When it comes to hunting, there are few debates more heated than the one between the .45-70 and the .450 Bushmaster. Both cartridges have their own merits and drawbacks, depending on the specific situation and the type of game being pursued. In this article, we will compare the .45-70 and the .450 Bushmaster, discussing the pros, cons, and ballistic differences between them.
The .45-70 cartridge, also known as the .45-70 Government, was introduced by the U.S. military in the late 19th century. This cartridge saw service in the Spanish-American War of 1898, and it was one of the few big bore cartridges used for many years. It is a rimmed, long, bottlenecked cartridge originally designed for use in the single-shot trapdoor Springfield. The .45-70 has become known as one of the most versatile cartridges ever created, as it can be used for both large and small game hunting.
The .450 Bushmaster, on the other hand, is a relatively recent development. It was designed by Bushmaster Firearms International in 2007, and it was made primarily to be used in AR-15 rifles. The .450 Bushmaster is a short, straight-walled rifle cartridge designed to be used specifically for hunting large game such as deer, bear, and hogs. The cartridge was designed with the AR-15 shooter in mind, as it has lower recoil and is much easier to shoot accurately compared to other big bore rifle cartridges.
When considering the .45-70 vs the .450 Bushmaster, there are a few key differences to keep in mind. For starters, the .45-70 cartridge is considerably longer than the .450 Bushmaster. This difference in length affects the cartridge’s overall power and effectiveness on target. The .45-70 has more power than the .450 Bushmaster and is better suited for hunting medium- to large-sized game animals, while the .450 Bushmaster is better suited for hunting smaller game animals.The .45-70 also has a greater range than the .450 Bushmaster. The .450 Bushmaster is limited to about 250 yards, while the .45-70 can reach out to around 500 yards.
In terms of barrel length, the .450 Bushmaster has an advantage over the .45-70. Since it is a shorter cartridge, it can be used in shorter barrels than the .45-70. This allows for greater maneuverability and shooting angles in tighter spaces. However, the .450 Bushmaster does have a heavier recoil than .45-70, so it may not be the best option for shooting from stand-and-shoot positions.
In terms of trajectory and ballistics, the .45-70 is much more accurate and consistent than the .450 Bushmaster. The .45-70 is commonly used in target shooting competitions, while the .450 Bushmaster is most often used for hunting applications. The .45-70 is a flatter shooting cartridge and is more suitable at longer ranges, while the .450 Bushmaster has more of a ballistic arc and is better suited for hunting at moderate-to-close range distances.
When deciding between the .45-70 and the .450 Bushmaster, it is important to consider the intended use. If you are looking for a big bore cartridge for hunting medium-sized game, such as deer and hogs, the .45-70 is an excellent choice. However, the .450 Bushmaster is the better choice for hunting smaller game or shooting from stand-and-shoot positions. Ultimately, how you intend to use the cartridge should be the deciding factor when choosing between the two cartridges.