Did you know that the first bullet was invented in the early to mid-1800s? Before that, bullets with metal jackets didn’t exist and instead came in the form of metal balls. Ammunition has come a long way since then, but some of the ammo we have today is heavily inspired by developments from the past. 

The 45-70 government rifle cartridge is a perfect example of this. This cartridge came around in 1873 and is still popular today. But what’s so great about this rifle ammunition?

How is it any different from any other type of rifle ammo? How can you know if it’s a good choice for you? Keep reading and learn more about the unique benefits that this cartridge has to offer.

The History Behind the 45-70 Government Rifle Cartridge

This ammunition has been around for more than a hundred years, and it is still going strong. While its design has been refined over the years, it still is very similar to when it was first invented. This ammo got its name from a unique naming convention that people used at the time, which references the amount of black powder in the bullet.

The US military at the time was experimenting with different guns and ammunition. Much of this experimentation occurred during the Civil War. But it also continued after the war. 

The problem that many soldiers had at the time was not only with the ammo but with the cartridges and firearms they were using. Firearms back then were not as powerful as they are today. After repeated shots, the cartridges would start to bend and become harder to use. 

This would make it harder to load and use the gun. Many bullets also weren’t as efficient as they are today. They were either too heavy or not heavy enough. 

This would make it difficult to aim accurately. Ammunition before 1873 was not the greatest thing to use in warfare or any other situation. But once the 45-70 government came out in 1873, things started to change.

It soon became one of the most potent loads in the world. It has the amazing ability to fly 1,350 feet per second. It also boasted a little more than 1,600 foot pounds of muzzle energy.

The Details

This invention came out just in time for the Indian Wars. This gave the US Army a distinctive upper hand. Not only was this invention powerful, but it could also go a long way before losing momentum. 

This was also a popular load to use during the Spanish-American War and other battles throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s. Early variations of Gatling guns also used this ammo with spectacular results. 

The 45-70 government earned a substantial reputation over the years. It became so popular that it spread from the military to the common people. It soon became popular among hunters, and people in the Navy and Marine Corps started using them too. 

It was especially prized among hunters. This is because of how far this load could fly. It was also far more efficient compared to other loads that hunters had access to at the time. This made it perfect for hunting everything from deer to moose to bear and everything in between. 

This load is still often used today among hunters and those looking for some exciting target practice. 

Ballistics and Uses for the 45-70 Government

Most people find that this bullet is very effective at going 150 yards without dropping or slowing down too much. It could go even farther in the right conditions. It is still very accurate at this long range as well.

There are a few different 45-70 variations on the market. Many of these have improved the original black powder design. The downside of the original design is that it still produces smoke. 

This can get in the way if you want to stay focused. This is why some modern formulations use smokeless powder. Some of these newer innovations also allow the bullet to travel farther and more efficiently. 

But you have to be careful when using certain ammo variants. Consider what kind of gun you have. If you have a vintage rifle, a modern bullet may not work well, and vice versa. 

This is why you should match the bullet with your gun. This is important because using the wrong ammo in the wrong rifle can be very dangerous. You should be fine as long as you use the right bullet.

The downside of this bullet is that it has a low ballistic coefficient. It also has a slow velocity compared to more modern bullets. While it can travel long distances, it might be difficult to do so. 

This is because it is more difficult to get an accurate shot from far away. The bullet might hit the target too late, or it might not have enough power to make a substantial hit. You’ll have to consider more factors like the bullet’s power, velocity, and so on. 

What You Need to Know

High-pressure loads are often more effective. As long as you don’t aim too far, you’ll find that this load is extremely accurate. This is one of the reasons why hunters love using this option. 

You can take down a deer or a larger animal without any trouble when using this powerful load. You have to be careful about the recoil and the sound the bullet makes when fired. If you’re not prepared, the strong recoil may take you by surprise. 

It may also throw you off balance or cause you to take an inaccurate shot. But if you prepare yourself for the recoil, it should be fine. The shot will also be very loud. 

Keep this in mind if you are concerned about scaring the animals in the forest away. Missing your shot may make it harder to find your next target. If you’re aiming for artificial targets, then you won’t have anything to worry about. 

It may take some time to get used to this bullet if you’ve never shot it before. There are certain challenges that you have to overcome. But once you get a good feel for it, you’ll find that it’s a great option. 

Other Benefits of the 45-70 Government Cartridge

While this cartridge can allow you to shoot relatively long distances, you’ll find that it is also good at shooting at shorter distances. You can shoot big game like moose or bears with this option. Just make sure that you’re a safe distance away.

Otherwise, you might be in danger if the shot doesn’t kill the animal or if you miss it. If you want to hunt something less dangerous, consider deer, boar, and waterfowl. It is best not to hunt small game with this load. 

This is because the bullet is extremely powerful. It is likely to destroy small game like rabbits or quail. Some hunters disagree about the use of this bullet for hunting deer. 

Some argue that the load is too powerful and will ruin the meat. Others argue that it is perfect for delivering a killing blow from a significant distance. This is a very efficient load, and it should not ruin the meat on a large animal like a deer. 

This is more likely to happen with smaller animals.

Be Cautious

If you plan on going hunting on a safari, you should be especially careful. The animals out there can be very dangerous and powerful. Hunting African buffalo with a 45-70 government load may not be the best idea. 

This is because, despite how powerful the load is, it may not be powerful enough to bring down this type of beast. This is why you should always do your research before hunting any kind of dangerous game. While you may like the 45-70 load, don’t hesitate to use something else if it’s a better choice.

This is also a great cartridge to use in shooting competitions or casual target practice. This is a great way to get a feel for the cartridge and how it operates. You can also see its range and accuracy in action. 

You can experience its recoil, too. Once you experience the 45-70 government, you’ll have a hard time going back to modern rifle options. 

All About the 45-70 Government Rifle Cartridge

The 45-70 government rifle cartridge has been around for more than a hundred years, and it is still a great option. It was created for the military, but it is now mostly used by hunters. It is a powerful option that can bring down anything from deer to moose and beyond. 

Are you ready to get your hands on high-quality ammo? To learn more about cartridge options, check out what we have to offer.