading out hunting or to the range, ensure your rifle is zeroed at the desired range. This will help you make accurate shots and maintain confidence in your firearm's performance.

Load Development

If you're reloading your own ammunition, take the time to develop loads that suit your rifle and shooting style. Experiment with different bullet weights, powders, and primers to find the load that provides the best accuracy and performance for your specific application.

Conclusion

The 45-70 cartridge is a historic and versatile round that continues to be a favorite among hunters and shooters. Its impressive energy delivery, flat trajectory, and versatility make it a reliable choice for a wide range of hunting and shooting applications. By understanding the ballistics and characteristics of the 45-70, you can make informed decisions when choosing ammunition and maximize your shooting experience.