The .308 Winchester and the 45-70 Government are both powerful cartridges with long histories, but they cater to very different needs. This in-depth comparison will explore their ballistics, applications, and suitability for various purposes, helping you determine which cartridge best fits your requirements. We'll delve into the nuances of each, considering factors like recoil, accuracy, and overall effectiveness.
Ballistics: A Head-to-Head Comparison
The most significant difference between the .308 Winchester and the 45-70 Government lies in their ballistics. The .308 is a smaller, faster round, while the 45-70 is a larger, slower, and considerably more powerful cartridge.
.308 Winchester Ballistics
- Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO
- Typical Bullet Weight: 150-180 grains
- Muzzle Velocity: 2,700-2,900 fps (depending on barrel length and load)
- Energy: 2,500-2,800 ft-lbs
The .308 Winchester is known for its flat trajectory and high velocity, making it accurate at longer ranges. Its smaller size also means less recoil, making it easier to shoot for extended periods. This makes it a popular choice for hunting medium-sized game and long-range target shooting.
45-70 Government Ballistics
- Caliber: .458"
- Typical Bullet Weight: 300-500 grains
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,800-2,200 fps (depending on barrel length and load)
- Energy: 2,000-3,500 ft-lbs (heavily dependent on load)
The 45-70 Government delivers significantly more stopping power due to its larger bullet diameter and heavier bullet weight. While its flatter trajectory isn't as impressive as the .308's, its massive energy transfer at closer ranges makes it devastatingly effective on larger game. Expect considerably more recoil than the .308.
| Cartridge | Caliber | Bullet Weight (grains) | Muzzle Velocity (fps) | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | Recoil |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .308 Winchester | 7.62x51mm | 150-180 | 2700-2900 | 2500-2800 | Moderate |
| 45-70 Govt. | .458" | 300-500 | 1800-2200 | 2000-3500 | High |
Applications: Where Each Cartridge Excels
The distinct ballistic profiles of the .308 Winchester and the 45-70 Government lend themselves to different applications.
.308 Winchester Applications
- Hunting: Deer, antelope, hogs, and other medium-sized game. Effective at longer ranges.
- Target Shooting: Excellent for long-range target practice and competition.
- Military/Law Enforcement: Widely used by militaries and law enforcement agencies worldwide.
- Self-Defense (with caveats): While effective, overpenetration can be a concern in confined spaces.
45-70 Government Applications
- Hunting: Bear, elk, moose, and other large, dangerous game. Ideal for close-to-medium range hunting.
- Black Powder Cartridge Shooting: A historical cartridge, it's still popular for black powder enthusiasts.
- Lever Action Rifles: Frequently chambered in lever-action rifles, offering a classic hunting experience.
- Self-Defense (with caveats): Powerful stopping power, but recoil and muzzle blast are significant factors.
Recoil and Shootability
The recoil difference between these two cartridges is substantial. The .308 Winchester is manageable for most shooters, even during extended shooting sessions. The 45-70 Government, however, delivers a powerful kick that requires significant strength and proper shooting technique. Inexperienced shooters might find the 45-70 difficult to control.
Accuracy and Effective Range
The .308 Winchester generally offers superior accuracy at longer ranges due to its higher velocity and flatter trajectory. The 45-70's trajectory drops more significantly at distance, limiting its effective range. However, at closer ranges, both cartridges are capable of impressive accuracy.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Cartridge
The choice between the .308 Winchester and the 45-70 Government depends entirely on your intended use. The .308 Winchester is a versatile cartridge ideal for hunting medium-sized game, long-range target shooting, and other applications requiring accuracy and manageable recoil. The 45-70 Government excels in stopping power at close to medium ranges, making it the preferred choice for hunting large, dangerous game. Consider your needs, experience level, and intended use before making your decision. The "better" cartridge simply doesn't exist without considering the context.