.45-70 Government ammunition, in stock. Adopted in 1873 and still in production, because nothing has replaced what it does: throw a very large, very heavy bullet slowly and hit extremely hard at close range.
Before you order, read the pressure section below. .45-70 is loaded across a wider pressure range than any other common cartridge, and matching the load to your rifle’s action is not optional. Trapdoor level ammunition is safe in everything. The upper levels are not.
Three pressure levels, and why this matters most
.45-70 has been chambered continuously since 1873, in actions ranging from black powder era trapdoor rifles to modern bolt guns. Ammunition is therefore loaded at three distinct levels, and they are not interchangeable.
| Level | Safe in | Typical load |
|---|---|---|
| Trapdoor | everything, including 1873 originals | 405gr at roughly 1,300 fps |
| Lever action | modern lever guns of the Marlin 1895 class | 300 to 405gr at 1,600 to 1,900 fps |
| Strong single shot and bolt | Ruger No.1 class and modern bolt actions only | heavy bullets at high pressure |
Never fire a higher level load in a weaker action. Firing lever action or single shot level ammunition in an antique trapdoor rifle can destroy the rifle and injure the shooter. If you are unsure what your rifle is rated for, buy trapdoor level ammunition, which is safe in every .45-70 ever made.
What .45-70 is for
Heavy game at close range, in thick cover. A 405 grain bullet at 1,300 fps carries roughly 1,500 ft lbs and does its work through sheer mass and frontal area, which no amount of velocity substitutes for.
It drops steeply past 150 yards, and that has never been the point. This is a bear, hog, moose and heavy timber cartridge, used at distances where you can see the animal clearly.
Recoil at the upper pressure levels is genuinely heavy. Trapdoor level loads are far more pleasant and still highly effective at woods ranges, which is why many experienced .45-70 shooters use them by choice rather than by necessity.
Suppressing .45-70
It fires a .458 inch bullet, so it needs a .458 rated suppressor. A .30 caliber can will not clear it, and neither will a .338. Bore size is not negotiable.
There is an interesting upside. Standard trapdoor level loads sit close to the sound barrier, and reduced subsonic .45-70 loads fall comfortably below it. A subsonic 405 grain bullet suppresses genuinely well and still carries serious momentum, which makes it one of the quieter ways to move a very large projectile.
Lever actions also suppress cleanly, with no gas system venting at your face and nothing to tune. The obstacle, as always with lever guns, is finding a threaded muzzle.
Related cartridges
Other woods cartridges in similar rifles: .30-30 Win. For heavy subsonic performance in a modern platform, 8.6 Blackout carries a 342 grain .338 bullet quietly, covered in our subsonic ammunition and suppressor range. Everything we load is in the caliber index.
Frequently asked questions about .45-70 Government
Is all .45-70 ammunition the same?
No, and this is the critical point. It is loaded at three pressure levels, and only trapdoor level is safe in every rifle. Match the ammunition to your action every time.
What if I do not know my rifle's rating?
Buy trapdoor level ammunition. It is safe in every .45-70 ever made, including 1873 originals, and it is still effective at the ranges the cartridge is used at.
How far will .45-70 shoot?
Effective inside about 150 yards. The heavy slow bullet drops steeply beyond that, which is a trajectory limit rather than an energy one.
What suppressor does .45-70 need?
A .458 rated can. The bullet is larger than .338, so neither a .30 caliber nor a .338 suppressor will clear it.
Is subsonic .45-70 a real thing?
Yes. Reduced loads sit comfortably under the sound barrier, and a subsonic 405 grain bullet suppresses well while retaining serious momentum.
Is the recoil manageable?
At trapdoor level, yes, comfortably. At the upper pressure levels it is heavy and unpleasant for many shooters, which is a good reason to use lighter loads unless you genuinely need the performance.
Is .45-70 good for bear?
It is one of the classic choices, with a large heavy bullet that penetrates deeply. Use a load appropriate to your rifle and keep shots within woods ranges.
Why is it still made after 150 years?
Because a very large, very heavy bullet at close range remains an effective answer to large animals, and no modern cartridge does that specific job better in a light handy rifle.