The 45-70 Government Round: A Comprehensive Guide to History, Performance, and Applications

The 45-70 Government round (also known as the .45-70 Springfield) is a legendary cartridge that has played a significant role in American history and firearms culture. Introduced in the 1870s for use in military rifles, it later gained popularity among hunters and shooters for its versatility and hard-hitting performance.

History and Development

The 45-70 Government round was developed after the American Civil War as a replacement for the earlier .50-70 Government cartridge. The new round used a smaller-diameter bullet with a heavier powder charge, resulting in increased velocity and better accuracy.

The 45-70 Government cartridge was adopted by the U.S. Army in 1873 and served as the standard infantry round for the next 30 years. It was used in the iconic Springfield Model 1873 and Model 1892 rifles, which played a crucial role in the Indian Wars and the Spanish-American War.

Performance and Characteristics

The 45-70 Government round is a powerful and versatile cartridge capable of taking down large game at close to medium ranges. Its performance is characterized by:

• High Energy: The 45-70 Government cartridge produces high kinetic energy, making it effective for hunting large animals such as elk, moose, and bears.
• Flat Trajectory: The round has a relatively flat trajectory, allowing for accurate shots at extended ranges.
• Deep Penetration: The heavy bullet weight and high velocity of the 45-70 Government round result in deep penetration, making it ideal for hunting in thick brush or against heavy-bodied animals.

Modern Applications

While the 45-70 Government round is no longer standard military issue, it remains popular among hunters, shooters, and collectors. Its versatility makes it suitable for various applications, including:

• Hunting: The 45-70 Government round is an excellent choice for hunting large game in North America, including deer, elk, moose, and bears.
• Target Shooting: The round's accuracy and long-range performance make it a popular choice for target shooting competitions.
• Self-Defense: With its stopping power and deep penetration, the 45-70 Government round is also used by some for home defense and personal protection.

Variations and Innovations

Over the years, several variations of the 45-70 Government round have been developed, including:

• Modern Sporting Rifle (MSR) Loads: These loads are designed for use in modern semi-automatic rifles and offer higher velocities and flatter trajectories.
• Cowboy Action Shooting Loads: These loads are specially designed for use in replica firearms, mimicking the performance of the original black powder cartridges.
• Specialty Loads: Various specialty loads are available for the 45-70 Government round, including those optimized for long-range shooting, heavy game hunting, and self-defense.

Tables

Table 1: Historical Timeline of the 45-70 Government Round

Table 2: Performance Data of 45-70 Government Rounds

Table 3: Comparison of 45-70 Government Rounds

Effective Strategies for Using the 45-70 Government Round

• Choose the Right Load: Select a load that matches the intended application, whether it's hunting, target shooting, or self-defense.
• Use a Heavy Rifle: The 45-70 Government round generates significant recoil. A heavy rifle helps mitigate recoil and improve accuracy.
• Practice Shooting: Proficiency with the 45-70 Government round requires regular practice. Find a comfortable shooting position and focus on accurate shot placement.

How to Step-by-Step Approach to Loading 45-70 Government Ammunition

Materials:

• Brass cases
• Bullets
• Powder
• Primers
• Reloading equipment

Steps:

1. Prepare the Brass: Clean and deprime the brass cases.
2. Measure Powder: Use a reloading scale to weigh out the correct amount of powder.
3. Charge the Cases: Fill the cases with powder and use a funnel to avoid spilling.
4. Seat Bullets: Place the bullets on the cases and use a seating die to press them into place.
5. Crimp the Rounds: Use a crimping die to secure the bullets in the cases.
6. Inspect and Test: Visually inspect the loaded rounds and test their accuracy and functionality before using them.

Pros and Cons of the 45-70 Government Round

Pros:

• High energy and knockdown power
• Flat trajectory for accurate long-range shooting
• Deep penetration for hunting heavy game
• Wide variety of available loads
• Rich history and legacy

Cons:

• Significant recoil, especially in lighter rifles
• Limited magazine capacity in semi-automatic rifles
• Lower velocity compared to modern rifle cartridges
• Can be challenging for new shooters to master

FAQs

1. What is the difference between the 45-70 Government and .458 Winchester Magnum rounds?
The .458 Winchester Magnum is a more powerful cartridge with a higher velocity and energy, but the 45-70 Government has a longer history and a wider range of available loads.

2. What is the effective range of the 45-70 Government round?
The effective range depends on the load used. Factory loads are typically effective up to 300 yards, while MSR loads can extend the range to 400 yards or more.

3. Is the 45-70 Government round suitable for self-defense?
Yes, the 45-70 Government round is a powerful cartridge capable of stopping an attacker. However, it is important to consider the significant recoil and limited magazine capacity before using it for self-defense.

4. How often should I clean a 45-70 Government rifle?
Clean the rifle thoroughly after every shooting session. Pay particular attention to the bore and chamber.

5. What type of ammo is the 45-70 Government?
The 45-70 Government is a straight-walled cartridge designed for use in large-bore rifles.

6. Can I hunt deer with a 45-70 Government?
Yes, the 45-70 Government is an excellent choice for hunting deer and other large game.

7. How many rounds can I fit in a 45-70 Government magazine?
The magazine capacity of a 45-70 Government rifle varies depending on the model and design. Modern semi-automatic rifles typically hold 4-6 rounds, while lever-action rifles may hold up to 10 rounds.

8. How old is the 45-70 Government?
The 45-70 Government round was introduced in 1873 and has been in continuous use for over 150 years.