The Genesis of Giants: A Tale of Two Cartridges
The 45-70 Government
The thrill of the hunt, the satisfaction of a well-placed shot, the power felt in the shoulder – these are experiences that draw hunters and shooting enthusiasts to large-bore rifles. Among the most iconic and capable cartridges in this realm are the 450 Marlin and the venerable 45-70. This article delves into a comprehensive comparison, exploring their histories, ballistic profiles, platform options, hunting applications, and ultimately, helping you determine which cartridge best suits your needs. We’ll examine the heart of both the 450 Marlin and the 45-70, shedding light on their strengths and weaknesses to guide your decision-making process.
The story of these cartridges begins not in modern design labs, but on the battlefields and vast landscapes of the American West. The 45-70 Government, formally known as the .45-70-405, came into being in the late 1800s. It was adopted by the United States Army in 1873, representing a significant step forward in military cartridge design. The “45” denotes the bullet’s diameter in inches, the “70” specifies the grains of black powder originally used, and the “405” described the bullet weight, also in grains. This combination provided soldiers with a formidable long-range weapon at the time. The black powder-powered 45-70 quickly became the standard for the U.S. Army, and the single-shot Springfield Model 1873 rifle proved a reliable tool for both military and civilian use.
The 45-70’s role in the taming of the West is undeniable. Frontiersmen, hunters, and settlers relied on this cartridge to defend themselves, hunt game, and provide for their families. The iconic lever-action rifles, like the Winchester Model 1876 and the Marlin Model 1895, chambered in the 45-70, cemented its place in American history. The cartridge’s popularity surged, and it continues to be popular among modern shooters, who respect the 45-70 for its power and tradition. Over the years, many bullet and powder variations have been developed.
The 450 Marlin
Fast forward to the modern era. The 450 Marlin emerged in 2000, a joint project by Marlin Firearms and Hornady. It was designed to address some limitations of the 45-70 while capitalizing on advancements in bullet and powder technology. The 450 Marlin was born in an age of increased emphasis on safety. Its creation was driven by the desire to provide a more potent cartridge than the 45-70 while maintaining compatibility with the popular lever-action rifle platform, mainly produced by Marlin. However, it was created with a thicker case and a rebated rim for maximum strength and designed to be loaded with modern, higher-pressure propellants. This was the main difference, but a crucial one.
Ballistic Battleground: Examining Performance
Understanding the numbers is crucial to truly compare these cartridges. Let’s look at the details of their capabilities.
45-70 Government Ballistics
The 45-70 boasts a case with a generous capacity, though the shape itself is similar to that of other similar rounds. Common bullet weights typically range from grains, to grains, and sometimes even heavier, dependent on whether the shooter is hunting deer, elk, or even bear. The muzzle velocity of the 45-70, when using a common grain bullet and modern smokeless powder, often hovers around feet per second, providing substantial energy at the muzzle. However, its trajectory, due to the nature of its slower-moving projectiles, becomes increasingly curved at extended ranges. A shot placed at 200 or 300 yards will require significant adjustments to the sights to compensate for bullet drop. The 45-70 truly shines at moderate distances, where its delivered energy is immense.
450 Marlin Ballistics
The 450 Marlin, on the other hand, takes advantage of modern design principles. While it fires similar diameter bullets, the 450 Marlin is designed for increased pressures and a straighter trajectory, within the parameters of the lever-action rifle. Case design is more robust, supporting the higher pressures generated by modern smokeless propellants. Using a grain bullet, muzzle velocities can often reach feet per second. The 450 Marlin boasts a flatter trajectory compared to the 45-70 , providing a little more range and less need to compensate for drop. The energy delivered at the muzzle is also slightly higher, which equates to greater impact force upon hitting the target.
Comparison
This means that the 450 Marlin can sometimes have an advantage, in the form of more consistent point of impact across a wider range of distances. Of course, the real world performance will depend on many factors, including the shooter’s skill and the specific loading used.
Rifle Platforms: Where Power Meets Form
The choice of platform plays a critical role in the experience with each cartridge. The 45-70 has a long and storied association with lever-action rifles. The Marlin Model 1895, with its robust action and easy reloading, has become an icon of the 45-70 world. The Winchester Model 1886, and its modern counterparts, have also been popular choices. These lever-actions are known for their quick handling and relatively comfortable recoil impulse, making them ideal for quick follow-up shots. Single-shot rifles, like the Ruger No. 1, also provide a platform for the 45-70, often in a very accurate setup. The 45-70’s popularity has ensured a healthy supply of rifles and aftermarket accessories, enhancing the ability for shooters to find what they need to customize their setups.
The 450 Marlin has been principally associated with lever-action rifles, and the initial models were designed specifically for the Marlin Model 1895. However, the 450 Marlin rifles are less common when compared to the 45-70. This can make finding one more difficult. The robust, lever-action platforms are built to handle the increased pressures of the 450 Marlin, providing a solid and accurate shooting experience. Because of the newer nature of the cartridge, the aftermarket support does not match the 45-70, but this does not mean that there is not customization available.
Hunting: Matching Cartridge to the Quarry
For hunting big game, both cartridges excel, but their strengths align differently. The 45-70, with its large-diameter bullet and substantial energy, is a proven performer on deer, black bear, and even elk at moderate ranges. It offers excellent stopping power, which translates to greater chances of bringing down an animal quickly. The heavy, slow-moving bullets tend to penetrate deeply, creating a devastating wound channel. Hunters must consider the trajectory, and have to adjust their sights as required. The 45-70 is well-suited for thick cover, where shots are typically taken at relatively close ranges.
The 450 Marlin builds on the 45-70’s strengths, with a little more power and a flatter trajectory. It’s equally effective on the same game species. The 450 Marlin excels when faced with larger, tougher game species such as the larger bears and elk. Its flatter trajectory extends the practical range, enabling precise shot placement at slightly further distances. Like its counterpart, it delivers a substantial amount of energy, ensuring quick and humane kills.
Ultimately, both cartridges are more than capable of handling the vast majority of North American game, but the specific hunting situation might influence which cartridge is more suitable. Terrain, shooting distances, and the size of the target animal all factor into the decision.
The Feel of Fire: Recoil and the Shooting Experience
Recoil is a significant aspect of shooting these large-bore rifles. The 45-70, due to the slightly lighter powder charge and more moderate pressures when compared to many 450 Marlin loads, generally produces a bit less felt recoil. It can still be substantial, especially when firing heavier bullet weights from a lighter rifle. The recoil is usually a push, rather than a sharp jab, and often becomes more manageable as the shooter becomes accustomed to the rifle.
The 450 Marlin, with its higher velocities and greater energies, often generates a slightly more intense recoil. The felt recoil can vary depending on the bullet weight, powder charge, and rifle weight. The more powerful loads can produce a noticeable kick, particularly for those not accustomed to large-bore rifles. However, many shooters appreciate the increased power that comes with the additional recoil.
It’s important to manage recoil with proper shooting form, including a solid stance, good shoulder placement, and a firm grip.
Ammunition: Sourcing the Right Load
The selection and availability of ammunition are important considerations. The 45-70 enjoys a significantly wider variety of ammunition options. Because of the long history of the cartridge, it is offered by a wide array of manufacturers, with many bullet weights, configurations, and specialized hunting loads. These are often easily found in many locations. There is also a huge selection for handloaders.
The 450 Marlin, as a newer cartridge, presents somewhat less diverse ammunition options. While Hornady, and other manufacturers, produce quality ammunition, availability at your local store could be somewhat more limited. Handloading is a viable option, opening up a world of opportunities for tailoring loads to specific needs.
Summarizing the Strengths and Weaknesses
Let’s take a look at the key advantages and disadvantages of each round:
45-70 Strengths and Weaknesses
The 45-70 has been a staple of the shooting community for many years, and has become very popular. It benefits from its vast selection of rifles and ammunition, with a long and rich history. However, bullet drop at longer ranges can present a challenge. Recoil is comparatively reasonable.
450 Marlin Strengths and Weaknesses
The 450 Marlin, offers superior ballistics and more effective power. It has a slightly flatter trajectory, which means less compensation is required for bullet drop. Recoil is higher, and selection is more limited.
Choosing Your Cartridge: A Personalized Decision
Deciding between these two rounds hinges on what is most important to you.
If you value the history, wide selection of ammunition, and the comfortable familiarity of a classic, the 45-70 remains an excellent choice. It is an ideal cartridge for many applications.
If you are looking for a little more power, a flatter trajectory, and the added performance that comes with modern design, the 450 Marlin may be the better fit.
Consider your hunting style, the game you intend to pursue, and your comfort level with recoil. Both cartridges can certainly get the job done, so a careful consideration of these factors is important.
Final Thoughts
The 45-70 and 450 Marlin represent two of the most effective and enjoyable cartridges. Both boast significant power, making them ideal for hunting a wide array of game. The 450 Marlin, with its modern design, delivers enhanced ballistics, while the 45-70 provides an iconic feel with a massive variety of platforms available. Ultimately, the choice is down to individual preferences and priorities. Both cartridges will provide you with hours of enjoyment.
References
(Replace with your references. You would list websites, books, articles you used, etc.)
