“.45-70”

Federal's lever-action focused line of HammerDown ammunition already included options such as .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .30-30 Winchester, .45-70 Government, and more. Now, a 270-grain load of 444 Marlin is available.

A large part of what makes the new Ruger-made 1895 SBL an ideal calling card is that it appeals to both hunters and personal protectors. Chambered in .45-70 Gov't, regardless of the game, or the threat, this slick-handling powerhouse is a closer.

It’s as big as the Grand Canyon, it’s right at home when chambered in a classic lever gun like the Winchester Model 1886, the Marlin Model 1895 or a classic Sharps falling block, and like America herself, it’s big enough to handle Alaska. Meet the "Most American" rifle cartridge: the .45-70 Government.

Iowa and other states are opening shotgun-only deer seasons to straight-walled cartridges like the .45-70 Gov’t., .444 Marlin and .450 Bushmaster. Here’s how to wring the most performance from their rainbow-like trajectories.

Other than the feral hog, the whitetail deer covers more diverse types of terrain than any other game animal, leading hunters to have a wide variety of favorite cartridges. Additionally, whitetail hunters are perhaps the most fervent defenders and proponents of their chosen cartridges, which can range from the .22 Hornet to the .45-70 Government—not to mention the shotgun crowd. How do you even begin a "Top 5?"

Starline, which until now has largely produced handgun brass, will be opening up its line of rifle brass.

Federal's new HammerDown ammo is designed for optimal cycling and performance in the lever-gun platform.

Some argue that .223 Rem. is not adequate for deer. They say the bullet is too small and the cartridge lacks power. They also claim it is not legal in most states. Factually speaking, they are wrong on all accounts. With the right bullet, .223 Rem. can drive to 20-plus inches and expand to double diameter. And, in the states that allow rifles for deer hunting, only eight do not permit the use of the .223 Rem. As far as the “right bullet” goes, one of the best .223 Rem. loads for deer is the 62-grain Federal Fusion.