Choosing the right cartridge can significantly impact your hunting success and shooting experience. The .350 Legend and the .45-70 Government represent two distinct approaches to hunting and shooting, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. This detailed comparison will help you understand which cartridge best suits your needs.
Caliber, Cartridge, and Case Size Differences
The most immediate difference lies in the calibers and cartridge designs. The .350 Legend is a relatively new cartridge, introduced by Winchester in 2019. It features a smaller, bottlenecked case designed for use in AR-15 style platforms. Its smaller size allows for lighter weight rifles and higher magazine capacity.
The .45-70 Government, on the other hand, boasts a much longer history, dating back to 1873. This powerful cartridge utilizes a significantly larger, straight-walled case. This design makes it suitable for lever-action rifles and single-shot platforms, but generally limits magazine capacity compared to the .350 Legend.
Ballistics: Velocity, Energy, and Trajectory
The ballistics of these cartridges differ significantly. The .350 Legend typically achieves higher velocities, resulting in a flatter trajectory at longer ranges. This makes it better suited for shots beyond 200 yards, a range where the .45-70's trajectory becomes more pronounced and requires more precise aiming.
However, the .45-70 Government packs considerably more stopping power. Its larger diameter and heavier bullets deliver significantly higher energy upon impact. This makes it an excellent choice for larger game, where a quick, clean kill is paramount. The .350 Legend, while effective on deer-sized game, may require more precise shot placement to achieve a humane kill on larger animals.
Ballistic Data Comparison (Approximate Values - Actual Values May Vary Based on Specific Load):
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (grains) | Muzzle Velocity (fps) | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| .350 Legend | 150 | 2300 | 1800 |
| .45-70 Government | 300 | 1800 | 2500 |
Recoil and Accuracy
The substantial difference in cartridge power translates directly into recoil. The .45-70 Government delivers significantly more recoil, which can be challenging for some shooters, particularly those new to powerful rifles. This can impact accuracy, especially during rapid firing.
The .350 Legend, while not recoil-less, offers a much more manageable recoil, allowing for easier follow-up shots and improved accuracy, especially for less experienced shooters.
Applications: Hunting and Target Shooting
The .45-70 Government remains a highly effective cartridge for hunting large game, such as elk, bear, and moose, especially at shorter to medium ranges. Its heavy bullet delivers incredible knock-down power.
The .350 Legend is well-suited for deer hunting and other medium-sized game within its effective range. Its higher velocity and flatter trajectory make it a good choice for shots at slightly longer distances than the .45-70. For target shooting, both cartridges can be used, but the .350 Legend's lower recoil might be preferred by some shooters.
Rifle Availability and Cost
Both cartridges are readily available, but the .350 Legend benefits from a wider range of AR-15 style rifle options, leading to increased flexibility in choosing a rifle platform to suit your needs and budget. The .45-70 Government often comes in traditional lever-action or single-shot rifles, with a slightly smaller selection of options available. The cost can vary considerably depending on the manufacturer and rifle model.
Conclusion
The choice between the .350 Legend and the .45-70 Government depends entirely on your intended use. The .350 Legend offers a versatile, manageable cartridge for deer hunting and medium-game hunting with a flatter trajectory, while the .45-70 Government is the go-to choice for large game hunting where stopping power is paramount. Consider your hunting experience, target game, and shooting style when making your decision.
