The 45-70 Government: A Historical Icon
Early Days
To understand the 45-70, you must first understand its history. Born in the late nineteenth century, it was the standard-issue cartridge for the U.S. Army. Its development was driven by a need for a round that could perform in the newly adopted breech-loading rifles. It was designed to be accurate at longer ranges, giving the soldier a fighting edge on the battlefield. The “45” designation refers to the bullet’s diameter, 45 hundredths of an inch. The “70” indicates the standard black powder charge was 70 grains. With its massive bullet and hefty powder charge, it made a huge impact on both military and civilian shooting. The cartridge earned a reputation for its stopping power and remained the dominant round until smokeless powder and smaller caliber rounds emerged. The cartridge, known as the “Government” version, left its mark on the American West. It was used to hunt everything from bison to bear and was considered a favorite by many hunters, scouts, and even outlaws. Its popularity helped to shape American culture.
The 444 Marlin: The Improved Challenger
A New Direction
Fast forward to the mid-twentieth century, and the sporting world saw the development of a cartridge that attempted to improve upon the legacy of the 45-70. The 444 Marlin was developed in 1964 by Marlin Firearms in conjunction with Remington. The aim was simple: to provide a powerful cartridge in a lever-action rifle, building upon the trend of compact rifles for hunting. Its development was a response to the growing interest in more effective hunting cartridges, especially for large game found in thick cover where a flat trajectory wasn’t crucial, but stopping power was.
The Goal
The initial goal was to offer a more powerful round than the .44 Magnum in a platform more familiar to hunters, the lever-action rifle. The 444 Marlin used a .429-inch diameter bullet, similar to that used in the .44 Magnum, but the cartridge case was significantly longer and designed to deliver more energy. It quickly gained a following for its performance on deer, bear, and other large animals at close to medium range.
A Comparison of Ballistic Traits
Bullet Diameters and Weights
The most critical aspect of comparing these two cartridges lies in their ballistic performance. This involves understanding their respective bullet diameters, weights, velocities, energy levels, and trajectories. Both cartridges offer a distinct ballistic profile suitable for different hunting scenarios.
The 45-70, with its name, is known for its generous bullet diameter. Standard bullets measure 0.458 inches, although slightly smaller bullets were occasionally used. This larger diameter means a larger frontal area, which contributes to greater tissue disruption and stopping power. 45-70 bullet weights typically range from 300 grains to 500 grains. Common weights fall in the range of 300 to 405 grains.
The 444 Marlin uses bullets that are 0.429 inches. The typical bullet weight used in a 444 Marlin is from 240 to 300 grains.
Muzzle Velocity and Energy
Muzzle velocity is an essential metric for ballistics. Typically, the 444 Marlin offers a higher muzzle velocity compared to the 45-70, especially when using lighter bullet weights. Factory loads with 240-grain bullets for the 444 Marlin often reach around 2,400 feet per second. 45-70 velocities depend heavily on bullet weight and loading method. Lighter 300-grain loads can reach 1,800 feet per second, while heavier 405-grain loads may top out closer to 1,300 feet per second.
When we discuss muzzle energy, the energy measurement is derived by velocity and bullet weight. While the 444 Marlin may offer a higher muzzle velocity, the 45-70, with its heavier bullets, can often deliver a greater muzzle energy, particularly at the muzzle and at close range. Energy transfer to the target is a key factor in its effectiveness on big game.
Trajectory and Effective Range
Trajectory, or the bullet’s flight path, is a significant factor in hunting accuracy. The flatter the trajectory, the easier it is to estimate bullet drop at various ranges. Due to the higher velocities of the 444 Marlin, it tends to have a flatter trajectory, offering a slightly longer effective range. This makes it slightly easier to aim at distances beyond 100 yards. With the 45-70, the heavier bullets, slower velocities, and more curved trajectories require hunters to be more precise with their range estimations, especially at longer distances. The effective hunting range of the 45-70 is typically within 200 yards, while the 444 Marlin might extend slightly beyond this range, depending on the bullet weight and load used.
Rifle Platforms: Where You’ll Find Them
Lever-Action Rifles
The choice of platform greatly influences the experience of shooting either cartridge. Both the 45-70 and the 444 Marlin are primarily found in lever-action rifles, though other platforms exist.
Lever-action rifles are the defining platform for both cartridges. They’re compact, fast-handling, and traditionally associated with these big-bore rounds. Marlin has been a prominent manufacturer for both, although Henry Repeating Arms has also made strong inroads in recent years with its lever-action options. The simplicity and reliability of lever actions have long made them favorites for hunting in brushy or wooded environments. The 45-70 is available in a wider variety of lever-action models, and is offered by more manufacturers, giving buyers a wider range of choices.
Rifle Features
When you consider the platform, key features to consider include magazine capacity. A rifle with a higher magazine capacity is especially important when hunting dangerous game. Another important aspect is rifle weight. This affects its handling, portability, and felt recoil. Barrel length plays a role in both velocity and overall handling.
Recoil and the Shooting Experience
Recoil Comparison
Recoil is a key element in the shooting experience, and both cartridges deliver a noticeable kick. However, the intensity of the recoil depends on several factors, including bullet weight, powder charge, and the weight of the rifle.
The 45-70 generally produces a more substantial felt recoil. The heavier bullets and often larger powder charges of the 45-70 contribute to more forceful recoil. The 444 Marlin, because of its smaller bullet diameter and, often, higher velocity, produces a sharper recoil, though sometimes perceived to be less powerful than the 45-70. Recoil varies among different factory loads and handloads.
Handling Characteristics
The handling characteristics of these rifles differ based on their weight, balance, and platform. Lever-action rifles are designed for rapid follow-up shots, making them ideal for hunting moving game. The overall size of the rifle influences how easy it is to maneuver through brush. The ergonomics of the rifle, including the stock shape and grip, can affect the shooter’s ability to quickly acquire a target and manage recoil.
Applications in the Field: Hunting Scenarios
Target Game
The 45-70 and the 444 Marlin are versatile cartridges. Deciding which cartridge works best for a particular hunting scenario relies on considering factors like target game and hunting conditions.
Both cartridges excel at taking down large game. The 45-70 is excellent for deer, black bear, elk, and moose, but also has a long track record with dangerous game. The 444 Marlin is ideal for deer, black bear, and other medium to large game animals. Both cartridges are most effective when using proper bullet selection for the intended game animal.
Hunting Scenarios
The 45-70 and the 444 Marlin perform well in close to medium-range hunting situations. The 45-70’s trajectory makes it most suitable for ranges under 200 yards, where precise bullet drop compensation is less critical. The 444 Marlin’s flatter trajectory gives it a slight edge in terms of effective range, allowing for comfortable shots out to 200 yards or a bit further.
Ammunition and Reloading
Ammunition Availability
The availability of ammunition and the ease of reloading are important factors to consider.
Both cartridges are commercially available, but ammunition availability varies. The 45-70 is a more popular cartridge, and factory ammunition is widely available from multiple manufacturers. There is a large variety of bullet types and weights available, ensuring a good selection for diverse hunting applications. 444 Marlin ammunition is less common, but generally available. Hunters should always ensure they have the ammunition that they need before heading into the field.
Reloading Considerations
Reloading offers a way for hunters to customize loads to suit their specific rifles and hunting needs. Reloading components include bullets, brass cases, powders, and primers. Both cartridges can be reloaded, though the 45-70 is easier to reload, due to the wider availability of components and the simpler case geometry. Reloading gives the hunter the ability to fine-tune bullet performance to meet their exact requirements.
Summarizing the Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages of the 45-70
- Widely available factory ammunition.
- Wide range of available bullets and weights.
- Excellent stopping power.
- Time-tested, historic cartridge.
Disadvantages of the 45-70
- Steeper trajectory compared to the 444 Marlin.
- More significant recoil, which some hunters may find difficult to manage.
Advantages of the 444 Marlin
- Higher muzzle velocity than the 45-70.
- Flatter trajectory.
- Suitable for a wide range of big game.
Disadvantages of the 444 Marlin
- Factory ammunition is less widely available.
- Recoil, although not typically as punishing as the 45-70, is still substantial.
Making the Right Choice
The choice between the 45-70 and the 444 Marlin comes down to personal preference and specific hunting needs. The 45-70 is a great option for hunters who prioritize stopping power and are comfortable with the trajectory. It’s also a great choice for those looking for a classic cartridge with a rich history. The 444 Marlin is better for hunters looking for a flatter trajectory, more rapid follow-up shots, and a slightly longer effective range. The decision depends on the type of hunting you do, the type of game you hunt, and your level of experience.
This comparison provides a comprehensive understanding of these two big-bore cartridges, enabling a well-informed decision. Hunters must carefully consider the factors and find the cartridge and rifle combination that best fits their style and the environment they’re hunting in.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, the best cartridge is the one that you are most comfortable and confident with.
The 45-70, an American classic, continues to serve hunters well in many applications, while the 444 Marlin continues to offer a powerful cartridge in a lever-action platform. By understanding their differences, a hunter can select the ideal cartridge. Consider your hunting environment, the game you are pursuing, and your personal shooting ability, and you’ll be well on your way to making the right choice.
