A Glimpse into the Past: History and Origins
The world of big-bore cartridges holds a certain allure, a testament to the primal connection between man and the hunt. These powerful rounds are designed for stopping power, for dealing with large, potentially dangerous game, and for the sheer thrill of handling something with significant presence. Selecting the right cartridge for a specific task, whether hunting or target shooting, is paramount. This article provides a detailed comparison of the 458 Lott and the 45-70, examining their ballistics, recoil, applications, and practical considerations to help you determine which cartridge best suits your needs.
The narrative of these two heavy hitters unfolds with distinct chapters of history and evolution. The 45-70 Government, a true legend, emerged from the US Army’s need for a powerful cartridge. It was developed during a period of rapid technological advancement in firearms. Its creation stemmed from the need to provide soldiers with a reliable and potent weapon in the late 19th century. The resulting 45-70, a cartridge that launched a large, heavy bullet, quickly gained favor. This rifle was used to great effect in the wars of the late 1800s. The 45-70 earned its nickname because it fired a .45-caliber bullet loaded with 70 grains of black powder.
The legacy of the 45-70 is not simply historical; it is enduring. It remains a popular choice among hunters and shooting enthusiasts alike. Many rifle manufacturers still produce rifles chambered in this venerable caliber, a testament to its continuing appeal. Its simple design and potent effectiveness have solidified its place as a classic. It’s a cartridge that is both powerful and manageable, able to deliver decisive results at reasonable ranges.
In stark contrast, the 458 Lott represents a later evolution, responding to demands for increased stopping power. The 458 Lott’s story isn’t one of battlefield adoption, but one of African hunting. Its creation was fueled by the need for a round capable of reliably taking down dangerous game. Specifically, it was created by Elmer Keith, a famed firearms expert. The 458 Lott was born out of the desire to provide greater performance than that offered by existing calibers. This cartridge aimed to offer more energy and penetration. This caliber intended to provide a safer margin of stopping power when facing the largest and most formidable African animals, such as elephant and buffalo.
Exploring the Ballistic Landscape
Understanding the ballistic characteristics of a cartridge is essential. Comparing the core attributes helps to reveal how each performs in the real world.
Bullet diameter is a common starting point. Both rounds feature bullets that are designed to create significant wound channels. The 45-70, usually shoots a .458-inch diameter bullet. The 458 Lott also shares this diameter, meaning the bullets will cut the same diameter hole. However, the key difference lies in bullet weight and velocity.
The 45-70 is typically loaded with bullets ranging from 300 to 500 grains, but the 458 Lott pushes heavier bullets. This allows for deep penetration. The 458 Lott, on the other hand, tends to favor bullets from 500 grains up to around 600 grains. This allows for more kinetic energy to be delivered to the target.
Muzzle velocity and energy reveal a critical divergence between the two. The 45-70, with its traditional black powder roots, produces muzzle velocities that are typically in the range of 1,300 to 1,600 feet per second, depending on the load and barrel length. Muzzle energy usually falls in the range of 2,000 to 3,000 foot-pounds. The 458 Lott, designed for higher performance, offers substantially higher velocities. It typically fires bullets between 2,100 and 2,400 feet per second, generating muzzle energies that range from 4,000 to 5,000 foot-pounds. This substantial increase in energy translates to greater range and increased stopping power.
Trajectory also helps determine each cartridge’s effectiveness at different distances. The 45-70, with its slower velocities and heavier bullet, exhibits a more pronounced trajectory. This means that the bullet drops more significantly over distance. This necessitates careful adjustments for elevation when shooting beyond reasonable ranges. The 458 Lott, with its flatter trajectory, offers advantages at longer ranges. The bullet experiences less drop, which simplifies aiming and allows for greater accuracy.
The Physical Reality of Recoil
The experience of firing these cartridges is something that must be considered by any prospective shooter. The physical manifestation of recoil can dramatically impact a shooter’s comfort and effectiveness.
Felt recoil, a term that combines the factors of force, speed, and duration of the recoil impulse, is a major consideration. The 45-70 is considered to have a stout recoil. The relatively moderate velocities, combined with the rifle’s weight, can make the 45-70 manageable for many shooters. However, the heavy bullet and substantial charge of powder still produce a noticeable push.
The 458 Lott, with its considerably higher velocities and heavier bullets, generates a significantly more substantial recoil impulse. This heavier recoil is something that can be challenging for some shooters. The amount of recoil varies, but most shooters will feel a marked difference. Careful consideration should be given to rifle weight, recoil pads, and shooting technique in order to manage this powerful force.
The rifle platform also influences recoil. The weight of the rifle, the design of the stock, and the presence of recoil-mitigating devices can make a huge difference. A heavier rifle will absorb more of the recoil, making the experience more comfortable. A well-designed stock that directs recoil into the shoulder effectively can reduce the perceived impact. Recoil pads can absorb more of the shock.
Matching Cartridges to Hunting Applications
Choosing the right cartridge for hunting depends on the target game, the terrain, and the expected range.
The 45-70, with its inherent limitations, excels in certain hunting scenarios. It has earned a reputation as an effective cartridge for taking down deer, black bear, and other large North American game. It is at its best when used at ranges under 200 yards. Its heavy bullet and moderate velocity provide adequate penetration and stopping power at these distances.
The 458 Lott is specifically designed for dangerous game hunting. It is capable of dispatching some of the most challenging game animals in the world. It is considered suitable for taking down elephant, buffalo, and lion. Its combination of heavy bullets, high velocity, and significant energy output delivers superior penetration and terminal performance at shorter ranges. The 458 Lott can be a great choice in dangerous game areas.
Practical range and effective distances must be factored in when hunting. The 45-70 is a fine choice for shorter ranges. Hunters using the 45-70 should carefully assess conditions and maintain the shots within reasonable limits. The 458 Lott provides a somewhat extended effective range, particularly when compared to the 45-70. However, shot placement remains key.
Considering the Costs: Price and Availability
Understanding the financial implications is necessary when selecting a cartridge and rifle.
The costs for ammunition are often a significant factor for shooters. The 45-70 is generally more affordable than the 458 Lott, due to the relatively lower demand and wider availability. Many manufacturers produce a variety of factory loads for the 45-70, often offering options at varying price points. The 458 Lott ammunition is typically more expensive, reflecting the smaller market and the greater expense of manufacturing these high-performance loads.
Rifle costs are also important. Rifles chambered in 45-70 are typically found at more accessible price points. This is partly because the caliber is a classic, with many manufacturers producing rifles for it. Rifles chambered in 458 Lott tend to be more expensive, as the caliber is less common. The manufacturing processes, and the cost to produce these rifles for a niche market are higher.
Practical Considerations: Making the Right Choice
The final decision of which cartridge is best hinges on the shooter’s goals and intended use.
The 45-70 is a strong choice for a recreational shooter looking for a powerful cartridge. This can be used in North American game hunting. It’s a good caliber for both beginners and experienced shooters. The 45-70 offers a unique combination of power and manageability. The low price of ammunition and the wide selection of rifles make it easier to find what is required.
The 458 Lott is a serious tool for serious hunters. It is meant for dangerous game. The 458 Lott delivers impressive power. The cartridge provides the necessary stopping power when facing formidable animals.
Both cartridges have their own advantages. The 45-70 has a lower recoil, lower ammunition prices and a classic status. The 458 Lott provides enhanced stopping power, superior penetration, and is designed for the most challenging game animals.
Concluding Thoughts
Choosing between the 458 Lott and the 45-70 requires careful consideration of your needs. The 45-70 is a historic and versatile choice for larger North American game, while the 458 Lott is a specialist round designed for dangerous game. The 458 Lott delivers more power. The 45-70 provides enough power for most hunters. The ultimate decision depends on your specific hunting goals, your experience, and your tolerance for recoil. Whichever you choose, these big-bore cartridges are certain to provide an unforgettable shooting experience.
