From the Revolver to the Rifle: A Look Back
From the Revolver to the Rifle: A Look Back
The story of these cartridges begins in different eras and with distinct purposes. The .44 Magnum, a child of the mid-twentieth century, emerged from the desire for a more potent revolver cartridge. The .44 Special, already established as a capable round, provided the foundation for the .44 Magnum. Legendary firearms aficionado, Elmer Keith, along with the engineers at Smith & Wesson, envisioned a round that would push the limits of handgun power. Their collaboration birthed a cartridge that, when paired with a strong revolver frame, could deliver a staggering amount of energy. This development marked a significant leap forward in handgun performance and quickly gained a reputation for stopping power.
The .45-70, however, has its roots in the 19th century, intertwined with the expansion of the American West and the needs of military forces. Developed as the primary cartridge for the U.S. Army’s Springfield Model 1873, often referred to as the Trapdoor Springfield, the .45-70 quickly became synonymous with rugged reliability and substantial stopping power. The “70” in the designation signifies the 70 grains of black powder used to propel the heavy bullets. Soldiers and hunters alike relied on the .45-70 for its ability to bring down large game and its effective range, even at a time when ammunition quality and firearm technology were in their infancy.
Unpacking the Specifications: Ballistics at a Glance
To effectively compare these cartridges, we must first examine the specifications and ballistic characteristics of each.
The .44 Magnum typically uses a bullet that measures approximately .429 inches in diameter. The most common bullet weights are around two hundred and forty grains and three hundred grains, but variations exist. When fired from a revolver with a common barrel length, a .44 Magnum bullet can achieve muzzle velocities of around twelve hundred to fifteen hundred feet per second. The resulting muzzle energy can be substantial, making this round an effective option for self-defense, hunting medium-sized game, and target shooting. The trajectory, while relatively flat at shorter distances, begins to arc significantly beyond one hundred yards.
The .45-70, on the other hand, utilizes a bullet with a larger diameter of around .458 inches. The bullets used in .45-70 cartridges are often significantly heavier than those used in the .44 Magnum, often exceeding four hundred grains. The muzzle velocity of a .45-70 round, especially when fired from a rifle, will generally range from twelve hundred to fourteen hundred feet per second, depending on the bullet weight and powder charge. While the muzzle velocity might be slightly lower than the .44 Magnum, the much heavier bullet delivers an impressive amount of energy at the muzzle and retains a significant amount of kinetic energy downrange. The trajectory of the .45-70 is noticeably curved, requiring more careful holdover adjustments at longer ranges.
Understanding the Push and the Snap: Recoil Dynamics
The recoil experience is a crucial factor in selecting a firearm. The .44 Magnum, known for its sharp recoil, provides a very distinct experience when fired from a revolver. The feeling is more of a quick snap, a forceful push that can be quite bracing. The magnitude of recoil can vary depending on the weight of the revolver, the load used, and the shooter’s grip. Heavier revolvers and moderate loads will be easier to manage, while lighter revolvers or maximum-power loads will amplify the felt recoil. Understanding how firearm weight can influence recoil allows for a more pleasant shooting experience.
The .45-70, particularly when fired from a rifle, produces a different kind of recoil, more of a powerful shove than a quick snap. The heavier bullets and the greater amount of propellant generate a substantial push, and this push is generally more noticeable. Recoil management in the .45-70 also depends on the firearm and the load. Rifles tend to be better at absorbing the force than revolvers, and the weight of the firearm also plays a critical role in absorbing the energy. The different sensation is often described as more of a shove than a snap.
Putting Them to the Test: Practical Applications
The intended use of a firearm is a key factor when choosing a cartridge. Both the .44 Magnum and the .45-70 can be used for hunting, target shooting, and sometimes self-defense, though each has specific strengths and limitations.
For hunting, the .44 Magnum has proven itself as a capable round for medium-sized game like whitetail deer, wild hogs, and even black bears in certain situations. Because of the energy that a .44 Magnum round delivers, and given the range at which it typically is fired, one should take care to choose ammunition appropriate to the game and to respect the maximum effective ranges for which the round is best-suited. The .44 Magnum can be used for hunting where shots are taken at relatively close distances and where the game is of moderate size.
The .45-70 shines in hunting larger game and offers a more significant performance at longer distances. It’s well-regarded for hunting elk, moose, and bear. It’s not uncommon for hunters to choose .45-70 because it is effective in bringing down large game animals. The heavy bullets and high energy make the .45-70 ideal for taking down these animals, and the caliber is especially respected by those who hunt with lever-action rifles.
When it comes to target shooting, the .44 Magnum is an option for those who enjoy the challenge of shooting handguns. The .44 Magnum is popular with target shooters and has the advantage of being readily available. Because of the wide popularity of this caliber, ammunition and firearms are often available at convenient prices.
The .45-70 is also well-suited for target shooting, particularly in the form of lever-action rifles. The heavier bullets often offer great accuracy for target shooting. This caliber often holds a special place in the hearts of history enthusiasts, who often shoot .45-70 rifles. This interest has helped keep the caliber in modern production, which is good for all of us.
Finding the Right Platform: Firearms Compatibility
Both cartridges are found in a range of firearm platforms.
Revolvers are the most iconic home for the .44 Magnum. Brands like Smith & Wesson and Ruger have produced legendary revolvers that are chambered in the .44 Magnum. Lever-action rifles are another popular option, with manufacturers like Marlin and Winchester producing reliable firearms that pair well with this round. The combination of a lever-action rifle and a .44 Magnum makes for a compact and fast-handling package, suitable for hunting and general use.
The .45-70, a round developed for rifles, often finds its home in the classic lever-action rifle. Marlin, Henry, and others offer fantastic lever-action rifles chambered in the .45-70. Single-shot rifles, like those from Ruger, also make excellent platforms, as do bolt-action rifles. Because the .45-70 is well-suited to a rifle platform, this caliber allows hunters to reach out and touch game animals at greater distances.
Shopping for Ammunition: Costs and Availability
The availability and cost of ammunition can be a determining factor in choosing a cartridge. .44 Magnum ammunition is widely available and reasonably priced. This caliber is used for self-defense, recreational shooting, and hunting, so it is manufactured in many different bullet weights. .44 Magnum is also generally available at most shooting ranges and sporting goods stores.
.45-70 ammunition is also readily available, though it may be slightly more expensive than .44 Magnum rounds. While not as common as .44 Magnum, you can still easily find .45-70 ammunition, which is a favorite among hunters. A large variety of bullet weights and styles is available, so shooters can choose from multiple different options.
Reloading is an option for both cartridges. Reloading gives shooters the ability to customize their ammunition, which can potentially reduce costs. Reloading also allows shooters to fine-tune their loads for accuracy and performance. The option of reloading is something both new and experienced shooters consider.
The Verdict: Which is Right For You?
The choice between the .44 Magnum and the .45-70 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
If you are looking for a potent handgun round suitable for target shooting and hunting medium-sized game at shorter ranges, the .44 Magnum is an excellent choice. This caliber offers a good balance of power, availability, and shootability in a versatile platform.
The .45-70 is better suited for hunting larger game and shooting at longer ranges. If you are interested in pursuing big game, the .45-70 is a proven choice. This caliber also provides an enjoyable experience for enthusiasts of historical firearms.
Consider your individual needs, your preferred firearm style, and the types of game you plan to hunt when making your decision. Both calibers offer great power and versatility to any shooter.
The .44 Magnum and the .45-70 represent two great options in the world of big-bore cartridges. With careful consideration of your priorities, you can determine which one will best meet your needs.
