45-70 ammo

45-70 ammo — the .45-70 Government — is a big-bore brush cartridge with deep history and modern muscle. Adopted by the U.S. Army in 1873, this .458-inch round throws heavy 300- to 405-grain bullets that hit like a sledgehammer at close range, making it a favorite for big game, bear defense, and lever-gun hunting in thick timber. Thanks to a wide range of loads — from mild cowboy ammo to heavy hard-cast — the .45-70 spans gentle plinking to dangerous-game power. This page covers the load tiers and what it’s good for.

Tatted Tacticals stocks .45-70 from Federal, Hornady, Winchester, Buffalo Bore, and Underwood — trapdoor-safe loads, deer and bear hunting bullets, and heavy hard-cast, in boxes and bulk.

Three Pressure Tiers — Match the Load to Your Rifle

This is the most important .45-70 fact: factory ammo is loaded to three different power levels, and they are not all safe in every rifle. Mild “trapdoor” loads are made for original 1873-era and replica rifles. Mid-level loads suit modern lever guns like the Marlin 1895. Heavy loads from Buffalo Bore and Underwood are for strong actions like the Ruger No. 1 and Marlin only. Always match the load to your rifle’s rating — a heavy load in a trapdoor is dangerous. Our .45-70 ballistic data guide breaks down the tiers.

.45-70 vs. .308 and .30-30

The .45-70 is a different animal from the flat-shooting bolt rounds. It carries enormous close-range energy with a heavy, large-diameter bullet, but drops fast and is a 150- to 200-yard cartridge. Against the .308 it trades range for sheer close-range mass, and it far outpowers the .30-30 in the same lever platform. Modern straight-wall alternatives like the .450 Bushmaster and .458 SOCOM bring similar bore size to the AR. For revolver big-bore, see the .44 Magnum. Standards follow SAAMI specifications.

Buying .45-70

Federal law sets the minimum age for rifle ammunition at 18; per ATF guidance, confirm federal rules and review our ammunition shipping rules and state restrictions before ordering.

.45-70 Ammo — Frequently Asked Questions

What is a .45-70 caliber good for?

Big-game hunting at close to moderate range, bear defense, and brush-country lever-gun hunting. Its heavy, large-diameter bullets deliver tremendous close-range energy on elk, moose, bear, and hogs, and it’s a classic guide-gun and trail cartridge. It’s not a long-range round — it’s built for power inside about 200 yards.

Is a .45-70 more powerful than a .308?

At close range, yes — heavy .45-70 loads deliver far more energy and bullet mass than a .308. But the .45-70 drops quickly and is a short-range cartridge, while the .308 shoots flat and stays effective to much greater distance. For close, heavy hits the .45-70 wins; for reach, the .308 does.

Will a .45-70 stop a grizzly?

Yes — with heavy hard-cast loads from a strong-action rifle, the .45-70 is a respected dangerous-game and bear-defense cartridge, valued for deep penetration and massive bullets. It’s a popular guide gun in bear country. As always, proper load selection for your rifle and shot placement are what matter most.

Why is .45-70 ammo hard to find?

As a specialized big-bore cartridge produced in lower volume than common rounds, .45-70 can thin out during shortages, and the heavy premium loads are made in limited runs. It remains in regular production, though, so buying your rifle-appropriate load when you see it is the simplest way to stay supplied.

Can you buy .45-70 ammo online?

Yes. In most U.S. states you can buy .45-70 online and have it shipped to your door. The minimum age for rifle ammunition is 18, and some states and municipalities add restrictions or shipping limits, so confirm your state and local laws before ordering.