45-70 vs 45 Colt: Which One Should I Choose?

Ammunition & Reloading
1

I’m diving into the world of large caliber cartridges and I’m torn between the .45-70 Government and the .45 Colt. Both have their unique charms and practical uses, but I’m looking for some guidance on how they stack up against each other, especially in terms of performance and versatility in hunting scenarios.

Specifications Comparison

  • .45-70 Government: Known for its high stopping power, it’s often favored for big game hunting at various ranges. Its heavier bullets can deliver immense energy, making it a popular choice for hunting large animals like elk or bear.
  • .45 Colt: This one is more versatile and historically rich. Originally designed for revolvers, it’s widely used for cowboy action shooting, self-defense, and even some hunting applications with lighter loads.

Performance Differences

  • Recoil: The .45-70 tends to have a distinctly heavier recoil compared to the .45 Colt. For those who are recoil sensitive, the .45 Colt might be more manageable.
  • Range and Accuracy: The .45-70 is generally preferred for longer ranges due to its energy retention and better ballistic coefficient.
  • Bullet Weight Options: The .45-70 offers a broader range of bullet weights, from 300 gr to 500 gr, whereas .45 Colt bullets usually range from 200 gr to 300 gr.

Ideal Use Cases

  • Hunting: If your primary goal is hunting large game, the .45-70 might be the superior choice. It’s specifically designed for that purpose and excels in performance at various distances. However, if you’re more into casual hunting or plinking at the range, the .45 Colt will serve you just fine and offer more flexibility.
  • Self-Defense: Generally speaking, the .45 Colt is a go-to for self-defense situations due to its manageable recoil and effective stopping power.

Considering Your Firearm

Another aspect worth mentioning is the type of firearm you plan to use. The .45 Colt is available in various revolvers and lever-action rifles, while the .45-70 is typically found in specialized rifles. Think about what you’ll be using most before making a decision.

Community Insight

If you’ve had experiences with either of these cartridges, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What kind of game have you hunted with them? Do you have any recommendations based on practical experiences? Your insights would be invaluable as I navigate this decision.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

2

When comparing the .45-70 Government with the .45 ACP, the .45-70 typically offers higher velocity and energy, making it a better choice for large game hunting. Its effective range can exceed 300 yards, while the .45 ACP is more suited for self-defense with effective ranges around 25-50 yards.

3

That’s a great breakdown! I’ve been reading that the .45-70 can deliver over 2,000 ft-lbs of energy, while the .45 ACP is usually around 400 ft-lbs. That’s a huge difference in stopping power!

4

For self-defense, many people swear by the .45 ACP due to its manageable recoil, which makes follow-up shots easier. The .45-70 is a beast; it’s powerful but requires more skill to shoot effectively in a defensive situation.

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5

I totally agree! However, I feel like if you’re in a survival situation, the versatility of the .45-70 for hunting could outweigh the ACP’s self-defense benefits.

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6

It’s also important to consider the intended use. The .45-70 excels in hunting dangerous game due to its power and range, while the .45 ACP is compact enough for concealed carry. Think about your scenarios.

7

Can’t help but feel that a .45-70 in a home defense scenario might be overkill! Just imagine the wall damage! It’s definitely not the best choice for home defense.

8

Great point, Tiffany! But if it’s the only option, I wouldn’t complain about that kind of stopping power! Just make sure you have a good backstop!

9

This really comes down to personal preference and needs. I have both, and I value the .45-70 for hunting but rely on the .45 ACP for daily carry in urban settings.

10

Does anyone here reload? I’ve seen some impressive recipes for both calibers. It’s incredible how you can tweak the .45-70 for different hunting scenarios!

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11

I’ve been curious about that too! What are some of the best loads you’ve found for hunting with the .45-70? I’d love to experiment.

12

For hunting, I recommend BTSP bullets in the .45-70; they really take down big game effectively. But make sure you’re comfortable with the recoil; it packs a punch!

13

I appreciate all this info! How about any thoughts on comparing the trajectory of both calibers at extended ranges? I’ve always struggled with it.

14

That’s a good question! The .45-70 has a more pronounced drop over distance compared to the .45 ACP. The ACP is more forgiving in urban settings due to its trajectory. But if you can manage it, the .45-70 pays off!

15

Thanks for clarifying! It’s a lot to think about. I guess it boils down to what specific situations you’re preparing for.

16

In summary, if you prioritize hunting, go with the .45-70. But for self-defense or casual shooting, the .45 ACP is more practical. You can’t really go wrong with either choice!

17

And let’s be honest, you’ll become popular at the range with a .45-70. Everyone will want to see you shoot that! Plus, the reactions from newbies are priceless!

18

I’m leaning toward the .45-70 for hunting large game. Its power and accuracy in a rifle platform are hard to beat. What kinds of game are you hoping to hunt?

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19

I’m more into concealed carry, so I’m sticking with the .45 ACP. It’s just easier to manage daily.

20

The .45-70 has some serious stopping power, making it great for bear or moose. But for everyday carry, I can see why the .45 ACP would be a better choice.