The .45 Colt and .45-70 Government cartridges are both iconic rounds with a rich history, deeply rooted in the American Old West. While both share the same nominal caliber, their performance, applications, and overall characteristics differ significantly. This detailed comparison will delve into the nuances of each cartridge, helping you understand which one best suits your needs.
Cartridge Dimensions and Ballistics: A Tale of Two Calibers
Despite sharing the ".45" designation, these cartridges are distinct in their physical dimensions and resulting ballistic performance. The .45 Colt, a classic revolver cartridge, is significantly smaller than the .45-70 Government, a powerful rifle round. This size difference translates directly into power and recoil.
.45 Colt:
- Case Length: Shorter, resulting in less powder capacity.
- Velocity: Lower muzzle velocities, typically in the range of 800-1000 fps depending on load and firearm.
- Energy: Lower muzzle energy compared to the .45-70. Sufficient for close-range defense and hunting small to medium-sized game.
- Recoil: Manageable recoil, suitable for most shooters.
.45-70 Government:
- Case Length: Substantially longer, allowing for a much larger powder charge.
- Velocity: Higher muzzle velocities, ranging from 1800-2400 fps depending on load and firearm.
- Energy: High muzzle energy, capable of taking down large game at considerable distances.
- Recoil: Significant recoil, demanding proper shooting technique and potentially making it uncomfortable for some shooters.
Applications: From Self-Defense to Big Game Hunting
The differing ballistic properties directly influence the practical applications of each cartridge.
.45 Colt:
- Self-Defense: A viable option for self-defense, although modern cartridges offer potentially superior stopping power.
- Hunting: Suitable for hunting smaller game like rabbits, squirrels, and coyotes at close range. Less effective against larger animals.
- Target Shooting: A popular choice for recreational target shooting, offering manageable recoil and a pleasant shooting experience.
- Cowboy Action Shooting: A staple cartridge in Cowboy Action Shooting competitions.
.45-70 Government:
- Hunting: An excellent choice for hunting large game such as elk, deer, and bear, especially at longer ranges.
- Target Shooting: Used in target shooting, but recoil can be a significant factor.
- Black Powder Cartridge: Historically and still currently used with black powder.
- Lever-Action Rifles: Typically found in powerful lever-action rifles.
Firearm Availability and Considerations:
Both cartridges are available in a range of firearms, though the choices differ significantly.
.45 Colt:
- Revolvers: Primarily found in revolvers, both single-action and double-action.
- Single-Shot Pistols: Also available in some single-shot pistols.
- Modern Availability: Readily available in numerous manufacturers' offerings.
.45-70 Government:
- Lever-Action Rifles: Most commonly found in lever-action rifles such as the Marlin 1895 and Winchester 1886.
- Bolt-Action Rifles: Also available in bolt-action rifles, often offering enhanced accuracy potential.
- Single-Shot Rifles: Available in single-shot rifles, ideal for custom load development and precise shooting.
- Modern Availability: Widely available, although some manufacturers may offer limited variations.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Cartridge
Ultimately, the choice between the .45 Colt and .45-70 Government hinges on your specific needs and intended applications. The .45 Colt offers manageable recoil and is ideal for close-range applications and smaller game, while the .45-70 Government delivers significantly more power for larger game at longer distances, but with substantial recoil. Consider your shooting experience, intended use, and the recoil you can comfortably manage when making your decision. Research specific firearm models and ammunition offerings before making a purchase to ensure a safe and enjoyable shooting experience.
