Introduction
The crack of the rifle, the scent of gunpowder, the anticipation… these are the hallmarks of a successful hunt. And for hunters across the globe, the pursuit of deer remains a timeless tradition. Among the countless cartridges available, one stands out for its history, power, and dedicated following: the .45-70. But is the .45-70 a truly good cartridge for deer hunting? This guide delves into the heart of this question, offering a comprehensive exploration of the .45-70, its capabilities, and its limitations in the context of deer hunting. We’ll examine the cartridge’s ballistic properties, compare it to other options, and ultimately, help you decide if this classic round is the right choice for your next deer season.
The .45-70: A Look Back and a Look Ahead
The story of the .45-70 begins in the late nineteenth century, born from the need for a more powerful round for the U.S. military. It quickly became a favorite, its name a direct reflection of its specs: a .45-caliber bullet propelled by seventy grains of black powder. This robust cartridge earned its stripes in the hands of soldiers and frontiersmen, proving itself capable of taking down everything from bison to bears. Today, while it may not be the ubiquitous choice it once was, the .45-70 retains a devoted following among hunters who appreciate its unique attributes and enjoy the historical charm it offers. Choosing a cartridge is a balance of many factors, and to understand the capabilities of the .45-70, we need to examine its ballistics.
Understanding the .45-70’s Performance
The .45-70’s effectiveness in deer hunting depends greatly on understanding its ballistic characteristics. This is a low-velocity cartridge, and its performance varies according to the type of bullets used and the ranges at which you choose to hunt.
Bullet Selection: The Heart of the Matter
One of the great strengths of the .45-70 is its ability to handle a wide variety of bullet weights. Commonly, hunters use bullets ranging from three hundred to five hundred grains. Lighter bullets tend to have flatter trajectories but sacrifice some of the heavy knockdown power of the cartridge. Heavier bullets, conversely, offer more energy and are the preferred choice for many hunters. The choice often boils down to personal preference, the type of game targeted, and the typical ranges expected for a shot.
Velocity: The Speed of Impact
The .45-70’s velocity, or speed, is another major consideration. Generally, the .45-70 has a lower velocity compared to modern, higher-velocity cartridges. This means a .45-70 bullet will reach its target at a more gentle rate, giving it a curved trajectory. A flatter trajectory is a desirable element of a hunting cartridge, so these factors should be considered.
Energy at Different Ranges: Assessing Knockdown Power
The energy a bullet delivers is measured in foot-pounds (ft-lbs). The .45-70 is known for its high energy at the muzzle and its ability to deliver significant energy at a distance. However, because of the effect of gravity, its energy and speed gradually diminish as it travels further. Comparing this energy to that of a modern cartridge and analyzing how energy translates to “stopping power” is critical for a hunter to understand.
Trajectory: Mastering the Arc of Flight
The .45-70’s trajectory is the most critical thing to understand when using this round for hunting. Because of the lower velocity, the bullet will drop considerably over distance. The trajectory is defined by the bullets flight, and this is why the .45-70 can be challenging for shots beyond a certain range. For example, at a distance of two hundred yards, the bullet may drop several inches, compared to the same distance for a higher-velocity cartridge. Therefore, hunters must be acutely aware of the distance to their target and adjust their aim accordingly. Knowing your holdover at various ranges is absolutely critical to the success of any hunt.
The .45-70’s Strengths for Deer Hunting
Knockdown Power: Delivering a Heavy Blow
The .45-70 is known for its substantial stopping power. With its large bullet diameter and high energy on impact, it can deliver a devastating blow to deer. This translates to quick and humane kills, minimizing the chances of a wounded animal escaping.
Effective Range: Finding the Sweet Spot
While the .45-70 isn’t a long-range cartridge, it excels within its effective range. Many experienced hunters find the .45-70 ideal for hunting in wooded areas, where shots are typically taken at shorter distances. Within its effective range, the cartridge’s power shines, providing reliable performance and confidence.
Recoil: Managing the Kick
The .45-70 does produce a noticeable recoil. This can be mitigated by the selection of bullet weight, and the rifle design, but it can affect the shooters comfort and ability to make a follow-up shot, as well as the speed of the initial shot. It is important to practice with the cartridge so the hunter can properly manage the recoil to ensure shot accuracy and confidence.
Availability: Ammo and Rifle Options
The .45-70 enjoys decent availability. The cartridge continues to be in production, and you will likely be able to find factory loads at your local ammunition retailer. Handloading is very common for this round, allowing you to customize your loads. The .45-70 is also commonly chambered in a variety of rifles including lever-action rifles, single-shot rifles, and even some modern designs.
Weaknesses of the .45-70 for Deer Hunting
Limited Distance: Setting Expectations
The .45-70’s range is a key limitation. Because of the bullet drop, the cartridge is less effective at extended distances. This is something a hunter must keep in mind, and it is essential to understand your holdover at different distances and to always be prepared to range the distances you are likely to shoot from. This range limitation means that this cartridge is not suitable for certain hunting environments, such as open fields where shots can be expected to be at long distances.
Ballistics: The Curveball
The .45-70 bullet trajectory is arced, and this requires hunters to be accurate at estimating the distance to the target and adjusting their aim accordingly. This can be challenging for those new to the cartridge or for those hunting in varied terrain.
Recoil: The Kickback
Recoil is an important consideration for the .45-70. The cartridge produces a significant kick, which, if not managed correctly, can lead to flinching, inaccurate shots, and reduced enjoyment. It is essential to practice and become comfortable with the recoil to ensure a clean and accurate shot.
Rifle Design and Weight
Most .45-70 rifles tend to be on the heavier side. While this can help absorb recoil, it can also make them more cumbersome to carry over long distances. Lever-action rifles, which are the most common, can be difficult to handle for smaller shooters. Finding the right rifle with the proper sights for the hunter is critical.
Comparing the .45-70: Matching it Up
The .30-30 Winchester: A Lever-Action Classic
The .30-30 is the .45-70’s close cousin, and it is very popular for hunting in the same types of situations. Both are very capable, but the .30-30 offers a flatter trajectory, meaning that its range is a bit farther. For the hunter who may wish to shoot at targets at longer distances, the .30-30 may be the superior choice.
The .308 Winchester: A Modern Workhorse
The .308 Win is a modern cartridge known for its high velocity and good range. The .308 excels at long distances, where its flat trajectory allows for a more accurate shot. It also benefits from lower recoil, which can make it easier to shoot and may be preferred by many hunters. The .308 is a more versatile round, so for many hunters, it is preferred over the .45-70.
The .270 Winchester: The Flat-Shooting Choice
The .270 Winchester is known for its flat trajectory and its ability to drop deer at long distances. The .270 Winchester can be superior to the .45-70 in this type of situation. If the hunter is looking for long-range shots in open areas, the .270 Winchester may be the better choice.
The 6.5 Creedmoor: The Long-Range Champion
The 6.5 Creedmoor has revolutionized hunting. It is known for its high ballistic coefficient, which helps maintain velocity at great distances, providing both accuracy and excellent energy. If the hunter is focused on long-range shooting, then the 6.5 Creedmoor may be the best choice.
Making the Right Call: Your Hunting Conditions
Terrain Matters: Where You Hunt
The terrain you hunt plays a significant role in determining the suitability of the .45-70. In thick forests or dense brush, where shots are typically close, the .45-70’s power and stopping ability are assets. However, in open fields or areas where shots are often taken at longer ranges, its limited effective range could be a hindrance.
Knowing Your Range: The Importance of Assessment
Accurate range estimation is critical for any hunter. With the .45-70, understanding the distance to your target is even more crucial. You must be prepared to range targets quickly and adjust your aim to compensate for bullet drop.
Choosing Your Rifle: A Match Made in Hunting
Lever Action: The Time-Honored Choice
Lever-action rifles are popular for the .45-70. These rifles are quick to cycle, which allows for faster follow-up shots. They can also be used in a variety of hunting scenarios.
Single-Shot Rifles: The Purist’s Preference
Single-shot rifles, although less common, offer a more classic experience. These rifles are very accurate, and they can often handle heavier loads.
Sights: Finding Your Mark
The best choice of sights depends on personal preference and the hunting environment. Iron sights are traditional and reliable for close-range shots, whereas scopes provide greater magnification and precision at longer distances.
Ethics and Responsibility: Hunting with Integrity
Shot Placement: Aiming for Success
Accurate shot placement is a requirement for humane hunting. With the .45-70, focusing on vital areas is essential for a quick and ethical kill.
Responsible Hunting: Ethical Practice
Always adhere to hunting regulations, practice safe gun handling, and respect the environment and the animals you pursue.
Final Thoughts
The .45-70 is an exciting cartridge, offering the hunter a blend of history, power, and classic style. It is an excellent choice for hunting in wooded areas and at closer ranges. However, its limited effective range and the challenges posed by its trajectory make it less suitable for certain hunting scenarios. The hunter should assess all of the factors carefully before choosing their hunting cartridge. With proper consideration of these factors, the .45-70 can be a good choice for deer hunting, and for some it is the only choice.
