A Look Back at History
The roar of a big bore cartridge echoing through the stillness of a forest or the echoing blast of a handgun is a primal sound, a symbol of raw power and untamed energy. For those who appreciate the substantial and enjoy the thrill of handling a serious piece of firepower, the world of large-caliber cartridges holds a unique appeal. The 45-70 Government and the 500 S&W Magnum represent two distinct approaches to the same fundamental desire: to deliver devastating force in a single, well-placed shot. This article will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two behemoths, exploring their history, ballistics, performance characteristics, practical applications, and the firearms they call home. Our objective is to provide an in-depth understanding, allowing enthusiasts, hunters, and firearm aficionados to appreciate the nuances of each cartridge and determine which one truly reigns supreme in the realm of big bore cartridges.
The story of the 45-70 Government is deeply intertwined with the history of the American West and the evolution of military weaponry. Born in an era of rapid technological advancement, the 45-70 emerged as a replacement for the less-capable .50-70 cartridge, marking a significant step forward in firearms technology. Adopted by the US Army in the late nineteenth century, it quickly proved its worth on the battlefield and in the hands of frontiersmen and hunters. The cartridge’s designation, the 45-70-405, clearly outlines its specifications: it takes a .45-caliber bullet, uses seventy grains of black powder, and was first loaded with a 405-grain bullet. The design of the bullet and the characteristics of the gunpowder would change across time, but the impact of the 45-70 on the nation’s history is undeniable. It was a round that helped build the railroads and helped the settlement of the American West. It’s simplicity and raw power are what has kept it alive and thriving even today.
The 500 S&W Magnum, by stark contrast, is a product of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. Conceived and created by Smith & Wesson, this cartridge was designed to push the limits of handgun performance, seeking to become the most powerful handgun cartridge ever created. The motivations behind its development were clear: to offer unparalleled stopping power and energy delivery in a handgun platform. The 500 S&W Magnum was a modern marvel, a testament to advances in metallurgy and ammunition manufacturing. It took advantage of smokeless powders, providing a greater force with smaller volumes of powder when compared to its larger 45-70 cousin. The 500 S&W Magnum has since inspired other large bore calibers, but none have matched its raw power.
A Ballistic Examination
Understanding the ballistic characteristics of each cartridge is crucial for any meaningful comparison. This involves analyzing their dimensions, bullet choices, muzzle velocities, energies, and trajectory.
When examining cartridge dimensions, a few key differences emerge. The 45-70 Government boasts a relatively long and straight-walled case, originally designed to accommodate black powder. The 500 S&W Magnum features a shorter, wider case, optimized for the more energetic modern smokeless powders that generate high pressure in a much more compact space. The 45-70’s case is almost 2.1 inches long, while the 500 S&W Magnum’s case is closer to 1.6 inches. The overall length of the cartridge reflects these proportions, with the 45-70’s longer overall length being better suited for rifles.
The world of bullet selection for the 45-70 is a world of variety. Bullet weights typically range from around 300 grains to over 500 grains, with a variety of bullet shapes, including round nose, flat nose, and hollow points. The 500 S&W Magnum often uses heavier bullets, with common weights ranging from 300 to 700 grains, also offered in a wide variety of shapes and designs to fit almost any need. The availability of specific bullet types is something to keep in mind, but both cartridges have a large amount of options available.
Muzzle velocity and muzzle energy differences are significant. The 500 S&W Magnum, owing to its modern design and high-pressure capabilities, typically boasts considerably higher muzzle velocities and energies. For example, a 300-grain bullet fired from a 500 S&W Magnum can easily surpass 1600 feet per second, generating over 1700 foot-pounds of energy. The 45-70, in modern loads, can achieve velocities of 1800 feet per second with lighter bullets, and over 1200 with the heavier bullets. This difference in energy is a key factor when comparing the stopping potential of the two.
The trajectory of a bullet significantly influences its effective range. The flatter the trajectory, the less bullet drop at a given distance. The 500 S&W Magnum’s generally higher velocity translates to a flatter trajectory compared to the 45-70, making it slightly easier to accurately hit targets at extended ranges, though both rounds are known for their bullet drop and a skilled shooter must compensate accordingly.
Power in Action
When it comes to power and performance, both the 45-70 and the 500 S&W Magnum command respect, but their delivery of force differs.
The stopping power of a cartridge is complex, influenced by energy, momentum, bullet design, and the target. While not an exact science, these factors all help determine how effectively a round will bring down an animal. The 500 S&W Magnum, with its substantial energy and the availability of expanding bullets, offers potentially greater stopping power, particularly when targeting larger, dangerous game like brown bears. The 45-70, when used with appropriate bullet designs, has an exceptional reputation for stopping power within its effective range.
Penetration is another important consideration. The 500 S&W Magnum’s high velocity can enhance penetration, allowing it to break through thick hides and barriers. However, the 45-70, with its heavy, well-constructed bullets, can also achieve impressive penetration. The effectiveness of penetration depends heavily on bullet design and construction, with solid bullets being a good choice for deep penetration, and expanding bullets being made for stopping power.
Recoil is an unavoidable reality with both cartridges. The 500 S&W Magnum is notorious for its potent recoil, due to its high energy and handgun platform. The 45-70, especially when fired from a heavier rifle, typically has a more manageable recoil impulse, though it can still be considerable. The design of the firearm plays a large part in mitigating felt recoil.
Effective range and accuracy influence the potential for success. The 500 S&W Magnum’s flatter trajectory and inherent accuracy, especially in longer-barreled handguns, make it easier to consistently hit targets at longer distances than the 45-70, but the difference is minimal for experienced shooters. The 45-70, despite its slower trajectory, is still accurate out to several hundred yards, especially when fired from a high-quality rifle.
Finding the Right Use
The applications of the 45-70 Government and the 500 S&W Magnum differ, although both cartridges overlap in some areas.
For the 45-70, the most common application is hunting. The cartridge shines when hunting big game, especially in close-to-medium-range encounters. Hunters use it to target deer, elk, and bears. The 45-70’s versatility extends to target shooting and the nostalgia-filled activity of long-range shooting using the historic and proven Sharps rifles.
The 500 S&W Magnum is well-suited for hunting applications, too. It’s frequently employed for hunting dangerous game, offering the potential for rapid knockdown. The cartridge is a top choice in bear defense. It also has a role in personal defense, for those comfortable with the size and recoil of the cartridge.
When it comes to comparing applications, the 45-70 offers a blend of power and versatility suitable for a range of hunting situations. The 500 S&W Magnum, while potentially more effective in certain scenarios, tends to be specialized for specific needs.
Firearms to Choose From
The platforms used for these powerful cartridges are quite different.
Rifles chambered in 45-70 are classic icons. The lever-action rifle, such as those manufactured by Marlin and Henry Repeating Arms, remains the quintessential 45-70 firearm, offering quick follow-up shots and ease of handling. Bolt-action rifles are also available, offering increased accuracy and range. Single-shot rifles, such as the Ruger No. 1, are a great example of how the 45-70 has stood the test of time.
The 500 S&W Magnum is almost exclusively found in revolvers. The Smith & Wesson X-Frame revolvers are the most popular platform, offering the mass needed to mitigate recoil. Handguns like the Taurus Raging Bull are another example of a handgun built for this powerful cartridge.
Costs of firearms vary greatly. 45-70 rifles, especially lever-action models, are relatively affordable, while other platforms can cost much more. The 500 S&W Magnum revolvers are generally more expensive than the 45-70 rifles, due to their specialized design and limited production.
Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages
A careful assessment of the pros and cons of each cartridge is essential for a thorough comparison.
The 45-70 boasts several advantages. It offers historical significance, a wide range of ammunition availability, and exceptional versatility, particularly in rifles. In most platforms, it will offer a milder recoil. The disadvantages include trajectory limitations, particularly at long ranges.
The 500 S&W Magnum’s advantages include its raw power, its ability to perform in the more compact handguns, and the extreme power available. The disadvantages include the high recoil, the cost of ammunition, and the significant overall size of the firearm.
The Ruling
So, which big bore cartridge reigns supreme? The answer depends on the individual’s needs and priorities. The 45-70 Government is a heritage cartridge, steeped in history, and offering significant power and versatility. It shines as a capable hunting round. The 500 S&W Magnum is the ultimate expression of handgun power, well-suited for demanding scenarios. Both cartridges offer unique advantages, and the “best” choice depends on the intended application. The 500 S&W Magnum wins in the realm of pure power and effectiveness in a handgun, but the 45-70 wins in versatility and historical impact. Ultimately, both are impressive and memorable cartridges.
If your goals lean toward hunting a variety of game, target shooting, or simply owning a piece of firearms history, the 45-70 is an excellent choice. If you seek maximum stopping power in a handgun for bear defense or you like to experience the recoil from a true powerhouse, then the 500 S&W Magnum is a strong contender.
A Final Call
I hope this in-depth comparison provides clarity on the 45-70 Government and the 500 S&W Magnum. Remember to research and consider local regulations and safety precautions when handling firearms. Always prioritize safe gun handling practices.
Do you have experience with either of these cartridges? Share your insights and favorite loads in the comments below! Let’s continue the conversation.
