The .45-70 Government started life as a military round in the US Model 1873 Springfield rifle which, due to its rather unique breech mechanism, is better known as the “Trapdoor.” The cartridge quickly became popular among civilians in a variety of single-shot rifle lever actions such as Marlin Model 1895 and Winchester Model 1886. It was originally a black powder round, but as smokeless powders appeared, factories made the switch and offered both ammunition types for many years. Today, only smokeless loads are offered by major ammunition companies. Current industry pressure guidelines are established at 28,000 CUP, however; factory load pressures are notably less than this figure. Federal Cartridge, Remington and Winchester advertise a 300-grain jacketed bullet at velocities between 1,810 to 1,880 fps, while Remington still offers the proven 405-grain JSP bullet 1,330 fps.