A Look Back at Their Origins
In the world of big bore cartridges, two titans stand out, each boasting a rich history and a dedicated following: the .460 S&W Magnum and the .45-70 Government. While both are renowned for their impressive stopping power and ability to take down large game, they stem from vastly different eras and were designed for different purposes. This article undertakes a comprehensive examination of these two potent cartridges, comparing their ballistics, performance, and suitability for various applications. By delving into their origins, design, and practical field performance, we aim to provide a clear understanding of their respective strengths and weaknesses, helping you determine which one might be the right choice for your needs. This comparison will delve into the unique qualities of the 460 S&W vs .45-70, allowing you to make an informed decision on what ammunition to trust.
The .45-70 Government, a cartridge steeped in American history, originated in the late nineteenth century. Born from the need for a more effective cartridge for the U.S. military, it quickly became synonymous with the American West. Initially conceived for use in the Springfield Model 1873 rifle, the .45-70 rapidly gained popularity among hunters, frontiersmen, and settlers. Its name, “.45-70-405,” reflected its key characteristics: a .45-caliber bullet, seventy grains of black powder, and a 405-grain bullet weight (though other bullet weights were also used). The .45-70’s enduring legacy is a testament to its simple yet effective design. It played a crucial role in shaping the American frontier, and its widespread adoption ensured its place in firearm history.
In contrast, the .460 S&W Magnum represents a more modern approach to cartridge design. Developed by Smith & Wesson in the early twenty-first century, this cartridge was designed to push the boundaries of handgun performance. The goal was to create a cartridge capable of both exceptional power and relatively flat trajectories, making it a viable option for hunting and target shooting. The .460 S&W is a derivative of the .454 Casull cartridge but is considerably longer, allowing it to achieve significantly higher velocities. It was a bold attempt to create a cartridge that was both powerful and versatile, suitable for a wide range of applications, from hunting large game to recreational shooting.
Design and Physical Characteristics
The .45-70, with its longer case and larger capacity, immediately tells you that it’s a powerhouse, but the .460 S&W offers a unique blend of power and modern advancements.
Bullet Diameter Comparison
The .45-70 utilizes a .458-inch diameter bullet, while the .460 S&W uses a .452-inch diameter bullet. This difference, though small, influences bullet weight and ballistics.
Case Length Comparison
The .45-70 has a significantly longer case, typically around 2.105 inches, allowing for greater powder capacity. The .460 S&W Magnum’s case is shorter, designed to be fired from a revolver that generally must fit in the shooter’s hand more comfortably.
Case Capacity Comparison
The greater case capacity of the .45-70 allows for a wider range of bullet weights and powder loads. The .460 S&W, while having a smaller capacity, is still able to achieve exceptional velocities due to its modern design.
Design Influences
The differences are critical when understanding the 460 S&W vs .45-70 comparison. The .45-70, created with black powder in mind, was not designed for high pressures. The .460 S&W, designed with smokeless powders, can handle much higher pressures which translates into higher velocities.
Examining Ballistics and Performance Data
Ballistic data is essential for a comprehensive understanding of each cartridge’s capabilities. Here’s a comparison of what you can expect:
Bullet Weights
Both cartridges offer a wide range of bullet weights. For the .45-70, common bullet weights range from 300 grains to over 500 grains, though 405-grain bullets are most common. The .460 S&W Magnum often uses bullets ranging from 200 grains to 300 grains.
Muzzle Velocity
The .460 S&W typically achieves much higher muzzle velocities. For instance, a 200-grain bullet can easily reach over 2,300 feet per second (fps), while a 300-grain bullet can be pushed to nearly 2,000 fps. The .45-70, however, because of the larger bullet diameter, typically sees velocities of around 1,400-1,700 fps with a 405-grain bullet, although this varies greatly depending on the load.
Energy
The .460 S&W generally delivers higher muzzle energy. A 200-grain bullet in the .460 S&W can generate over 2,000 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle, compared to around 1,500 foot-pounds for a 405-grain bullet fired from a .45-70. This energy advantage is maintained across various ranges, with the .460 S&W holding a significant lead, especially at longer distances.
Trajectory
The flat trajectory is a hallmark of the .460 S&W’s appeal. It experiences less bullet drop, enhancing accuracy over longer distances. A .45-70’s bullet, with its slower velocity, will drop much more significantly over the same distances. The .460 S&W can be sighted in for a specific distance and hold the target at a longer range more effectively.
Performance in the Field: Hunting and Beyond
Hunting Applications
Both cartridges are more than capable of taking down large game. The .45-70, with its heavy, wide bullets, has a reputation for excellent penetration and knockdown power, particularly at shorter ranges. The .460 S&W, due to its higher velocities, is also effective at longer ranges, making it a versatile choice for hunting a variety of game animals. The effectiveness of the 460 S&W vs .45-70 depends heavily on the game and the terrain.
Effective Range
The .45-70’s effective range is generally considered to be shorter than that of the .460 S&W. The .460 S&W’s flat trajectory enables hunters to take ethical shots at longer ranges, but this depends on the skill of the marksman.
Target Shooting and Long-Range Performance
The .460 S&W’s flatter trajectory and higher velocities are often preferred for target shooting. This translates to less wind drift and more predictable bullet drop, which is crucial at extended ranges.
Recoil and Handling
Recoil management plays a critical role in effective shooting. The .45-70, while still generating significant recoil, often feels less harsh than the .460 S&W, which can have a very sharp recoil impulse. The .460 S&W’s recoil is often felt as more violent due to the higher velocities, especially in a handgun.
Firearms and Ammunition: A Cost and Availability Perspective
Platform Choices
The .45-70 is commonly found in lever-action rifles, single-shot rifles, and to a lesser extent, some custom-built bolt-action rifles. The .460 S&W Magnum is primarily chambered in revolvers and, to a smaller extent, single-shot rifles.
Ammunition Availability
.45-70 ammunition is widely available, with many manufacturers producing various loads. .460 S&W ammunition is also generally available but may be less common than .45-70 rounds.
Costs of Ammunition
The price of both cartridges varies, but it is safe to say both are on the expensive side, especially when compared to more common cartridges. The cost of .460 S&W Magnum ammunition may be a bit higher than .45-70, but it will vary depending on the brand and load.
Loading Components
Both cartridges are popular for handloaders, and bullets, brass, and reloading components are readily available. Reloading allows for customized loads to match specific hunting needs and can help reduce the long-term cost of shooting either cartridge.
Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages
The .45-70’s strengths often revolve around its historical significance, the wide availability of rifles, and the potentially manageable recoil. Its limitations include the sometimes dramatic bullet drop, and the limitations in the rifle platform.
The .460 S&W’s advantages center on its exceptional velocities, flat trajectories, and overall versatility. Its downsides include the potential for substantial recoil and the smaller range of platform options. These considerations show the clear difference between the 460 S&W vs .45-70 in practical terms.
Choosing the Right Cartridge for You
When selecting between the .460 S&W and the .45-70, the primary consideration is your intended use. If your passion is hunting big game at extended ranges and you want a flat-shooting cartridge, the .460 S&W might be a better option. If you favor shorter-range hunting, the .45-70, with its rich history and powerful impact, could be a better choice.
Also, take into account your tolerance for recoil, your budget, and the availability of ammunition and firearms in your location. Consider your level of experience and if you are comfortable learning to handle the recoil.
Conclusion: A Final Assessment
Both the .460 S&W Magnum and the .45-70 Government represent powerful choices in the world of big bore cartridges, and each has unique characteristics. The .45-70, with its deep roots in history and a reputation for delivering devastating results, offers a classic shooting experience. The .460 S&W Magnum, on the other hand, brings modern technology, achieving higher velocities and flatter trajectories. Both cartridges excel in their respective roles and provide considerable power and versatility.
The selection between these cartridges depends on the shooter’s preferences, including the applications, the environment, the game, and the shooter’s experience. Understanding the core differences and weighing the strengths and weaknesses of the .460 S&W Magnum versus the .45-70 Government will equip you to make an informed decision. Whether it’s the .45-70’s nostalgia or the .460 S&W’s powerful performance that you favor, both cartridges are sure to provide a memorable shooting experience.
