.45-70 Government
The big lever thumper — bear-country guides love it, and the three distinct load tiers (Trapdoor, lever, Ruger-strong) are the one thing every owner must actually know.
Family
Rifle
Introduced
1873
Origin
US Army, Springfield Armory, USA
Military
.45-70 Government (US service, Trapdoor Springfield era)
History
Adopted by the US Army in 1873 for the Trapdoor Springfield, the .45-70 served through the Indian Wars and hung on in second-line use for decades. Lever guns like the Marlin 1895 gave it a second life as a brush and guide cartridge, and modern loads span a huge power range keyed to action strength. Its 150-year production run is nearly unmatched.
What it's used for
Iconic platforms
Marlin 1895 and its Ruger-made revival, Henry lever guns, Winchester 1886, and Trapdoor Springfields.
Common load types
Flat-nose soft point and hard-cast lever loads, light Trapdoor-safe loads, and stout modern-action-only loads.
Reference only — not loading data, not ballistics advice, and KitID links to no ammunition sellers. Know your local law before you buy anything that goes bang.