From the echoing boom of the black powder era to the more refined power of modern firearms, the world of rifle cartridges offers a fascinating journey through history, innovation, and performance. Among the many cartridges that have left their mark, two in particular stand out for their enduring popularity and rich legacies: the 50/95 and the 45/70. These cartridges, both born from an era of rugged individualism and the spirit of westward expansion, continue to captivate shooters and hunters alike. This article delves deep into a detailed comparison of these two legends, examining their historical contexts, technical specifications, performance in the field, and suitability for various applications.
Echoes of the Past: A Look at Historical Context
The 45/70 Government, a name synonymous with the American frontier, first saw life during a period of significant change. It was developed by the U.S. Army in the late nineteenth century. Its original form, the .45-70-405, was designed for the Springfield Model 1873 rifle, a single-shot, black powder rifle. The cartridge’s development was rooted in the need for a more effective and reliable cartridge than the earlier rimfire rounds used in the Civil War. The .45-70’s initial designation refers to the bullet’s diameter (.45 inches), the weight of the black powder charge (70 grains), and the weight of the lead bullet (405 grains). The cartridge quickly became a mainstay of the U.S. military, playing a significant role in battles against Native American tribes and serving as a vital tool for soldiers and frontiersmen alike. The .45-70’s reliability, stopping power, and ability to reach out to considerable distances for the time made it a favored choice for hunting large game, including bison, elk, and bear, helping to shape the landscape of the American West.
The 50/95 Winchester, on the other hand, represents the pinnacle of cartridge development during its time. It was introduced later, in the late 1800s, by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, a brand synonymous with lever-action rifles. This cartridge and its parent company, the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company, built upon the legacy of previous cartridge and rifle designs. The .50-95, in its modern form, is typically designated as the .50-95 Sharps, a nod to the legendary Sharps rifle, but the cartridge’s history is interwoven with both companies, making it a remarkable example of collaboration and innovation. The cartridge was designed to be a high-velocity, flat-shooting round capable of long-range accuracy and impressive power. The cartridge was often designed with more than one load to make it even more effective at long ranges. It was, and still is, a favorite choice among hunters seeking a cartridge that offered both performance and a touch of elegance in the iconic lever-action design. It soon became famous for its ability to take down a wide range of game, from deer and elk to potentially even larger animals at appropriate ranges. The combination of power and user-friendliness cemented its popularity among hunters and target shooters of the era.
Delving into the Details: Technical Specifications and Ballistics
A critical aspect of any comparison lies in understanding the technical specifications. The 45/70 features a straight-walled, brass cartridge case, often used in reloading. It typically accommodates a bullet diameter of .458 inches, the weight of the bullets may vary.
The 50/95, on the other hand, boasts a larger diameter bullet, with a .50 caliber (measuring .510 inches in many cases), a significant increase over the .458 inch that distinguishes the 45/70. It often has a bottlenecked case, but in this case, the rim size matches that of the 45/70 for ease of manufacture. The slightly larger bullet diameter of the 50/95, with its potential for heavier bullet weights, translates to a greater frontal area and therefore more impact force.
When we examine the ammunition, we see how the two are even more different. The 45/70 offers a wide range of bullet weights, from the original 300-grain bullets to heavier options exceeding 400 grains. These various bullet weights allow for optimizing the cartridge for different purposes. Hunters can choose lighter, faster bullets for flatter trajectories or heavier bullets for enhanced penetration on bigger game.
The 50/95 generally offers a more limited selection of bullet weights, as well as a slight advantage. Many of the 50/95 loads available today are not as heavy, making the selection easier for those wishing to focus on target practice or medium game.
In terms of velocity and energy, both cartridges have their strengths. The 45/70, in its original black powder loadings, was known for its substantial muzzle energy, even if velocities were somewhat lower compared to more modern rounds. The newer, smokeless powder loadings generate significantly higher muzzle velocities and energy levels, enhancing the cartridge’s reach and effectiveness.
The 50/95, with its designed high velocity, tends to achieve impressive muzzle velocities for its bullet weight. This translates to a flatter trajectory, giving the shooter a larger “point-blank range” – the distance within which the bullet’s flight path remains relatively flat, reducing the need for holdover corrections.
When we consider the trajectory and ballistic coefficients, the 50/95 has a clear advantage for its flatter trajectory. This is especially useful for target shooting.
Field Performance: Hunting Applications and Beyond
The true measure of a cartridge’s worth often lies in its performance in the field. Both the 50/95 and 45/70 have proven their effectiveness in hunting a wide range of game animals.
The 45/70, with its moderate recoil, has been a popular choice for hunting deer, elk, black bear, and even larger game like moose and brown bear with careful shot placement and appropriate bullet selection. Its ability to deliver substantial stopping power at moderate ranges makes it an excellent choice for brush hunting and situations where quick follow-up shots are not always required. It offers a reliable, traditional hunting experience, favored by many.
The 50/95 shines in situations where a flatter trajectory and high energy are needed. This means it is an excellent choice for deer, elk, and black bear. The high-energy impact also enables a greater chance of bringing down a larger game at longer distances. It’s a cartridge known for delivering decisive results, especially when combined with a lever-action rifle.
When considering recoil, the 45/70 generally produces a manageable level of felt recoil, especially when using rifles designed to absorb recoil such as those with recoil pads. The 50/95, due to its higher energy and bullet weight, can generate a more noticeable recoil, something to consider, particularly for smaller-statured shooters or those sensitive to recoil.
Accuracy is another important factor in the field. While both cartridges are capable of excellent accuracy, the inherent accuracy of a rifle and the quality of ammunition are crucial. Both cartridges have a long history of accuracy.
The Hardware and the Hunt: Rifles, Availability, and Costs
The rifles chambered for each cartridge are another important part of the equation. The 45/70 has found its way into a variety of rifle types, including classic lever-actions, single-shot rifles, and even some modern bolt-action designs. The rifle choices available mean it is easy to find something suitable.
The 50/95 is primarily associated with lever-action rifles, particularly those manufactured by Winchester and other companies that have produced rifles using the same mechanism. These rifles can often be found on the used market, but new production is scarcer.
Ammunition availability and cost also vary. The 45/70 is a very common cartridge, with readily available ammunition from numerous manufacturers, at various price points. This widespread availability makes it easier to find ammunition for practice and hunting. Reloading components, including bullets, brass, and powders, are also widely available, making it an ideal choice for reloaders.
The 50/95’s ammunition availability is more limited. Because of this, the cost of the ammunition is often higher, as well. Reloading is often the best way to keep costs down for this cartridge. Reloading allows shooters to customize their loads to suit specific rifles and hunting conditions, improving the performance.
Weighing the Choices: Advantages and Disadvantages
The 45/70 boasts several advantages. Its versatility and affordability make it a great choice for the hunter or shooter looking for a reliable cartridge. The cartridge’s effectiveness at moderate ranges and low-to-moderate recoil also makes it a favorite. Its readily available ammunition and variety of rifles make it very accessible.
The 50/95, however, brings its own set of advantages to the table. The flatter trajectory, higher energy, and excellent potential for accuracy can lead to better performance.
On the other hand, the 45/70 does have some drawbacks. The trajectory of the standard 45/70 load can be a liability at longer ranges, making precise range estimation and holdover corrections necessary.
The 50/95 has its own challenges. Limited ammunition availability and a slightly higher recoil level can be a factor for some shooters. It can also be difficult to find in a wide variety of rifles.
Finding Your Fit: Making the Right Choice
The “better” cartridge in the 50/95 vs. 45/70 comparison ultimately depends on the shooter’s specific needs and preferences.
For those seeking a versatile, readily available cartridge for hunting a variety of game at moderate ranges, and wanting a more budget-friendly option, the 45/70 is often the best choice. Its abundance of ammunition, wide selection of rifle options, and manageable recoil make it a perfect choice for beginning hunters and experienced marksmen alike.
The 50/95 is a good choice for shooters seeking a faster, flatter trajectory, the power to take down game at longer distances, and appreciate a high-performance cartridge. Its legacy adds a touch of nostalgia and a connection to the romantic period of rifle development.
In conclusion, both the 50/95 and 45/70 have rightfully earned their place in the pantheon of classic rifle cartridges. The 45/70 offers accessibility, versatility, and a rich history, while the 50/95 provides a unique combination of power, precision, and heritage. Each cartridge has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on the individual hunter’s or shooter’s specific goals. Ultimately, choosing between these two legends is not about declaring a single “winner” but about selecting the cartridge that best aligns with your shooting style, hunting objectives, and appreciation for the rich history of firearms. Whether you choose the enduring versatility of the 45/70 or the thrilling performance of the 50/95, you will be joining a long tradition of firearm enthusiasts.
