We understand the need for very powerful, yet lighter recoiling .45-70 ammunition that can effectively take any game in North America and most of the world. When firing our Magnum .45-70 ammunition in light, handy lever-action and single-shot rifles, felt recoil can be unpleasant for some shooters. These new Standard Pressure, Lower Recoil .45-70 loads fill a much-needed niche.
Pressure
These loads operate at Standard Pressure, within the SAAMI limit of 28,000 CUP. While most cartridges don’t have a direct CUP-to-PSI conversion, the .45-70 conveniently does—so 28,000 CUP is roughly equivalent to 28,000 PSI.
These cartridges are safe to fire in any and all .45-70 firearms except:
- 1873 Trapdoor Springfield rifles
- Modern reproductions of the Trapdoor action
We believe SAAMI’s recommendation of 28,000 CUP for Trapdoor actions is incorrect. Loads exceeding 20,000 CUP may damage these actions. While damage is not guaranteed at 28,000 CUP, it is a known risk—so we advise against using this ammo in Trapdoor-style rifles.
Lower Recoil
Felt recoil is subjective, but when firing this Lower Recoil ammo in a typical 6.5 lb. Marlin Guide Gun, we observe a recoil reduction of approximately 40%+ compared to our Magnum .45-70 loads using the same bullets.
Full Power
These loads are not underpowered. They are serious hunting loads. For example, item #8H uses the same 430 gr. hard cast, gas-checked bullet as item #8A, but at a reduced velocity of 1,550 fps (about 350 fps slower). Even at this velocity, the bullet can penetrate nearly lengthwise through a 2,000 lb. buffalo.
This load was originally developed for the founder’s wife, who weighs only 105 lbs. and could not handle the recoil of item #8A. After six years of successful use, it was introduced to the public along with three other “Lower Recoil” loads.
Engineering
These loads are designed to stay at or under the SAAMI 28,000 CUP limit while using a slightly compressed powder charge. This prevents recoil in magazine tube rifles from driving bullets too deeply into the casing.
After extensive testing, we selected the proper powder for each bullet type. The result is:
- Very powerful hunting performance
- Greatly reduced felt recoil and muzzle report
- Reliable bullet seating under recoil
- Safe use in all .45-70 firearm designs (except Trapdoor actions)
