Understanding the Roots
The world of firearms offers a vast array of choices for both hunting and recreational shooting. Among the most popular and enduring rifle cartridges are the venerable 45-70 Government and the versatile 308 Winchester. These rounds have carved their places in history and continue to be favorites among shooters worldwide. But how do they stack up against each other? This article delves into a detailed comparison, exploring the ballistic performance, effective range, recoil, suitability for different game, rifle platform availability, and overall usability of these two titans. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a target shooting enthusiast, or simply curious about the world of firearms, this analysis will help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of each cartridge, ultimately aiding you in making an informed decision.
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s worth briefly touching upon the origins of these two rounds. The 45-70, officially known as the 45-70 Government, emerged from the black powder era in the late 19th century. It quickly became the standard service cartridge for the U.S. military, and its reputation for stopping power and reliability was forged on battlefields and in the American West. Its design prioritizes delivering heavy, slow-moving projectiles with significant impact at relatively short ranges.
The 308 Winchester, introduced in the mid-20th century, came about as a response to the need for a more modern, efficient, and versatile cartridge for military and civilian use. Built on a more streamlined and advanced design, it utilizes smokeless powder and offers superior ballistics at longer ranges. The .308 quickly gained popularity due to its accuracy, relatively flat trajectory, and suitability for a wide range of hunting applications.
Ballistic Profiling
To truly understand the potential of each cartridge, we must examine their ballistic properties. The trajectory of a bullet, its velocity, energy transfer, and how it behaves in flight are critical factors in any comparison.
The 308 Winchester, using a range of bullet weights typically between one hundred and fifty and one hundred and eighty grains, boasts a sleek, streamlined design. These bullets boast a high ballistic coefficient, meaning they are designed to cut through the air with relative efficiency. They can achieve muzzle velocities that frequently surpass two thousand six hundred feet per second and sometimes even go beyond two thousand eight hundred feet per second, depending on the specific load and the rifle’s barrel length. This translates to substantial energy at the muzzle, often exceeding two thousand five hundred foot-pounds. The .308’s trajectory is relatively flat, making it capable of reaching out to longer distances with reasonable accuracy. This is due to the bullet’s high velocity and streamlined design.
The 45-70 Government, on the other hand, follows a very different ballistic path. Bullet weights often range from three hundred to five hundred grains or more. Due to the design of the projectiles (often large and cylindrical), they have lower ballistic coefficients. Muzzle velocities, even with modern smokeless powder loads, typically hover around one thousand three hundred to one thousand eight hundred feet per second. This means that the energy at the muzzle varies, but is typically around one thousand six hundred foot-pounds. The trajectory of the 45-70 is significantly more curved. The bullet drops faster over distance due to its slower velocity and heavier weight.
Comparing Ballistic Performance
In a head-to-head comparison, several key differences immediately become apparent. The .308 Winchester boasts a higher muzzle velocity and a significantly flatter trajectory, making it easier to compensate for bullet drop at longer ranges. The .308 Winchester’s higher velocity also contributes to greater downrange energy retention, meaning it carries more energy at greater distances. The 45-70, while delivering a substantial punch at close to medium range, loses velocity and energy more rapidly. This is not to say the 45-70 is ineffective, it just has different strengths and weaknesses. Wind drift is a factor for both cartridges, but the .308, with its faster velocity, is generally less affected by crosswinds.
Accuracy and Distance
The ability to place shots accurately at varying distances is crucial for both hunting and target shooting. The nature of the cartridge heavily influences this.
The .308 Winchester is renowned for its inherent accuracy potential. Rifles chambered in .308 typically exhibit excellent grouping capabilities at distances far beyond what is practical with the 45-70. Target shooters often utilize the .308 for competitions, and hunters can consistently place shots at several hundred yards with practice and proper equipment. The .308’s flatter trajectory also significantly reduces the need for holdover adjustments at longer ranges.
The 45-70 Government, while capable of good accuracy at shorter distances, faces limitations due to its trajectory. The steep bullet drop necessitates precise range estimation and compensation for holdover, particularly at distances exceeding two hundred yards. The 45-70’s heavier recoil can also make it more challenging to maintain consistent shot placement, especially with lighter rifles.
Accuracy can be determined in various ways, including the quality of the rifle, the ammunition used, and the shooter’s skills and experience. Despite these considerations, the .308 generally holds an advantage when it comes to extreme accuracy and longer-range capabilities.
Considering Felt Recoil
Recoil is an important factor, particularly for extended shooting sessions, and it can significantly affect a shooter’s comfort and accuracy.
The .308 Winchester, while producing noticeable recoil, is generally considered manageable. The relatively moderate recoil impulse, combined with the availability of various rifle designs and recoil reduction devices, enables quick follow-up shots and reduces shooter fatigue. Many shooters find the .308 comfortable to shoot even for extended periods.
The 45-70 Government, however, delivers a significantly more pronounced recoil. The combination of a heavier bullet and higher chamber pressures creates a more substantial recoil impulse. This can be uncomfortable for some shooters, and it often results in a slightly longer time required to regain the sight picture after each shot. The recoil characteristics of the 45-70 can vary depending on the rifle’s weight and design. A heavier rifle will generally absorb more of the recoil, making it more comfortable to shoot.
Game and Target Hunting
The best cartridge for any hunting or shooting situation depends greatly on the target. Each of these cartridges have their particular strengths.
The .308 Winchester is highly versatile for big game hunting. It excels on medium-sized game animals such as deer, elk, and black bear. The effectiveness of the .308 is largely due to the wide array of bullet weights and designs available, allowing hunters to tailor their ammunition to the specific game being pursued. Proper bullet selection is key. For example, a hunter pursuing whitetail deer might choose a lighter bullet designed for rapid expansion, whereas a hunter targeting elk might choose a heavier, more robust bullet designed for deep penetration.
The 45-70 Government shines in specific hunting scenarios. It is a great choice for short to medium-range hunts, and is especially suitable for large, heavy game animals, such as wild boar, bear, and moose. The massive bullets offer devastating stopping power at the appropriate ranges. The 45-70 excels in dense cover where shots are typically closer. Selecting the correct bullet type is also essential for hunting with a 45-70. Generally, hunters use heavy, flat-nosed bullets.
Comparing Suitability for Game
When it comes to game suitability, the .308 offers broader applicability. Its flatter trajectory and longer effective range give hunters more flexibility, allowing for shots at varying distances. The .308 is also legal for hunting in more regions. The 45-70, although lethal, is often best suited for hunting at relatively shorter ranges. Hunters must also consider the specific legal regulations regarding the use of each cartridge in their respective hunting areas. Some states have restrictions on minimum cartridge sizes for certain game.
Rifle Platforms and Ammunition
The availability of rifles and ammunition is an important consideration when selecting a cartridge.
The .308 Winchester is one of the most popular rifle cartridges in the world. There is a vast selection of rifles chambered in .308, including bolt-action rifles, semi-automatic rifles, and even lever-action rifles. Manufacturers like Remington, Savage, Browning, and many others offer a wide range of .308 rifles at various price points. Ammunition is also very readily available, making it easy to find at most sporting goods stores and online retailers. The cost of .308 ammunition is generally more affordable than 45-70 ammunition.
The 45-70 Government, while not as widely available as the .308, still has a significant presence. There is a wide selection of lever-action rifles and a smaller number of bolt-action rifles chambered in 45-70. Manufacturers such as Marlin, Henry, and Cimarron are known for producing high-quality 45-70 rifles. The availability of ammunition is also quite good, although the selection of bullet weights and types might not be as extensive as with the .308. The cost of 45-70 ammunition is typically higher than .308 ammunition.
Comparing Platforms and Availability
The .308 clearly wins in terms of rifle platform availability. The .308 offers more options to choose from, including tactical platforms, making it more readily adaptable to different styles of shooting. Ammunition availability and price also tilt the scale in favor of the .308. The lower cost of ammunition often results in more frequent range trips. For reloaders, both cartridges offer a wealth of component options, allowing shooters to fine-tune their loads for optimal performance.
Weighing the Positives and Negatives
A balanced overview needs to consider the good and the bad.
The .308 Winchester enjoys several benefits. It offers high accuracy potential, a relatively flat trajectory, and excellent versatility. It is also known for its moderate recoil. The availability of ammunition and rifles is abundant. The .308 is a great choice for a wide variety of hunting scenarios and is an excellent all-around choice. Its downsides, however, include a trajectory that, while flatter than the 45-70, still requires careful consideration at longer ranges. While the recoil is manageable, it’s not as mild as some other cartridges.
The 45-70 Government offers excellent close-range stopping power. It is well-suited for hunting heavy game in close cover and boasts a rich history. It is known for its iconic status. The 45-70’s downsides include its significant bullet drop, limited effective range, and heavy recoil, which can make it less enjoyable to shoot for some. Its ammunition is more expensive and the range of rifle platforms is limited.
Final Thoughts
The choice between the 45-70 and the .308 depends heavily on your intended use and preferences. The .308 Winchester is the better choice for general-purpose hunting and target shooting, especially if longer ranges are involved. Its accuracy, versatility, and widespread availability make it an excellent all-around option. The 45-70 Government excels as a close- to medium-range hunting cartridge. It is superb for taking down large game, with its heavy bullets and significant stopping power. Choosing the right cartridge will depend on your specific needs.
