Choosing the right cartridge can significantly impact your hunting success and shooting experience. This in-depth comparison of the venerable .45-70 Government and the widely popular .308 Winchester will help you decide which caliber best suits your needs. We'll delve into ballistics, applications, recoil, and more to provide a clear picture of each cartridge's strengths and weaknesses.
Ballistics: A Tale of Two Calibers
The .45-70 Government and the .308 Winchester represent distinctly different approaches to cartridge design. The .45-70, a classic black powder cartridge, is known for its substantial bullet weight and devastating stopping power at close to medium ranges. The .308 Winchester, a modern bottlenecked cartridge, prioritizes flatter trajectory, higher velocity, and longer effective range.
.45-70 Government:
- Caliber: .458 inch
- Bullet Weight: Typically ranges from 300 to 500 grains
- Velocity: Generally lower than the .308, typically around 1800-2200 fps depending on load
- Energy: High, due to the heavy bullet weight
- Trajectory: Relatively steep trajectory, requiring more precise range estimation at longer distances
.308 Winchester:
- Caliber: .308 inch
- Bullet Weight: Commonly uses bullets from 150 to 180 grains
- Velocity: Significantly higher than the .45-70, often exceeding 2800 fps
- Energy: High at longer ranges due to higher velocity, but lower energy at the muzzle compared to the .45-70
- Trajectory: Flatter trajectory, allowing for easier target acquisition at longer distances
Recoil and Handling
The difference in recoil between these two cartridges is substantial. The .45-70 Government delivers a powerful, noticeable recoil, making it crucial to utilize proper shooting techniques and a rifle with sufficient weight to mitigate felt recoil. The .308 Winchester, while still possessing recoil, is significantly more manageable for most shooters, particularly for extended shooting sessions.
Hunting Applications: Big Game vs. Versatile Use
The .45-70 Government excels in close to medium-range hunting of large game animals such as bear, elk, and moose. Its substantial bullet weight and energy deliver exceptional stopping power, ensuring a clean and humane kill. However, its steep trajectory limits its effectiveness at longer ranges.
The .308 Winchester is a highly versatile cartridge suitable for a broader range of game, from deer and antelope to larger animals at longer ranges. Its flatter trajectory and higher velocity make it an excellent choice for hunters who need to engage targets at greater distances. It's also a popular choice for target shooting and competitive disciplines.
Ammunition Availability and Cost
Both .45-70 Government and .308 Winchester enjoy widespread availability. However, the .308 Winchester boasts a significantly wider selection of ammunition types, including various bullet weights, designs, and loads, offering greater flexibility to the shooter. While both are readily accessible, the .308 Winchester generally offers more competitive pricing options.
Rifle Selection: A Matter of Fit and Purpose
Selecting the appropriate rifle for each cartridge is essential. .45-70 rifles are generally heavier and sturdier, built to withstand the cartridge's powerful recoil. .308 Winchester rifles offer a wider range of styles, from lightweight hunting rifles to precision-built target rifles.
Conclusion: The Right Choice Depends on Your Needs
Ultimately, the best cartridge—the .45-70 Government or the .308 Winchester—depends entirely on your intended use. If you're hunting large game at closer ranges and prioritize stopping power, the .45-70 is a compelling option. However, if you need a more versatile cartridge with a flatter trajectory, longer range, and manageable recoil, the .308 Winchester is the clear winner. Consider your hunting style, target game, and shooting experience when making your decision.
