Phoenix Weaponry has announced the launch of their new AR-10 pattern rifle chambered in a new cartridge called .45-70 Auto. The new cartridge duplicates the .45-70 Government performance in an AR-10 platform.

Images by Phoenix Weaponry

This cartridge is made by turning the rim of the .45-70 Government cartridge and cutting a new rimcut. The result is a rebated rim cartridge with a rim diameter of .473 (identical to .308 Winchester rim diameter). The advantage of the rebated rim is that the new cartridge fits the standard AR-10 bolt face. The .45-70 Auto is headspaced on the case mouth.

For reloading, the company suggests using .45-70 Government reloading data. Standard .45-70 reloading dies with a .308 shell holder can be used to reload this ammunition. The factory brass will be available soon on Phoenix Weaponry website. The rifles will also come with 50 pieces of brass.

Modified LR-308 magazines are used in this rifle

As in the case of many other Phoenix Weaponry rifles, the .45-70 Auto version has a feminine name – Christine. The rifle is based on the company’s upper and lower receivers which are CNC machined out of billet 7075-T7 aluminum. The rifle comes with 18″ or 20″ custom profiled Douglas barrels with 1:14 twist rate. The company claims to achieve sub-MOA accuracy.

Other features are the machined dust cover which fits flush with the receiver when closed, proprietary stronger barrel nut, custom muzzle brake, custom 3 lb trigger, flared magazine well etc.

Here is a video by Phoenix Weaponry showing the new rifle.

This rifle is available for purchase via the Phoenix Weaponry website at a base price of $4,800.

UPDATE: Phoenix Weaponry has published a couple of new images of the .45-70 Auto cartridge. 

.45-70 Auto case (left) compared to .45-70 Government case

L-R: .45-70 Auto, .458 SOCOM, .45 ACP