Good info guys, thanks. I'm not a reloader so availibility of good factory ammo is a requirement
That's a shame because 45-70 is crazy easy to reload, (Straight walled case is easily resized. ) and factory ammo can get expensive if you shoot much quantity. There are certainly sources to mail order a broader variety but in terms of retail stores charging prices you might actually carry the cash to pay....only about 3 loads show up with any regularity.
Winchester has a silverbox cowboy level 405 grain load.
Federal has a 300gr speer soft point that is quite stout for black bear or elk.
Hornady has their 325 grain FTX which I believe is also marked as a lever evolution or maybe a performance load. It's a hot one. Never shot a critter with it but it really destroys targets like steel plate,jugs of water, and cinderblocks.
Problem is the Winchester is a seasonal thing-goes out of stock quickly then you wait a year- and the hornady brass is a bastard length, so federal is about the only reliable source.
Reloading OTOH enables me to make up 1000fps powderpuff loads for fun or Hammer of Thor type loads for serious uses. Brass life is very long. Large rifle primers are easy to find. Varget powder is quite versatile in this cartridge and trail boss works very well for light loads. 2 powders. That's all you need.
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