A Timeless Legacy: Unpacking the .45-70’s Story
The crisp air of the Alaskan wilderness, the adrenaline pumping as you track a massive grizzly, the weighty expectation of a single, well-placed shot…These moments define the essence of bear hunting. Choosing the right cartridge is paramount, the difference between a successful hunt and a potentially dangerous encounter. The .45-70 Government, a cartridge that echoes with the history of the American West, often sparks debate: Is 45 70 Good For Bear, or has it been surpassed by modern advancements? This comprehensive guide will explore the .45-70’s capabilities, limitations, and its place in the modern bear hunter’s arsenal.
The .45-70 Government is more than just a cartridge; it’s a piece of history, a tangible link to an era of pioneers, buffalo hunters, and the settling of the American frontier. Born in the late 1800s, it was initially designed for the Springfield Model 1873, the standard rifle of the U.S. Army. The numbers in its name tell its tale: .45 indicating the bullet’s diameter in inches, and 70 denoting the original charge of black powder in grains.
Its introduction was revolutionary. The powerful, heavy bullet propelled by black powder provided devastating stopping power at a time when repeating rifles were relatively new. The cartridge quickly gained popularity, and its influence extended far beyond the military. It was embraced by hunters, frontiersmen, and target shooters alike. Its simplicity and reliability made it a favorite among those facing the harsh realities of the Wild West. The .45-70 allowed a hunter to bring down even the toughest animals in a quick and reliable way.
The .45-70 Government’s dimensions are still considered substantial by today’s standards. The cartridge fires a bullet that is typically around .458 inches in diameter, which, combined with a range of bullet weights, has always given the shooter many choices for the hunt. The casing itself is about 2.105 inches long, which allows for a decent amount of powder to be used for propelling the bullet at a good speed.
Even with the advent of smokeless powder and more advanced cartridges, the .45-70 has never completely disappeared. Its legacy as a reliable and powerful cartridge continues to resonate, even in our current age of rapid technological change.
Weighing the Balance: Advantages and Disadvantages in the Bear Woods
The .45-70 has a well-deserved reputation for power, but how does it translate into practical bear hunting? Let’s analyze both its strengths and weaknesses.
The Upsides of Big Bore Power
One of the biggest strengths of the .45-70 is definitely its sheer stopping power. The large, heavy bullet, traveling at a moderate velocity, delivers a significant amount of energy to its target. The .458-inch diameter creates a large wound channel, transferring energy effectively, and often leading to rapid incapacitation. This is particularly crucial when dealing with dangerous game, where an immediate stop is essential.
Penetration is another significant advantage. The heavy bullet, designed for deep penetration, can punch through thick hides, bone, and muscle, reaching vital organs. This is especially important when a hunter is tracking a bear, which have a huge mass that a hunter has to deal with when tracking.
While the .45-70 is not considered a long-range cartridge, its effective range for bear hunting is often more than adequate. Most bear encounters occur at relatively close distances, and within this range, the .45-70 shines. It’s crucial to be realistic about shot placement. Knowing how far you and the target are is vital to having a successful hunt.
Furthermore, the versatility of the .45-70 is another bonus. Handloaders especially appreciate the wide variety of bullet weights and designs available. From lighter, faster bullets for flatter trajectories to heavier, hard-cast bullets for maximum penetration, the hunter can tailor their load to suit the specific bear species, terrain, and hunting conditions.
The Downside: Considerations for Hunters
However, the .45-70 also has its drawbacks, and these are very important when you are going on a hunt for the bears. Its trajectory is significantly curved at longer distances. The heavy bullets drop noticeably, requiring precise range estimation and compensating for bullet drop, especially if the distance exceeds 150 yards. This is something a hunter has to keep in mind if they want a successful hunt.
Recoil can also be a challenge. The .45-70 generates a considerable amount of recoil, particularly in lighter rifles. This can affect accuracy, especially for those who are not accustomed to heavy recoil. The shooter has to make sure they are ready for that kick, and follow up shots can be made much harder.
While perfectly adequate at its effective range, the .45-70’s range limitations are undeniable when compared to high-velocity cartridges. If you anticipate the need for long-range shots, the .45-70 might not be the best choice. Knowing how far you and the target are is a very important thing to note while bear hunting, as you want to make a good shot in the first try.
The final factor to consider is bullet selection. The choice of bullet is crucial for bear hunting. It is essential to use a bullet designed for deep penetration and controlled expansion. This can be found when choosing the bullet type, such as a bonded, solid, or a hard-cast bullet, as these options will help ensure adequate performance on a bear. You want a bullet that will punch through bone, not fragment upon impact.
Understanding the Target: Bears and Hunting Styles
The decision to use the .45-70 is very important to consider the species of bear you will encounter. Black bears are generally smaller than grizzlies or brown bears, and polar bears are a very specific kind of bear. All of these bears are different.
For black bears, the .45-70 is often considered a very capable choice, offering plenty of power and penetration. The .45-70 is also very good for brown bears, as well as grizzly bears. You still need to have a good shot placement and ammo selection. The .45-70 may not be ideal for polar bears, as they are bigger, and a bigger cartridge may be needed to have a successful hunt.
Hunting scenarios also influence the decision. Close-range encounters in dense cover favor the .45-70’s power and stopping ability. When hunting on stands or when stalking a bear up close, the .45-70’s strengths are on full display. Open terrain, where longer shots may be necessary, might favor a cartridge with a flatter trajectory, which is something the .45-70 may lack in.
Ammo Choices: The Key to Success
The key to the .45-70’s effectiveness lies in ammunition selection. The proper bullet and load are necessary to make the hunt successful. Choosing the right bullet is especially crucial.
The bullet weight is a significant factor to consider. For bear hunting, you typically want to choose bullets ranging from 300 to 500 grains. Heavy bullets deliver more momentum and energy.
Bullet construction is even more important. You will want a bullet that will hold together upon impact, especially when dealing with a bear. Solid bullets, designed to hold together upon impact and drive deep, are often considered excellent for bear hunting.
The velocity and energy play a huge role, although less important than bullet construction. Look for loads that deliver ample energy and momentum at the expected ranges.
Finally, choose the right bullet type. Options include:
- Soft-point: These bullets expand upon impact, but may not penetrate sufficiently.
- Bonded bullets: These bullets offer excellent weight retention and deep penetration.
- Solid: These bullets offer maximum penetration and are a reliable choice for tough situations.
- Hard-cast: These bullets penetrate very deeply and are often considered a great choice for bear hunting.
For the Hunter: Important Considerations
A hunter’s experience and recoil tolerance are essential. The .45-70 does have a big kick, and you need to be able to control it while hunting. Those less experienced may benefit from starting with lighter loads or shorter practice sessions.
You also need good range estimation skills. Precise range estimation is especially important when shooting at longer ranges due to the .45-70’s trajectory.
The rifle and sight choices are very important. Lever-action rifles are a classic choice, offering quick follow-up shots. Single-shot rifles offer a good amount of power. Both iron sights and scopes can be used. A scope with low magnification is ideal.
Finally, always have a backup plan. Carry a sidearm, and make sure you let someone know where you are.
Comparing the .45-70
The .45-70 is not the only cartridge for bear hunting, and in order to answer the question, “Is 45 70 Good For Bear,” we have to compare it with other options.
The .30-06 Springfield is a versatile cartridge, good for many things, but is often considered light for big bears. The .338 Winchester Magnum offers more power and a flatter trajectory. The .375 H&H Magnum is a very effective cartridge, and is often a better choice. These cartridges all have their pros and cons, but all can be used. The .45-70 gives you an option of power and reliability. It can be very well in close range and good for certain bear species.
Final Verdict: A Reliable Option
So, is 45 70 Good For Bear? The answer, in most cases, is yes. The .45-70 Government, when loaded with the right bullet and handled by a competent hunter, is a very good choice for black bear and brown/grizzly bear. It’s known for its stopping power, penetration, and versatility, and has been proven for a long time.
However, the .45-70 isn’t a perfect solution. Hunters must be mindful of its trajectory, recoil, and range limitations. Choosing the correct bullet is essential.
For hunters who are experienced with heavy recoil and are hunting in situations that favor a shorter range and are happy to make accurate shots at limited distances, the .45-70 is a superb choice.
Ultimately, the best cartridge for bear hunting is the one that you can shoot accurately and confidently, and when using the .45-70, a hunter has the opportunity to find this success. This cartridge has earned its place in the history of hunting, and continues to remain a solid and reliable choice for modern bear hunters.
