{"id":5662,"date":"2020-10-15T05:16:49","date_gmt":"2020-10-15T05:16:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wideners.com\/blog\/?p=5662"},"modified":"2020-10-15T21:24:09","modified_gmt":"2020-10-15T21:24:09","slug":"45-70-vs-450-bushmaster","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wideners.com\/blog\/45-70-vs-450-bushmaster\/","title":{"rendered":"45-70 VS 450 Bushmaster"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Guy J. Sagi<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The 45-70 Gov\u2019t cartridge is over 140 years old and originally designed for the use of black powder as a propellant. This historical cartridge isn\u2019t ready to be put out to pasture just yet. When stuffed with modern powder its performance rivals a much more modern ballistic invention. A bullet of nearly equal girth\u2014the AR-15-friendly .450 Bushmaster.<\/span><\/p>\n

Both centerfires are solid choices for taking big game at moderate range, and their looks are similar, but the differences are significant. Several key factors create distinct advantages and disadvantages. Here\u2019s a quick rundown of the key considerations for 45-70 VS .450 Bushmaster if you\u2019re looking for a new rifle in either chambering.<\/span><\/p>\n

Similar Ideas, Not Identical<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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If you’re comparing 45-70 VS 450 Bushmaster, you may want to decide if you prefer a traditional or modern gun.<\/p><\/div>\n

The .45-70 Gov\u2019t and .450 Bushmaster are both called straight-walled cartridges. There is no taper toward the bullet, shoulder, neck, or other changes of direction in the case walls. There\u2019s been a resurgence of interest in both because a number of states have now made the use of this style ammunition legal during big-game seasons (check local regulations).<\/span><\/p>\n

The physical dimensions of each cartridge are far from identical, despite the resemblance. Case length in the Bushmaster is 1.7 inch, and the .45-70\u2019s runs 2.105 inches. Also, the latter has a rimmed case and the former has a rebated rim\u2014noticeable groove or slimming of the diameter above it.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

There are other differences, but it all adds up to the fact that no gun can run both cartridges interchangeably. Standardized specifications from the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers\u2019 Institute prevent accidentally chambering the wrong ammunition.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

45-70 VS 450 Bushmaster Advantages<\/h4>\n

That fact\u2019s critical because the projectile diameter isn\u2019t even identical between the cartridges, despite names that hint they are. Bullets for the .45-70 Gov\u2019t measure .458 inch in diameter. This girth gives the elder statesman a decided advantage when it comes to loads available that improve the chances of delivering an ethical, one-shot stop during hunting seasons. Additionally, there are many different bullet weights and styles in that width.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bullets for the .450 Bushmaster, on the other hand, have the same diameter as those used in .45 ACP handguns\u2014.452 inch. Those pistol projectile weights and profiles predominated the cartridge\u2019s loadings at first, although more hunting-friendly designs appear often now.<\/span><\/p>\n

.450 Bushmaster Ammo<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Federal Fusion 450 Bushmaster 260gr is a bonded soft point ammo designed specifically for hunting.<\/p><\/div>\n

Col. Jeff Cooper\u2014the widely acknowledged expert who brought self-defense firearm training to civilians by establishing what would become Gunsite Academy\u2014was a big proponent of .44-bore or larger guns for their one-shot-stop potential. It was a well-known fact he didn\u2019t like the effectiveness of .223 Rem and 5.56 NATO<\/a> when delivered from AR-15s.<\/span><\/p>\n

That caught the attention of Tim LeGendre, of LeMag Firearms. He developed a \u201c.45\u201d cartridge that would run reliably in an AR-15. When he presented it to Cooper, along with a suitably chambered carbine, he called the ammo .45 Professional. Bushmaster later licensed it and in 2007 enthusiasts caught their first glimpse of the .450 Bushmaster.<\/span><\/p>\n

A variety of companies manufacture rifles that digest the cartridge. It thrives in the modern sporting rifles category and has invaded bolt-action territory and even lever actions. Also, if you look hard enough, you can find the rifle you’ve been dreaming of. There\u2019s something in the big-bore category for everyone.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0.45-70 Gov\u2019t Ammo<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Hornady Lever Evolution 45-70 250gr ammo is designed to provide increased expansion and downrange performance.<\/p><\/div>\n

The U.S. Army adopted the .45-70 Gov\u2019t cartridge in 1873 for use in its Trap Door Springfield rifles. Loaded with black powder it ran well enough in the single shots to remain the military\u2019s official ammo for 19 years.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even then, the government wasn\u2019t in a hurry to ditch the ammo and guns. The firearms and cartridges used by U.S. volunteer regiments during the Spanish-American War were all chambered in .45-70 Gov\u2019t, with the notable exception of Teddy Roosevelt\u2019s Rough Riders.<\/span><\/p>\n

It grew particularly popular with hunters and other civilian sportsmen after smokeless powder replaced the traditional black powder propellant. More fashionable cartridges\u2014like the 1906 introduction of the .30-\u201906 Sprg.\u2014took a big chunk of market share, though. But, by sometime in the 1930s American rifle manufacturers stopped producing firearms for the chambering, according to \u201cCartridges of the World, 4th Edition\u201d by Frank C. Barnes.<\/span><\/p>\n

It never fully disappeared and has made a steady comeback. Today you can find it in new bolt- and lever-action guns. Unfortunately, it does not run in modern sporting rifles, although a few companies modified the casing\u2019s rim to accomplish the feat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep in mind, too, that the older rifles designed for black powder loads cannot use all cartridges loaded with smokeless powder safely. Additionally, the increased pressure can lead to catastrophic failures and injury. There are, however, popular alternatives used regularly for cowboy action shooting competitions. A fun competition shooting category where this popular cartridge will never fall out of grace.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Big Bore Trajectory<\/strong><\/h2>\n