I am new to 45-70 except my Trap Door that I have never fired. Anyone know of a ammo supplier that is affordable. Also any input on the firearm appreciated. It is a case hardened 22 inch octagon barrel. Thanks!

When I first got my 45/70 Sharps "buffalo riflef" a decade ago, I first bought ammo for it, but ever since cast and load my own for it. Assuming your rifle is a new made rifle, and not an antique, you can likely find ammo for it at a bigger gun store, like a Cabela's or Bass Pro Shop. Commercial ammo esp for an uncommnon cartridge is never going to be inexpensive though. i don't know anything about the Trap Door rifles. SF VET

I've been shooting 45-70 since 1983. It is very affordable to reload! But it is a large cartridge! so the marketers seem to think it should be sold for big money! I currently have 4 rifles (1974 Shilo Sharps, M-1873 Cav Carbine from 1875, a Browning 1886 from 1986, and a first year JM Marlin Guide Gun.)

Loadings: Loading manuals list 3 strength levels for 45-70. All common factory ammo is loaded to the lowest level (1873 Trapdoor)

I load a light plinking load, a Black Powder load, and a pretty massive anti bear load (That is safe in the 1886 and Marlin category)

Loading realities: E=M C squared! Both the Energy and the felt recoil increase with any additional velocity or bullet weight! If you stick to 300 grain bullets around 1300 fps (black powder velocity), it will be a pleasant and mild gun. My bear load is 400 grains at 2200 fps and kills on both ends. Loading accurate 45-70 ammo with any bullet weight at the 1300 to 1700 fps level, it is hard to come up with an inaccurate load! Consistency is your friend! Common factory ammo doesn't seem to follow that rule!

Ivan

Ivan the B. (post #3) has covered the ammo subjct very well ...
To which let me add ... The Lee Hand Press works great for reloading and is very portable . You don't need a bench to mount it on ... I use one for all my cast bullet rifle reloading ... and all my handgun loading ...
The Little Press is just so ... Handy !
Gary

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Most pleasant to shoot commercial ammo ive shot is the remington corelokt 405gr at about 1300fps. The hornady leverevolution isn't too bad. For some heavy hitters, Underwood and hsm both make 430gr loads moving upwards of 1800fps. Good choice on the rifle. I've had mine a couple years now, and absolutely love it.

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Please no more EZs...

I've used Federal 300 grain hollow points for deer hunting. Never needed more than 1 shot for a deer.

Thanks for the info I really appreciate it. We have a lot of hogs and deer on our property, but what do you think a good practice target ammo would be?