If you’re looking for the best 45-70 ammo, you’re in the right place. For the avid gun owner, choosing a favorite can be tough, especially if they’ve got an extensive collection. However, I find choosing a favorite gun pretty easy. Anytime someone asks, I answer without hesitation and tell them it’s my Henry .45-70 lever-action. 

Is it the most practical gun in my safe? Nope. Do I shoot it the most often? Not quite, but I do send a few of its 300-grain projectiles downrange anytime I can. 

There’s just something about the classic look, thunderous rapport, and smooth lever-action motion that make it a fun gun to shoot. The weapon was invented over 150 years ago and has been a timeless classic ever since. 

Even though the .45-70 gov’t is a big, bulky, straight-walled cartridge, there are quite a few options for ammo. With that in mind, we’ve picked six of our favorite options. 

Cartridge Specs & Overview

The .45-70 Government is known for its large caliber and heavy bullets. It features a .45 caliber (0.458 inches) bullet and a case length of 2.10 inches. The cartridge’s overall length varies depending on the bullet type, but it typically accommodates heavy bullets designed for deep penetration and maximum stopping power. This makes the .45-70 an ideal choice for hunting large game.

The Best .45-70 Ammo

When it comes to choosing the best .45-70 ammo, there are many excellent options available. All of the cartridges featured on our list are under 400 grains. However, there are some 400+ grain options available if you need a heavy hitter.  Here are some of our top picks:

Buffalo Bore 8E Mag 300-grain JHP-FN

Buffalo Bore jacketed hollow point cartridges offer good expansion on impact and create large wound channels, especially considering the flat nose. Be aware that this cartridge produces magnum pressure and power, meaning it may not be safe to fire in every .45-70 rifle. This ammo is designed for maximum penetration, making it ideal for hunting dangerous game. 

Like most of the other options on my list, this cartridge has a flat nose, which is necessary when dealing with tubular magazines. Pointed nose ammunition could cause accidental discharge because the cartridges sit in the tube stacked point-to-primer. 

Barnes TSX 300-grain

The Barnes TSX 300-grain is known for its controlled expansion and deep penetration, making it an excellent choice for big game hunting. The flat nose performs respectably and transfers plenty of energy to your target. 

Winchester Super-X 300-grain

Winchester’s Super-X ammo is reliable and widely available, making it a great option for general hunting. The projectile leaves the muzzle at just under 2,000 feet per second (FPS), which is pretty standard for .45-70 projectiles. The Super-X has a flat nose and jacketed hollow point, offering good expansion.  It packs plenty of punch to take down whatever you’ve got your sights on. 

Hornady FTX 325-grain

Featuring Flex Tip technology, Hornady’s FTX ammo offers improved performance at different ranges, making it a versatile choice for hunters. The polymer tip is safe to use in tubular magazines and provides some of the benefits associated with pointed projectiles.

These projectiles are part of Hornady’s Leverevolution line. It’s also my go-to cartridge for my .45-70. 

Federal Power-Shok 300-grain

Federal Power-Shok is another flat-nosed, hollow-point .45-70 cartridge. It performs reliably and delivers the confidence you’d expect from Federal. This ammo provides good value with solid performance for large game. 

Remington Core-Lokt 300-grain

Remington’s Core-Lokt ammo is known for its reliability and effectiveness in hunting scenarios. These semi-jacketed hollow points offer excellent performance when taking on large game. Check out Remington’s 405-grain Core-Lokt cartridges if you want something even beefier. They drop a bit faster than the 300-grain variant but pack plenty of punch, especially inside the 100-yard mark. 

Comparing Grain Weights & Bullet Types

The choice of grain weight and bullet type can significantly impact the performance of your .45-70 ammo. Heavier bullets, like the 300-grain options commonly used in .45-70 loads, provide better penetration and energy transfer, making them ideal for large game hunting. Lighter bullets offer flatter trajectories and less recoil, which can be advantageous in certain hunting situations. 

Cartridges over 400gr are what I call the “heavyweights.” They can pack an even bigger punch at close distances but drop fast outside 100 yards. 

Different bullet types also play a crucial role. Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) bullets are designed to expand upon impact, creating a larger wound channel and increasing the chances of a quick, humane kill. Soft Point (SP) bullets offer good expansion while retaining mass, making them suitable for medium to large game. Lead Flat Nose (LFN) bullets are ideal for traditional rifles and provide excellent penetration.

Ballistics Overview

One key factor that makes the .45-70 Government so popular among hunters is its ballistic performance. Depending on the load, the cartridge typically delivers a muzzle velocity between 1,300 to 1,900 feet per second (fps), generating muzzle energy ranging from 1,800 to 3,000 foot-pounds (ft-lbs). This substantial energy translates to impressive stopping power, capable of taking down even the largest game animals with a single shot.

The .45-70’s effective range is generally up to 200 yards, although it can be effective beyond that with the right load and skill. Its heavy bullets tend to drop more over distance than lighter, faster rounds, but the .45-70 is still a formidable choice for hunters within its effective range.

Best Uses For The .45-70 Cartridge

The .45-70 Government is best suited for big game hunting. Its power and heavy bullets are perfect for close-range shots, making it an excellent choice for hunting in dense woods or rugged terrain where you’ll find large animals like moose, elk, and bear. The .45-70’s historical value and the fun of shooting large-caliber firearms also make it a popular choice for recreational shooting.

45-70 VS 30-30 Ammo Comparison

When comparing the .45-70 Government to the 30-30 Winchester, it’s essential to consider their historical contexts and performance characteristics. The 30-30 Winchester was introduced in 1895 and quickly became famous for its use in lever-action rifles. It’s known for its versatility and effectiveness in hunting medium-sized game, making it a staple in many hunters’ collections.

Regarding performance, the 30-30 typically uses lighter bullets, ranging from 150 to 170 grains, compared to the .45-70’s 300-grain bullets (or heavier). This difference in bullet weight results in distinct ballistic characteristics. The .45-70 generally has higher muzzle energy and velocity, providing greater stopping power for large game. However, the 30-30 offers a flatter trajectory, making it easier to hit targets at longer ranges.

While the 30-30 is effective at up to 200 yards, the .45-70 excels within the same range but with significantly higher energy retention, making it more suitable for larger game. Ultimately, the choice between the two cartridges depends on what you try to take down. 

Pros & Cons Of The .45-70 Caliber

The .45-70 Government has several advantages that make it a popular choice among hunters. Its high stopping power and energy make it ideal for confidently taking down large game. The cartridge’s versatility in bullet weights and types allows you to tailor its ammunition to specific hunting scenarios, whether you are targeting moose, elk, or bear.

However, the .45-70 also has some drawbacks. Its heavy recoil can be challenging for some shooters, especially those unfamiliar with powerful rounds. Additionally, its lower velocity compared to modern high-velocity calibers means it requires more skill to use effectively at longer ranges. The bullet drops like an anchor after about 100 yards and kicks like a mule, so hold on tight. 

.45-70 Government: A Brief History

The .45-70 Government was introduced in 1873 for use in the U.S. military’s Trapdoor Springfield rifle. Its official designation was .45-70-405, indicating a .45 caliber bullet, 70 grains of black powder, and a 405-grain bullet weight. The cartridge quickly gained a reputation for its impressive stopping power, making it effective against enemy soldiers and large game animals.

Over the decades, the .45-70 evolved from a military round to a popular choice for civilian hunters. Modern advancements in firearm and ammunition technology have kept the .45-70 relevant, ensuring its place in the arsenals of hunters who value its power and reliability.

Best 45-70 Ammo: A Personal Favorite

The .45-70 Government is a versatile and powerful cartridge that has earned its place in the hunting world. Its rich history, impressive ballistics, and ability to take down large game make it a favorite among hunters. By understanding the different ammo options and how grain weights and bullet types affect performance, you can choose the best .45-70 ammo for your specific needs. 

I’d go with the Hornady Leverevolution cartridge, but all of the other ammo featured on my list will function exceptionally well in your lever-action rifle, too. Whether you’re hunting moose, elk, or bear, the .45-70 Government offers the stopping power and reliability you need for a successful hunt.