Lighter colors are lower prices.
| Today's price vs. 3-mo avg: | |
| Today's price vs. 12-mo avg: | |
| Today's price vs. all-time avg: |
45-70 Government Ammunition: Price Trend Analysis
The 45-70 Government cartridge, with its rich history dating back to 1873, remains a stalwart choice for lever-action enthusiasts, big game hunters, and collectors of classic American firearms. At Black Basin, we track pricing trends to help shooters make informed decisions when purchasing this powerful, heritage cartridge. Let's examine the pricing patterns for 45-70 Government ammunition based on our comprehensive market analysis.
The 45-70 Government Price Landscape
Our price tracking chart monitors daily average prices for factory-new 45-70 Government ammunition from January 2024 through March 2025. This specialized caliber has shown interesting pricing patterns that differ significantly from more common handgun and rifle cartridges.
Key Price Statistics
- Current price: $1.43 per round
- All-time low: $1.25 per round
- All-time high: $1.92 per round
- Average price: $1.56 per round
These figures highlight both the premium nature of this caliber and its relatively stable pricing compared to more volatile ammunition markets.
Understanding 45-70 Government Price Trends
Early 2024: Price Stability with Premium Positioning
The beginning of our tracking period shows 45-70 Government ammunition commanding premium prices around $1.80 per round. This reflects the specialized nature of this caliber, which is produced in smaller quantities than mainstream offerings. The first quarter of 2024 showed relatively stable pricing with minor fluctuations between $1.70 and $1.90 per round.
Mid-2024: Gradual Price Reduction
Starting around May 2024, we observed a slow but consistent downward trend in pricing. By mid-summer, prices had settled into the $1.60 range, representing a roughly 10% decrease from early 2024 levels. This gradual reduction likely resulted from:
- Increased production capacity by major manufacturers
- Normalization of supply chains following previous disruptions
- Seasonal decreases in demand outside of primary hunting seasons
Late 2024: Price Floor and Stabilization
The most notable feature in our chart appears in September through November 2024, when prices reached their lowest point around $1.25-$1.30 per round. This represented an exceptional buying opportunity for enthusiasts of this caliber. Prices then stabilized around $1.35 through the end of 2024.
2025: Modest Upward Movement
The first quarter of 2025 has shown a slight upward price trend, with current prices at $1.43 per round. This represents a 3.62% increase compared to the three-month average, suggesting a potential upward trajectory. However, current prices remain 5.3% lower than the 12-month average and 8.33% below the all-time average of $1.56.
What Makes 45-70 Government Ammunition Unique
Unlike more common calibers, 45-70 Government exhibits pricing characteristics unique to specialty ammunition:
Lower Production Volume
As a specialty caliber with more limited production runs compared to mainstream offerings like 9mm or 5.56mm, 45-70 Government ammunition typically commands higher per-round prices. This limited production creates a different market dynamic with less dramatic price swings.
Diverse Loading Options
45-70 Government ammunition is produced in a wide range of loadings, from mild cowboy action loads to powerful options suitable for large, dangerous game. This diversity in loading options creates a broader price spectrum than many other calibers.
Dedicated User Base
The 45-70 Government enjoys popularity among specific shooter demographics, including lever-action enthusiasts, traditional hunters, and collectors. This dedicated but smaller user base contributes to more stable demand patterns.
Factors Influencing 45-70 Government Ammunition Prices
Several key factors drive the pricing for this historic caliber:
Component Costs
45-70 Government cartridges require substantial amounts of brass and lead compared to smaller calibers. When raw material prices fluctuate, this caliber often shows more pronounced price impacts due to its larger size and material requirements.
Hunting Seasons
Demand for 45-70 Government ammunition typically increases during big game hunting seasons, particularly in regions where lever-action rifles are popular for hunting in heavy brush or timber. Our chart shows subtle price increases aligned with hunting season preparation.
Manufacturing Focus
When ammunition manufacturers prioritize production of mainstream calibers during high-demand periods, specialty calibers like 45-70 Government may see reduced production capacity, potentially affecting availability and price.
Heritage Appeal
The historic significance of the 45-70 Government cartridge creates a collector's premium that helps maintain price stability even when other market factors might suggest price decreases.
Shopping Strategies for 45-70 Government Ammunition
Based on our price tracking data, consider these strategies when purchasing 45-70 Government ammunition:
Seasonal Purchasing
Our data suggests that the best pricing tends to occur during late summer and early fall, before the major hunting seasons begin. Planning purchases during these periods may yield better values.
Price Comparison
Given the significant price gap between the high ($1.92) and low ($1.25) points in our tracking period, comparing prices across multiple retailers is particularly valuable for this caliber.
Bulk Purchasing During Price Dips
When prices approach the $1.30 range, consider purchasing in bulk. Our data suggests these opportunities are relatively infrequent but provide substantial savings.
Loading Consideration
Pay attention to the specific loading when comparing prices. Premium hunting loads with specialized bullets will command higher prices than standard options. Make sure you're comparing equivalent products when evaluating prices.
Conclusion: Navigating the 45-70 Government Market
The 45-70 Government ammunition market shows distinct characteristics that set it apart from more common calibers. While prices remain at a premium compared to mainstream options, the current price of $1.43 represents good value in historical context—8.33% below the long-term average.
At Black Basin, we're committed to helping shooters of classic and specialty calibers make informed purchasing decisions. Our continuous price tracking allows you to identify trends and opportunities in the 45-70 Government ammunition market.
Whether you're feeding a treasured lever-action rifle, preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime hunt, or simply enjoying the historic significance of this legendary cartridge, understanding these price trends helps ensure you get the best value for your ammunition dollar.
Check back regularly for updated pricing information as we continue to track this iconic American cartridge throughout 2025 and beyond.