The 45-70 Government (.458,
.45-70-405) cartridge was developed by the US government in 1873 for the Springfield 1873 trapdoor rifle. It was the replacement for the .50-70-450 cartridge to provide increased range, penetration and accuracy.
![Springfield Model 1873 Springfield Model 1873](//1.bp.blogspot.com/-YzeSjc-Uyb8/UgECa6HHnYI/AAAAAAAAGdM/hRWDsxbfZ6s/s320/pd-trapdoor-x3.jpg) |
Springfield Model 1873 |
It is still a popular cartridge today among many big / dangerous game hunters in the 500 or 510 grain bullet as well as for lighter game in the 405 grain version. For hunters of grizzly, elephant,rhino,and Cape Buffalo the 45-70 is a great cartridge for closer shots. The recoil is substantial and hunters will need a bit of practice to develop the shooting skill this gun requires. Marlin and Winchester both produce excellent guns chambered in 45-70. Modern ammo is also readily available from most popular manufactures.
![45-70 45-70 rifle](//4.bp.blogspot.com/-NFgO_StdU8k/UgEBxb-QLaI/AAAAAAAAGdE/Ca1vLAf77uA/s320/45-70+rifle.jpg) |
45-70 lever gun |