A Look Back at History and Origins
The crack of a rifle echoes through the stillness of the woods, the bullet finding its mark. The choice of ammunition is a critical decision for any hunter, and the debate surrounding the best round to use is a perennial one. Two cartridges, in particular, frequently spark discussion: the 400 Legend and the venerable 45-70. Understanding the nuances of these rounds can make the difference between a successful hunt and a missed opportunity.
Both the 400 Legend and the 45-70 stand as testaments to the evolution of firearms and ammunition. They represent different eras, different design philosophies, and different approaches to achieving a single goal: delivering effective and ethical shots on game. This article dives deep into a comparison of these two popular rounds, examining their history, ballistics, performance characteristics, and ultimately, helping you decide which one best suits your personal needs.
45-70: The Old Reliable
The 45-70, officially known as the 45-70 Government, carries a rich history, deeply intertwined with the American West and the expansion of the United States. It emerged in the late nineteenth century, quickly becoming the standard-issue cartridge for the U.S. Army’s Springfield Model rifles. The “45” represents the bullet’s diameter in inches, while the “70” denotes the weight of the black powder charge in grains. The name “Government” signifies its official adoption by the US military. This powerful cartridge, initially loaded with black powder, quickly gained a reputation for its impressive stopping power and long-range capabilities. The 45-70 played a crucial role in battles, shaping the landscape of the American frontier.
Even with the emergence of newer cartridges, the 45-70 has demonstrated incredible longevity. Enthusiasts and hunters alike have kept it alive, continuing to adapt it to modern firearms, including lever-action rifles, single-shot rifles, and even modern bolt-action designs. Its history resonates, marking a time of innovation and rugged adventure. The 45-70 offers a link to a bygone era and maintains its relevance.
The Modern Marvel: 400 Legend
The 400 Legend, however, is a more modern creation. It was designed to address the growing demand for a straight-walled cartridge suitable for hunting in states with specific hunting regulations that restrict the use of bottleneck cartridges. Companies like Winchester were instrumental in its development. The 400 Legend caters to hunters who seek improved ballistics and performance in these regulated areas. In addition to this, it was designed to work well in AR-15 platforms, providing users with a round that offers better performance.
The creation of the 400 Legend wasn’t just about regulation; it was also about optimization. The cartridge was engineered to provide a flatter trajectory, improved accuracy, and enhanced terminal performance, all while being compatible with modern rifle designs. The evolution of the 400 Legend, from design to deployment, highlights a modern focus on efficiency, performance, and adherence to specific regulatory requirements.
Understanding the Technical Specifications and Ballistics
Bullet Diameter and Weight
The specifications and ballistic performance of both the 400 Legend and 45-70 dictate how they perform in the field. These specifications influence aspects such as range, accuracy, and the energy delivered to the target.
The bullet diameter of the 45-70 is, as its name implies, .458 inches. This larger diameter allows for the use of heavy bullets, ranging from around three hundred grains to over five hundred grains. These heavier bullets, combined with the substantial powder charge, contribute to the 45-70’s reputation for power.
The 400 Legend uses a bullet diameter of .400 inches. This slightly smaller diameter is part of the design that allows for a flatter trajectory and less recoil compared to the 45-70. Commonly used bullet weights for the 400 Legend are from around two hundred to two hundred fifty grains. The lighter bullet weights contribute to a higher muzzle velocity, which affects the trajectory.
Muzzle Velocity and Energy
The muzzle velocity and energy output are crucial for assessing the performance of a round. The 45-70, while known for its power, has a lower muzzle velocity compared to the 400 Legend. The 45-70 often operates in the range of around 1,300 to 1,800 feet per second (fps), depending on the load and bullet weight. Because of the mass of the 45-70 bullets, the energy at the muzzle can reach impressive levels, exceeding 2,000 foot-pounds of energy (ft-lbs) for many loads.
The 400 Legend is engineered for higher velocities. Muzzle velocities can typically reach from 2,000 to 2,200 fps, depending on the specific load and bullet weight. Because the bullets weigh less than the 45-70 rounds, the energy at the muzzle tends to be lower, often in the range of 1,500 to 1,800 ft-lbs. The higher velocity of the 400 Legend contributes to a flatter trajectory, which can be an advantage at longer ranges.
Trajectory
The trajectory of a bullet describes its path through the air, affected by gravity. The 45-70, due to its heavy, slower bullets, exhibits a pronounced arc. At extended distances, the bullet drop is more noticeable, requiring a greater degree of compensation by the shooter. This can make long-range shots more challenging.
The 400 Legend, with its lighter, faster bullets, offers a flatter trajectory. This flatter trajectory translates to a longer effective range. The flatter trajectory reduces the need for significant holdover or adjustments for bullet drop, which can improve accuracy, particularly at longer distances.
How They Perform: Applications in the Hunt
When choosing between these cartridges, the intended game animals and the hunting conditions should be a primary concern.
For the Big Game Hunter
The 45-70 is a well-suited round for taking down larger game. It’s a good choice for animals such as elk, bear, and bison. Its heavy bullets have good penetration and stopping power, even at moderate ranges.
Medium Game Performance
The 400 Legend is better suited for medium-sized game, such as deer and black bear. Its flatter trajectory and manageable recoil allow for a longer effective range.
Recoil and Handling
The recoil generated by a firearm is a key factor in the shooter’s experience and, potentially, their accuracy. The 45-70, due to its powerful loads, can generate significant recoil. While this is a factor in the hunting experience, the shooter may have to practice to get used to the recoil.
The 400 Legend is designed to be less intense, providing less recoil. This reduction makes the cartridge easier to shoot for extended periods and helps the shooter maintain better control and accuracy. It fits well in the smaller platforms, increasing the popularity of the 400 Legend as a deer cartridge.
Range and Accuracy
The range and accuracy are also important factors when taking a shot on an animal. The 45-70’s arc of trajectory means the shooter must compensate for bullet drop at longer ranges. The 400 Legend, because of its flatter trajectory, extends the effective range, and it reduces the need to compensate for bullet drop.
Gearing Up: Firearms and Ammunition
Firearms Availability
The availability of firearms chambered in each cartridge significantly affects the choices. The 45-70 is available in a wide array of rifles, including traditional lever-action designs, classic single-shot rifles, and even some modern bolt-action models. The variety in firearms chambers in the 45-70 enables it to be compatible with the preferences of various hunters.
The 400 Legend has been adopted by manufacturers of modern rifles. Hunters and shooters who want more modern design rifles will enjoy the various firearms chambered in the 400 Legend.
Ammunition Availability and Cost
The ammunition availability and cost play a role in the practicality of using a certain cartridge. 45-70 ammunition is readily available at most sporting goods stores, though prices can be moderately high. Many handloaders favor the 45-70 due to its extensive data and potential for custom loading.
The ammunition for the 400 Legend is still being developed by manufacturers. While more affordable than the 45-70, it is still not as widespread. Handloading is an option for those looking to customize loads.
Weighing the Strengths and Weaknesses
400 Legend’s Edge
The advantages and disadvantages for both cartridges help shape the decision making of the hunter.
The 400 Legend’s flatter trajectory is an advantage for longer shots. Its manageable recoil makes it pleasant to shoot, which can improve accuracy. The 400 Legend, with its compatibility with modern rifle platforms, is a popular choice.
The 400 Legend, while effective, may lack the sheer stopping power of the 45-70 for large, dangerous game. The 400 Legend can be limiting to those who want a selection of specialized loads for their firearm.
45-70’s Capabilities
The 45-70’s ability to deliver stopping power against large game is an advantage. The 45-70 has a vast selection of loads that are available for those that need specialized rounds for their firearms.
The 45-70’s significant recoil can be a disadvantage, making it less enjoyable to shoot for some and impacting accuracy. The steep trajectory can be a challenge for long-range shots. Because it is not as modern as some cartridges, the ammunition can be more expensive. The 45-70 is mainly found in larger rifles.
Making the Right Choice
The best cartridge for a hunter depends on the specifics of their hunt. If you are hunting deer or other medium sized game, the 400 Legend will likely meet your needs. The flatter trajectory and manageable recoil are benefits in this setting.
The 45-70 is ideal for the hunter that is pursuing larger game. The classic, powerful design, will offer the stopping power for these animals.
The 400 Legend and the 45-70 both have their places in the world of hunting and shooting. Understanding their attributes will let you make an informed decision on which to use. This is the best way to make sure you have the best chances of a successful hunt.
Remember: Always practice with your chosen firearm and ammunition, become familiar with its ballistics, and adhere to ethical hunting practices. Responsible gun ownership and hunting are critical.
*Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes. Consult with a qualified firearms instructor or gunsmith for detailed information.*
