Just purchased a Henry case hardened 45-70 riffle. My go to ammo supplier is Ammooseek. But it is pricey. If any one has a source I would appreciate it.

.45-70 ammo is just not cheap; but I like their Trapdoor load for my Trapdoor...

45-70 Gov't - Steinel Ammunition Co.

You need to handload for any sort of rifle round. Expensive stuff. For 45 - 70 you also need a butt pad and shotgun style stock. That round kicks hard.

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S&WHF #946
S&WCA #3824

That's what I do with my Ruger #3....

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Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

I have at least four .45-70's. As others have said, unless you have a stockpile (I do), then the only affordable option is to roll you own (which I also do).

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Chris
SWCA #2243 SWHF #292

Ammoseek is one way to find suppliers. Shootingbot is another. Unfortunately, you're looking at a $1.50 to $2.00 per round on either site. As others note, handloading would be the way to save some money, but there's setup costs and a learning curve. At a minimum, brass is around 60 to 70 cents each and bullets are 25 to 40 cents each. Powder might be 30 cents per round and primers 8-10 cents.

Unless you want to get into handloading, buy the cheapest stuff you can find on Ammoseek or Shootingbot. It's unlikely you'll find anything much better. I'd suggest you stay away from cheap gunshow reloads if you encounter that temptation. In any case, save your brass; that's makes a big dent in the cost of handloads.

You're at the crossroads than many of us were. Invest in handloading or pay the price of factory ammo. I hit this decision point in my early 20's when my wages didn't go very far in feeding a .357 Mag. I did the math and jumped into the deep end of the pool. I've been handloading ever since. Please don't ask me if it saved me money over the years. I don't wanna know! I do know that I've shot a lot and enjoyed handloading. That's what it's all about after all, isn't it?

Thank you all for the info. Like they say, no such thing as a free lunch.

I have fire arms in every caliber known to man, but the 45-70 seemed over the top price wise. Thought I would ask.

The gun is a tool for hunting, not a range gun, so I will treat it that way and the ammo price wont be that bad.

Cheap .45-70? Look in 1972...

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Pisgah

Buy a S&W .500, it'll help you feel better about the .45-70 ammo prices.

I have six 45-70's and handload. Otherwise, I couldn't shoot. it's a very straightforward process and very relaxing. You can also tame the recoil as well. I can shoot my 1873 trap door Springfield Cavalry Carbine as much as I want without worries

De Oppresso Liber

I have a Trap Door 1873 as well but have never fired it. My Dad bought it in a pawn shop in 1955. I know they take a milder load. Been wanting to shoot it. It has been sitting in a closet for 68 years un touched.

Typically you will reload black powder rounds for a gun made before the turn of the century. Trust me, they will kick like modern ones but the smoke and fire will be fun.

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S&WHF #946
S&WCA #3824

Steinel Ammunition makes good comparatively affordable ammunition.

Cast your own bullets and reload at whatever level your rifle will take. If you shoot a lot, the equipment to do so will pay for itself in a couple years.

John

I have one remaining trapdoor Springfield rifle. It shoots well with Pyrodex. I have a Lyman 310 .45-70 tong tool. Historically appropriate for the trapdoor, and I enjoy using it. I do have a regular die set I use for making up loads for my Marlin 1895.

Reloading is your only realistic option if you're not well to do and you want to shoot a lot. The .41 Long Colt got me into reloading 20 years ago and has become a wonderful hobby. I now reload over 20 different calibers.

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OGCA Member.