Modern 45-70 Government Ammunition

Glenn B

Glenn B

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I am considering purchasing a Marlin 1895G. They are chambered in 45-70 Government. I understand that originally 45-70 Government ammo was loaded with black powder. I have a few questions about this ammunition as it is manufactured and used today:

Are currently manufactured brands of 45-70 Government ammunition loaded with black powder or with modern 'smokeless' noncorrosive powder?

If some are loaded with black powder and others with modern powder - do the manufacturers clearly label them as to with which they are loaded?

What would be the difference using one or the other in a rifle like the Marlin 1895G?
 
Podmonkey

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Most commercial ammo is at the "medium" spectrum, but there are light loads available that duplicate the original black powder loading. Any modern gun from the last 20 or so years should handle the medium level stuff, and the Marlins are very stout. Some manufacturers like Buffalo Bore put out hotter stuff that begin to approach .458 win mag. I understand that the hottest handloads can get quite close to that level.
 
Airborneguy

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I use Hornady Leverlution .45-70 GOV. They hit hard. It's like firing a 12ga. They are smokeless. I can't think of any black powder commercial loads out there. Wouldn't the HAZMAT be a nightmare on that? I do plan to load some of my own though as I got my hands on a ton of black powder for free a few months ago.
 
GOYABEAN

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Glenn B said:
I am considering purchasing a Marlin 1895G. They are chambered in 45-70 Government. I understand that originally 45-70 Government ammo was loaded with black powder. I have a few questions about this ammunition as it is manufactured and used today:

Are currently manufactured brands of 45-70 Government ammunition loaded with black powder or with modern 'smokeless' noncorrosive powder?

If some are loaded with black powder and others with modern powder - do the manufacturers clearly label them as to with which they are loaded?

What would be the difference using one or the other in a rifle like the Marlin 1895G?
Click to expand...
:rolleyes:

Prices Reduced! Marlin 1895 45-70 Starting At $338 After Rebate! 336W 30-30 $308 After Rebate! - $308
 
Glenn B

Glenn B

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All good, thanks to you both. I was hoping that the currently manufactured stuff did not utilize black powder.

As for the HazMat thing, they move black powder somehow, I have a couple of pounds around here somewhere.
 
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