Match the ammo to your rifle before anything else. Trapdoor-safe loads are the conservative choice for older rifles, and heavier loads belong only in rifles their makers rate for them. Buy a few boxes of a practice load and a smaller supply of your hunting load.
.45-70 Government dates to 1873 and the Springfield trapdoor rifle. It's still going strong, mainly in modern lever-action rifles and single shots used for hunting large game at moderate ranges. Because it has been chambered in such a wide range of rifles over 150 years, ammunition is loaded to very different pressure levels. That's the single most important thing to understand before you buy.
The pressure tiers
| Tier | Intended rifles | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trapdoor-safe / standard | Original trapdoors, replicas, and any .45-70 | Lowest pressure; safe in all rifles in good condition |
| Modern lever-action loads | Modern lever guns rated for them | Check the box and your rifle maker's guidance |
| Heavy or high-pressure loads | Only strong actions their makers approve | Never use in trapdoors or older rifles |
Buying for a modern lever gun
Most new .45-70 owners have a modern lever-action rifle from makers like Henry, Marlin, or Smith & Wesson. These rifles typically handle standard loads and many modern lever loads, but check the owner's manual for your exact model. Lever guns with tubular magazines also need bullets with flat or soft tips, since pointed bullets can be risky in a tube. Ammo marketed for lever guns accounts for that.
How much to keep
.45-70 has stout recoil and is relatively expensive per round, so most owners shoot it in small sessions. A few boxes of practice ammo and a box or two of your hunting load covers a typical season. Buy practice ammo when it's in stock, since .45-70 availability can be spotty.
.45-70 Government ammo
The full .45-70 page. Read each listing's description for pressure and intended rifles.
Rifle ammo category
Useful for comparing big-bore options if you run more than one.
Zeroing and practice
Heavy .45-70 bullets have a curved trajectory, so zero with the exact load you'll hunt with and confirm at the distances you expect to shoot. Practice with lighter loads for handling and cycling, then finish with a few rounds of your hunting load. Because recoil is significant, a good recoil pad and shorter sessions help you avoid developing a flinch.
Hunting considerations
Choose a bullet designed for the game you're hunting, and check your state's regulations. .45-70 is traditionally a woods and brush cartridge for moderate-range shots. Know your rifle's practical accuracy with your hunting load before the season opens. For more on lever-action shooting and ammo, our sister site LeverGuns.co covers the rifles in depth.
Storage
Reading the box
Most .45-70 boxes tell you what you need to know if you read them closely. Look for wording about intended rifles, such as trapdoor-safe or a note that the load is for modern lever actions or specific strong actions. Check bullet weight and style, since flat-nose and soft-tip bullets suit tubular magazines.
If the box or listing doesn't say which rifles the load is for, contact the ammunition maker or choose a load that does. Don't rely on forum advice for pressure questions. Keep the original boxes, too; if you repackage ammo into cans, copy the load details onto the label so the pressure information isn't lost. Our guide to reading ammo listings covers the general details retailers include.
Big-bore ammo is expensive to replace, so store it well: cool, dry, stable temperature, in labeled containers. If you own both trapdoor-safe and heavier loads, keep them in separate, clearly labeled boxes so the wrong load never ends up in the wrong rifle. Our guide to storing ammo covers the basics.
Key takeaways
- .45-70 ammo comes in very different pressure tiers; match it to your rifle.
- Never use high-pressure loads in trapdoors or older rifles.
- Use flat or soft-tip bullets in tubular magazines.
- Keep different pressure tiers in separate, labeled boxes.
Product links go to Ammunition Depot through affiliate links; we may earn a commission. Stock and pricing change often, so check the live listing.
Keep reading
FAQ
Is all .45-70 ammo safe in my rifle?
No. Loads vary in pressure. Check the box and your rifle maker's guidance, and use trapdoor-safe loads in older rifles.
Why do lever guns need flat-nose bullets?
In a tubular magazine, a pointed bullet can rest on the primer of the round ahead. Flat or soft tips reduce that risk.
How much .45-70 should I stock?
A few boxes of practice ammo and one or two of your hunting load covers most owners for a season.
Is .45-70 good for deer?
Yes, at moderate ranges with an appropriate bullet. Check your state's hunting rules.