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Field Guide / Ammo & Calibers

.45-70 Government

Also called: 45-70, forty-five seventy, .45-70

A heavy, old-style round from 1873 that still works well on deer, hogs, and bear in thick cover, and in the strongest rifles on bigger game.

Diagram of a .45-70 Government cartridge drawn to scale: a brass case with a copper-colored bullet, 2.55 inches overall
Simplified outline drawn to scale from nominal dimensions. Every entry uses the same scale, so you can compare sizes. Real cartridges vary slightly by maker, and bullet shapes differ.
Type
Centerfire Rifle
Bullet diameter
.458 in
Case length
2.105 in
Overall length
2.55 in
Typical bullet weights
300 to 405 grains (heavier in strong rifles)
Typical muzzle velocity
About 1,300 to 1,900 fps, depending on the load
Recoil
Heavy recoil
Quarry
Deer, hogs & pronghorn, Elk & moose
Typical range
Deer, hogs, and bear to about 150 to 200 yards
Availability
Common

Safety: Loads vary a great deal in pressure. Use only those made for your specific rifle. Standard-pressure loads are for old rifles such as the trapdoor Springfield, while stronger loads are for modern rifles only.

What it is good for

  • Black bear, hogs, and deer at close range in timber and brush.
  • Lever-action and single-shot rifles with traditional appeal.
  • Hunters who want a heavy bullet that hits hard at short distances.

Where it falls short

  • The trajectory is rainbow-like past about 150 yards.
  • Recoil is heavy, especially in lightweight lever rifles with the stronger loads.
  • Loads for modern rifles are not safe in old rifles (see the safety note).

Easily confused with

  • .450 Bushmaster: a similar bullet width in a shorter, modern straight-wall case for AR-style rifles.

Field notes

Adopted by the U.S. Army in 1873, the .45-70 Government has served hunters ever since. A heavy, slow bullet makes it a close-range cartridge that works well in thick cover.

Related guides

Numbers are typical factory-load figures, not guarantees. Use only ammunition that matches the cartridge stamped on your firearm and is made by a reputable manufacturer, and follow the manual. Legal game cartridges, minimum calibers, and non-toxic shot rules differ by state and area. Check your state's current regulations; our state resources directory links to each state's official rules. Not sure which rifle to buy? Try our hunting rifle wizard.

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