Classic American big-bore cartridge. Originally black powder military round. Modern loads extremely powerful. Excellent for dangerous game.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1873, United States
Parent case: .50-70 Government
Standardization: Obsolete / Non-standard
Bullet diameter: 0.458" (11.63 mm)
Case length: 2.105" (53.47 mm)
Overall length: 2.55" (64.77 mm)
Max pressure: 28,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimmed
Primer: Large Rifle
Typical twist rate: 1:20
Muzzle velocity: 1330–2100 fps
Muzzle energy: 1600–3000 ft-lbs
Effective range: 300 yd
Common bullet weights: 300, 325, 350, 405, 500, 540 gr
Primary use: Hunting, Target
Production status: Active
Also known as: .45-70 · 11.6x53mmR
History: Adopted by US Army in 1873 for Springfield Trapdoor rifle. Used in Indian Wars and Little Bighorn. Buffalo hunters loved it. Transitioned to smokeless powder. Still popular 150+ years later.
Notable firearms: Springfield Trapdoor, Sharps rifle, Marlin 1895, Henry rifles
Military use: {"country":"United States","years":"1873-1890s","conflicts":["Indian Wars","Spanish-American War"]}
Similar cartridges: .450 Marlin, .444 Marlin