A Look Back: Roots and Evolution
The Forty-Five Seventy Government
The forty-five seventy government has a history deeply intertwined with the American frontier. Created in the early eighteen seventies for the U.S. military, the cartridge quickly became a standard. Its name reflects the specifications: .45-inch caliber, 70 grains of black powder. Initially adopted for the Springfield Model 1873 “Trapdoor” rifle, the forty-five seventy government played a crucial role in the expansion westward, used for hunting game and in defense. The cartridge’s success and reputation are linked to its simplicity and effectiveness, firing a large, heavy bullet at a relatively moderate velocity.
The forty-five seventy government’s versatility quickly led to variations in bullet weight and powder charges. The cartridge adapted to various hunting scenarios and gained popularity among civilian hunters. The evolution of smokeless powders also influenced the forty-five seventy government. The cartridge was chambered in various rifle designs, including single-shot rifles and lever-action models, allowing for different load developments.
The Four Fifty Marlin
The four fifty marlin represents a more modern take on the big-bore concept. Developed in the late nineteen ninety’s by Marlin and Hornady, the four fifty marlin was designed to improve upon the forty-five seventy government, specifically within lever-action rifles. Lever-action rifles of that era had limitations in terms of pressure and load lengths. The four fifty marlin uses a slightly larger case and operates at higher pressures than many traditional forty-five seventy government loads. It was designed to provide increased energy and flatter trajectories, enhancing the performance of lever-action rifles for hunting larger game. The creation of the four fifty marlin demonstrates a desire to increase big-bore hunting capabilities using existing rifle platforms.
Technical Specs and Ballistic Data
Forty-Five Seventy Government Specifications
Understanding the technical details of each cartridge is crucial for a fair comparison. Let’s explore the key specifications and ballistics.
The forty-five seventy government typically uses a bullet diameter of .458 inches, the same as the four fifty marlin, but the case length is generally about two inches long. The total cartridge overall length (COL) is a critical measurement when considering how the cartridge will feed through various rifle actions. Common bullet weights for the forty-five seventy government range from three hundred grains to five hundred grains. Heavier bullets offer greater sectional density and higher energy, while lighter bullets promote flatter trajectories. A loaded forty-five seventy government round can deliver muzzle velocities that vary widely based on the specific load and rifle, with potential muzzle energy reaching substantial levels.
Four Fifty Marlin Specifications
The four fifty marlin, while sharing the same .458-inch bullet diameter, uses a longer case, although the COL is similar to, or even slightly shorter than, some modern, high-performance forty-five seventy government loads. This enables higher pressure capabilities. Commonly found bullet weights for the four fifty marlin are around the three hundred to four hundred grain range. The four fifty marlin is designed to handle heavier bullets while still achieving higher velocities than most standard forty-five seventy government loads. The result is a slightly flatter trajectory and greater retained energy at longer ranges. Ballistic data indicates that the four fifty marlin typically yields higher muzzle velocities and kinetic energy compared to many common forty-five seventy government factory loads, especially with lighter bullets.
Ballistic Comparison Table
Here is a quick comparison table:
| Feature | 45-70 Government | 450 Marlin |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet Diameter | .458 inch | .458 inch |
| Typical Bullet Weights | 300-500 grains | 300-400 grains |
| Muzzle Velocity (example) | 1300-1700 fps (depending on load) | 1800-2100 fps (depending on load) |
| Muzzle Energy (example) | 2000-3000 ft-lbs (depending on load) | 2500-3500 ft-lbs (depending on load) |
| Effective Range | Up to 200 yards (depending on load and rifle) | Up to 250 yards (depending on load and rifle) |
The table shows clear differences, particularly in muzzle velocity and energy. The four fifty marlin, often, has the potential for more energy and a flatter trajectory because of its higher pressure capability. This does not always mean it is the better choice in every situation. Choosing the right cartridge often involves compromise and understanding your needs.
Performance: Real-World Application
Forty-Five Seventy Government Performance
The real test of any cartridge is its performance in the field. We’ll examine hunting applications, effective ranges, and recoil characteristics.
The forty-five seventy government has proven its effectiveness on various game animals. Hunters frequently use it for deer, elk, bear, and other medium-to-large game. The effectiveness relies on bullet selection and shot placement. The cartridge provides excellent penetration and stopping power at short to medium ranges. The effective range depends on the specific load and the hunter’s skills but generally tops out at around two hundred yards, although some hunters push that limit. Recoil with the forty-five seventy government, while manageable, is noticeable. It can be more significant with heavier bullets. Rifle choice is vast, with single-shot rifles, lever-action rifles, and even some bolt-action rifles. Ammo availability for the forty-five seventy government is widely available and generally affordable, making it an easy choice.
Four Fifty Marlin Performance
The four fifty marlin, similarly, is a powerful cartridge that excels in hunting large game. It is also effective on deer, elk, bear, and similar-sized animals. The higher velocities offer a slight advantage in terms of a flatter trajectory, potentially extending the effective range. The cartridge excels at short-to-medium range hunting, where its high kinetic energy translates to impressive stopping power. Recoil in the four fifty marlin is typically more pronounced than many forty-five seventy government loads. The four fifty marlin is primarily found in lever-action rifles. The four fifty marlin offers high energy, providing confidence when pursuing game. Ammunition, while not as universally available as the forty-five seventy government, is still reasonably available, and costs more than forty-five seventy government ammunition.
Penetration, Terminal Ballistics, and Accuracy
When assessing the performance, penetration, and terminal ballistics are central. Both cartridges have similar bullet diameters, and the choice of bullets plays a significant role in penetration. With properly constructed bullets, both cartridges offer impressive penetration on medium-to-large game. The impact produces dramatic tissue damage. The greater velocity and energy of the four fifty marlin result in slightly more dramatic expansion with comparable bullets. The four fifty marlin produces larger wound channels with comparable bullets, which may offer an advantage in certain situations.
Accuracy is another important consideration. The four fifty marlin offers the potential for greater accuracy over longer distances. The faster velocity and flatter trajectory can allow a shooter to more accurately estimate the impact point. The forty-five seventy government is accurate enough for hunting purposes within its effective range.
Making the Right Choice: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Forty-Five Seventy Government Advantages and Disadvantages
Both cartridges offer unique advantages, and choosing the right one depends on your preferences and hunting goals.
The forty-five seventy government has many positive aspects. The widespread availability and low cost of ammunition make it an economical choice. The wide range of rifle options, from single-shot designs to lever-action platforms, allows hunters to choose a rifle style. The cartridge’s historical significance adds to its appeal for those who value tradition. The forty-five seventy government provides adequate stopping power at shorter ranges. The downsides include the potential for a steeper trajectory over distance, which requires careful consideration of bullet drop. Recoil can be substantial.
Four Fifty Marlin Advantages and Disadvantages
The four fifty marlin boasts its own advantages. The flatter trajectory, combined with greater muzzle velocity, increases the effective range of the cartridge, which is beneficial in various scenarios. The four fifty marlin’s recoil might be more noticeable. The higher energy translates to more power on impact. The negative aspects are the availability and cost of ammunition. The limited rifle choices.
Considering the Factors: Which Cartridge is for You?
Hunting Needs
Choosing the correct cartridge involves carefully considering various factors to match your requirements. You must consider the game being hunted, the terrain, and the ranges you expect.
Consider your hunting needs. For pursuing whitetail deer in a wooded environment where shots are often taken at short distances, the forty-five seventy government is more than sufficient. If you hunt larger game at greater distances in open terrain, then the four fifty marlin has advantages because of its trajectory.
Rifle Preference and Budget
Consider your rifle preference. Do you enjoy lever-action rifles or do you prefer single-shot designs? The forty-five seventy government is chambered in both, which allows greater flexibility. The four fifty marlin is generally only available in lever-action models.
Consider your budget. Ammunition costs for the four fifty marlin are generally more expensive than the forty-five seventy government. Rifles are also a consideration. Both cartridges can be found at different price points.
Experience
Consider your experience. Consider your tolerance for recoil. The four fifty marlin generally has more substantial recoil.
Recommendation
A hunter targeting deer at ranges under one hundred fifty yards may be perfectly served by the forty-five seventy government. Those seeking greater range or maximum performance from their lever-action rifle will likely prefer the four fifty marlin.
Final Thoughts
Both the forty-five seventy government and the four fifty marlin represent powerful and effective choices for big-game hunting. The forty-five seventy government, steeped in history, provides affordable performance and a wide variety of rifle options. The four fifty marlin offers increased energy and a flatter trajectory, optimizing the performance of lever-action rifles. The best choice depends on your specific hunting needs, preferences, and budget. Before making a decision, handle both rifles. Consider handling both cartridges. Consult with experienced hunters. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each. This will allow you to make the right choice for your hunting pursuits.
Remember that proper shot placement and responsible hunting practices are far more important than the specific cartridge selected.
