A Tale of Two Cartridges: An Introduction
Imagine you’re planning a deer hunt in a state with straight-walled cartridge restrictions. You need something accurate, powerful, and compliant with local regulations. Immediately, a few options come to mind. The 350 Legend has become a popular choice in these areas, a testament to its efficiency and manageable recoil.
Now, picture yourself wanting to hunt larger game like elk or even bear. Or, maybe you’re simply drawn to the romance of a classic American firearm. The 45-70 Government, born in the late 19th century, springs to mind, with its raw power and historic legacy.
Both cartridges have a loyal following, but how do they stack up against each other in terms of ballistics and real-world performance? That’s what we’re here to find out. This article provides a detailed ballistic comparison of the 350 Legend and the 45-70. We will cover their backgrounds, specifications, and performance characteristics to help you make an informed decision about which cartridge best suits your requirements.
Unveiling the 350 Legend and Its Modern Appeal
The 350 Legend is a relatively new cartridge, designed with a specific purpose in mind: to offer a potent, accurate, and low-recoil option for hunters operating within jurisdictions that mandate straight-walled cartridges for deer hunting and similar pursuits. It’s a modern marvel, engineered for efficiency and designed to give hunters more versatility and a flatter trajectory than many other cartridges in its class.
Typical bullet weights for the 350 Legend fall into a range that allows for both effective terminal ballistics and reduced recoil. You’ll commonly find bullets ranging from around one hundred twenty-five grains to around one hundred eighty grains. Lighter bullets tend to achieve higher velocities and flatter trajectories, while heavier bullets offer better sectional density and therefore often perform better in terms of penetration. This versatility makes it suitable for a variety of scenarios.
The 350 Legend boasts a straight-walled case design, which is key to complying with regulations in many hunting areas. This design contributes to its inherent accuracy and allows for easy loading. The cartridge case itself is a testament to modern ballistic engineering.
A significant portion of the appeal of the 350 Legend is the availability of rifles chambered for it. Many manufacturers have embraced the cartridge, offering a wide array of bolt-action, lever-action, and even AR-style rifles. This variety ensures there is a 350 Legend firearm to suit nearly any hunting style and preference.
The Legacy of the 45-70 Government: A Classic Reborn
The 45-70 Government, originally designated the .45-70-405, has a story as rich as its ballistic performance. Born in 1873, it served as the standard issue cartridge for the U.S. Army for nearly two decades. It was the round that equipped soldiers in the legendary Springfield Model 1873 “Trapdoor” rifle, a significant piece of American history. The “45” refers to the bullet’s diameter in hundredths of an inch, “70” indicates the bullet’s diameter in hundredths of an inch, “70” indicates the black powder charge in grains, and “405” represented the original bullet weight in grains.
The legacy of the 45-70 continues to this day, with it still being a favorite of hunters and shooters. Its appeal is found in its power and the diverse selection of bullet weights, from around two hundred fifty to around five hundred grains or more. The cartridge has excellent stopping power, making it a great option for many game animals, including the largest species hunted.
The rimmed design of the 45-70 is a hallmark of its heritage. This design, combined with its straight-walled case, provides a robust platform for the cartridge’s powerful performance. This construction helps facilitate easy extraction from rifles.
Lever-action rifles have perhaps become most closely associated with the 45-70. The Marlin Model 1895 and the Winchester Model 1886 are classics and still manufactured today. The cartridge also shows up in single-shot rifles, giving the user maximum versatility over bullet selection.
Ballistic Chart: A Head-to-Head Comparison
To truly understand the differences between the 350 Legend and the 45-70, a direct comparison using ballistic data is invaluable. Below is a chart providing a snapshot of their relative performance. Keep in mind, these figures represent common bullet weights and powder loads but real-world performance can vary based on the rifle, ammunition manufacturer, and environmental conditions. The chart is a general guide.
| Feature | 350 Legend (170gr) | 45-70 Government (300gr) | 45-70 Government (405gr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet Weight | 170 gr | 300 gr | 405 gr |
| Muzzle Velocity | ~2200 fps | ~1800 fps | ~1350 fps |
| Ballistic Coefficient (BC) | ~0.250 | ~0.200 | ~0.250 |
| 100 Yards Drop | ~2 inches | ~3 inches | ~4 inches |
| 200 Yards Drop | ~8 inches | ~13 inches | ~20 inches |
| 100 Yards Energy | ~1800 ft-lbs | ~1900 ft-lbs | ~1640 ft-lbs |
| 200 Yards Energy | ~1100 ft-lbs | ~1200 ft-lbs | ~900 ft-lbs |
| 300 Yards Energy | ~750 ft-lbs | ~800 ft-lbs | ~600 ft-lbs |
| Velocity at 100yds | ~1850 fps | ~1550 fps | ~1150 fps |
| Velocity at 200yds | ~1500 fps | ~1300 fps | ~950 fps |
Analyzing the Ballistic Data
The provided chart offers a clear glimpse into how the 350 Legend and the 45-70 perform at various ranges.
Muzzle Velocity
The chart shows that the 350 Legend, loaded with a one hundred seventy-grain bullet, boasts a higher muzzle velocity than the 45-70, especially those using heavier bullets.
Trajectory (Drop)
The 350 Legend generally exhibits a flatter trajectory than the 45-70. This means its bullets drop less over distance. The flatter trajectory simplifies long-range shot placement, reducing the need for significant elevation adjustments.
Energy (Foot-Pounds)
The 45-70, especially with heavier bullets, initially carries more energy than the 350 Legend. However, the 350 Legend tends to retain its energy better over long distances. The energy delivered by the 45-70 is generally quite substantial, especially at close to medium ranges.
Velocity Retention
Despite the initial differences in muzzle velocity, the 350 Legend tends to retain velocity well, at least in comparison to certain 45-70 loads that use very heavy bullets. The impact on its performance is visible over distances.
Ballistic Coefficient
The Ballistic Coefficient (BC) is crucial to understanding bullet flight. A higher BC indicates that the bullet is better at overcoming air resistance. The 45-70, when using heavy bullets, and the 350 Legend tend to show comparable BC values.
Ballistic Chart Conclusion
The ballistic chart highlights some key differences. The 350 Legend tends to excel in situations where flatter trajectories are critical, whereas the 45-70, especially with heavier bullets, provides more raw power at close to moderate ranges. The choices you make when choosing a cartridge should be guided by the terrain and target.
Performance in Real-World Scenarios: Hunting Applications
Considering these ballistics, let’s explore the practical applications of each cartridge.
Hunting with the 350 Legend
The 350 Legend is well-suited for medium-sized game, such as whitetail deer. Its relatively flat trajectory enables effective shots at distances often encountered in wooded or open areas. Hunters can generally expect an effective range of up to two hundred yards. The cartridge offers a good balance of power and manageable recoil.
Hunting with the 45-70 Government
The 45-70 is often considered the champion for hunting larger game like elk, bear, and other tougher species. It delivers tremendous stopping power at close to medium ranges. While its trajectory is not quite as flat as the 350 Legend, its retained energy makes it devastating on impact. Hunters using the 45-70 will want to zero their rifles with the intended hunting distances in mind, allowing for accuracy at such ranges. Its effective range for these larger animals is generally within two hundred yards or so, though skilled shooters can stretch that out further.
Target Shooting and Beyond
The 350 Legend has a place for target shooting, and in general, will have a slightly more favorable trajectory for recreational shooting. The 45-70 is usable, though its greater recoil might become fatiguing.
Advantages and Disadvantages: Weighing the Options
Advantages of the 350 Legend
The 350 Legend offers several benefits that contribute to its popularity. The lower recoil makes it comfortable to shoot, improving accuracy and reducing fatigue. The cartridge is generally more affordable than the 45-70. Its compliance with straight-walled cartridge regulations is a huge advantage in many hunting zones.
Disadvantages of the 350 Legend
The 350 Legend’s range is limited compared to some other cartridges, which can present issues with longer shots. Its performance tends to decrease noticeably at extended distances, so shot placement is critical.
Advantages of the 45-70 Government
The 45-70 provides exceptional power and is great for large game. Its versatility enables hunters to choose different bullets for different hunting scenarios. The cartridge has the iconic appeal and the historical significance that some shooters find valuable.
Disadvantages of the 45-70 Government
The 45-70’s recoil can be quite significant, potentially hindering accurate shot placement. Ammunition is generally more expensive than the 350 Legend. Its trajectory can be somewhat unpredictable at longer ranges.
Firearms and Ammunition Costs: The Financial Factor
When making a decision, cost is always an important consideration. Rifles chambered in 350 Legend are widely available at various price points, from budget-friendly options to high-end models. Ammunition for the 350 Legend is also typically less expensive than for the 45-70, making it more affordable to practice and hone your skills. Rifles chambered in 45-70 range from classic lever-actions to premium single-shot rifles, each with a different price tag. The cost of ammunition is generally higher.
Making the Right Choice: Final Recommendations
So, which cartridge is right for you? The answer depends on your specific needs and priorities.
The 350 Legend is an excellent choice for hunters in areas with straight-walled cartridge restrictions. Its accuracy, relatively low recoil, and affordable ammunition make it a great option for deer and similar-sized game at moderate ranges.
The 45-70 is the better choice for those hunting larger, tougher game and those seeking maximum power at closer ranges. However, consider the higher recoil and ammunition costs.
Ultimately, choosing between the 350 Legend and the 45-70 is a matter of matching your hunting or shooting requirements to the strengths of each cartridge.
Further Exploration: Additional Resources
For further information, consider visiting the websites of ammunition manufacturers such as Winchester, Hornady, and Federal. These resources offer detailed ballistic data and information about specific loads. Consult hunting guides and local shooting clubs for more information about the cartridges.
Choose the cartridge that best aligns with your specific hunting or shooting needs and always prioritize responsible gun ownership and safe practices.
Disclaimer: Ballistic data can vary based on specific load, barrel length, and environmental factors. Always consult manufacturer specifications and practice safe gun handling.
