Best .45-70 Ammo for Hunting

The .45-70 Government has been putting meat on the table for well over a century, and it remains one of the most respected hunting cartridges available today.

Originally adopted by the U.S. military in 1873, the .45-70 has evolved into one of the most capable big-game cartridges for hunters who appreciate hard-hitting performance, especially at moderate ranges. Whether you're pursuing whitetail deer, wild hogs, elk, black bear, or even larger game, choosing the right .45-70 ammunition can make a significant difference in the field.

Today's hunters have more factory ammunition choices than ever before, ranging from lighter loads designed for deer-sized game to heavy hard-cast bullets capable of handling the largest North American animals.

Hunters can compare current .45-70 Government ammo prices from multiple online retailers using AmmoBrowser.

Why Hunters Still Choose the .45-70

Despite being over 150 years old, the .45-70 Government continues to grow in popularity.

Hunters appreciate the cartridge because it offers:

• Massive bullet weights
• Excellent stopping power
• Outstanding penetration
• Proven hunting performance
• Reliable lever-action compatibility

Unlike many modern high-velocity cartridges, the .45-70 relies on large-diameter bullets and tremendous energy transfer rather than sheer speed.

That combination has made it one of the most trusted cartridges for hunting large game at practical hunting distances.

Best .45-70 Ammo for Deer Hunting

Many hunters consider the .45-70 to be one of the best woods cartridges available.

For deer-sized game, lighter expanding bullets typically provide:

• Fast expansion
• Excellent energy transfer
• Moderate recoil
• Clean, ethical harvests

Popular deer hunting bullet weights include:

• 250 grain
• 300 grain
• 325 grain

These loads perform exceptionally well inside normal hunting distances while minimizing unnecessary meat damage.

Best .45-70 Ammo for Hog Hunting

Wild hogs can be incredibly tough animals, making bullet selection especially important.

Many hunters prefer:

• Bonded bullets
• Controlled expansion bullets
• Heavy jacketed soft points

Popular bullet weights include:

• 300 grain
• 325 grain
• 405 grain

The combination of deep penetration and large frontal diameter makes the .45-70 extremely effective on hogs.

Best .45-70 Ammo for Elk Hunting

For larger animals like elk, many hunters move toward heavier bullets.

Common choices include:

• 405 grain
• 430 grain
• 500 grain

Premium controlled-expansion bullets provide excellent penetration through heavy muscle and bone while maintaining reliable expansion.

Within reasonable hunting distances, the .45-70 remains an outstanding elk cartridge.

Best .45-70 Ammo for Bear Hunting

The .45-70 has earned an outstanding reputation for hunting black bears and is also carried by many outdoorsmen in areas inhabited by large predators.

Heavy hard-cast bullets are commonly selected because they offer:

• Deep straight-line penetration
• Excellent bone-breaking capability
• Reliable performance on large animals

For hunters pursuing bear, many experienced shooters prefer heavier loads in the 405- to 500-grain range.

Lever-Action Rifles and .45-70

One of the biggest reasons the .45-70 remains popular is its association with classic lever-action rifles.

Modern lever-action platforms chambered in .45-70 offer:

• Fast follow-up shots
• Excellent reliability
• Compact handling
• Proven hunting performance

Whether hunting dense timber or carrying a rifle through mountainous terrain, many hunters appreciate the quick handling characteristics of a lever gun.

Bullet Weight Guide

The .45-70 offers a wide range of bullet weights.

Generally speaking:

• 250–300 grain loads work well for deer and general hunting.
• 325–405 grain loads provide excellent all-around hunting performance.
• 405–500 grain loads are favored for larger game and deep penetration.

Choosing the right bullet weight depends on the game being hunted and the type of rifle being used.

Hunting Range

Although the .45-70 is not considered a long-range cartridge, it excels at the distances where many hunters actually take game.

Its strengths include:

• Heavy impact
• Excellent energy transfer
• Reliable penetration
• Effectiveness in thick timber

For hunters who typically shoot inside 200 yards, the .45-70 remains one of the most capable hunting cartridges available.

Ammo Availability and Pricing

Because the .45-70 Government continues to enjoy widespread popularity, hunters have access to numerous ammunition choices.

Available options include:

• Traditional hunting loads
• Lever-action optimized ammunition
• Premium hunting ammunition
• Hard-cast bear defense loads
• Modern high-performance loads

Comparing prices between retailers is one of the easiest ways to save money before hunting season.

Is .45-70 the Right Hunting Cartridge?

For many hunters, absolutely.

If you're looking for:

• Proven big-game performance
• Excellent stopping power
• Lever-action compatibility
• Heavy bullet performance
• Reliable close- to medium-range effectiveness

…the .45-70 Government remains one of the finest hunting cartridges ever developed.

Its combination of history, versatility, and undeniable field performance continues to make it a favorite among generations of hunters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best .45-70 ammo for deer hunting?

Many hunters prefer expanding bullets between 250 and 325 grains for deer-sized game because they provide excellent expansion and manageable recoil.

Is .45-70 good for elk?

Yes. Premium hunting ammunition in the 325- to 405-grain range is widely used for elk hunting when shots are kept within ethical distances.

Can you hunt bear with .45-70?

Absolutely. The .45-70 has long been regarded as an excellent choice for black bear, and many hunters carry heavy hard-cast loads for additional penetration.

What bullet weight is best for .45-70?

It depends on the game. Lighter bullets around 300 grains are popular for deer, while 405- to 500-grain loads are favored for larger game and maximum penetration.

Is .45-70 still a good hunting cartridge?

Yes. Despite its age, the .45-70 remains one of the most effective and respected hunting cartridges available today.

Final Thoughts

The .45-70 Government has stood the test of time for good reason. Its ability to deliver heavy bullets, deep penetration, and reliable terminal performance has made it a trusted companion for hunters for more than 150 years.

Whether you're hunting whitetails in thick timber, pursuing elk in the mountains, or carrying a lever-action rifle for bear country, choosing the right ammunition is key to getting the best performance from your rifle.

Before your next hunt, compare current .45-70 Government ammo prices from multiple online retailers with AmmoBrowser to find the best deals.