MyLoads Open the calculator →

45-70 Government (Lever tier) Load Data & Ballistics Calculator

Estimate chamber pressure and muzzle velocity for the 45-70 Government (Lever tier) with the free, in-browser MyLoads internal ballistics simulator. The figures below are illustrative estimates from a physics model — not a recommended load. Always cross-check a current published loading manual.

45-70 Government (Lever tier) reference

Maximum average pressure (MAP)40,000 psi
Nominal case capacity81.0 gr H₂O
Groove / bullet diameter0.458 in (11.63 mm)

Example simulation illustrative

Bullet
Barnes .458 250 gr TSX FB
Powder
IMR 4198
Charge
47 gr
Barrel
24 in

Muzzle velocity

2,220 fps

Peak chamber pressure (interval, ±10% burn rate)

28,859 – 33,882 – 39,294 psi

nominal is 85% MAP (40,000 psi)

The simulator isn't optimized for this cartridge yet and may read pressure high and velocity high.

Illustrative example — every figure is an estimate; always confirm your load against a current published manual before loading.

Popular 45-70 Government (Lever tier) powders

Powders and bullets handloaders commonly use for the 45-70 Government (Lever tier), drawn from public discussion and listed most common first. They appear as the Popular group in the calculator's pickers. This is not a load recommendation — always check your load against a current published manual.

Popular 45-70 Government (Lever tier) bullets

Use MyLoads as a 45-70 Government (Lever tier) velocity and pressure calculator: it estimates muzzle velocity, muzzle energy and the full chamber-pressure curve for your own powder, charge and barrel length, compared against the reference facts above.

Open the 45-70 Government (Lever tier) in the MyLoads calculator →

More cartridges