When it comes to big game hunting, the 375 H&H Magnum and the 45-70 are two cartridges that have a strong following. The 375 H&H Magnum is a powerful, long-range cartridge that is ideal for hunting large game at distances of up to 300 yards. The 45-70, on the other hand, is a classic cartridge that has been in use for over 150 years and is best suited for short-range hunting.
Here is the short answer:
The 375 H&H Magnum is a powerful cartridge that can take down dangerous game as big as cape buffalo or elephants. The 45-70 is better for hunting deer and or elk at close range or in thick brush.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look at each cartridge, their best uses, their ballistics, and how they compare.
Overview of 375 H&H Magnum
The 375 H&H Magnum has been an archetypal dangerous game cartridge since its inception in 1912, and is just as popular now as it was then. It was designed to be a powerful yet precise round for use when hunting sizeable African animals such as elephants and Cape buffalos. A plethora of bullet weights ranging between 200 grains up to 300 grains with various bullet patterns tailored specifically for different scenarios can be used with the 375 H&H Magnum.
In regards to recoil energy experienced by shooters firing either load, there is not much discrepancy between them; however, its bigger case capacity provides it with more potential power per round fired than what can be harnessed from a 45-70 Government cartridge making discharging a 375 H&H magnum less comfortable compared to using its smaller equivalent unless one uses reduced loads.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 375 H&H Magnum with a 300-grain soft point bullet:
| Range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2530 | 4263 |
| 50 | 0 | 0.2 | 2397 | 3826 |
| 100 | 0 | 1.2 | 2267 | 3424 |
| 150 | -1.7 | 2.8 | 2142 | 3057 |
| 200 | -5.3 | 5 | 2021 | 2720 |
| 250 | -10.9 | 7.9 | 1903 | 2412 |
| 300 | -19.1 | 11.8 | 1790 | 2135 |
| 350 | -30.1 | 16.7 | 1684 | 1888 |
| 400 | -44 | 22.5 | 1581 | 1665 |
| 450 | -61.4 | 29.2 | 1484 | 1467 |
| 500 | -82.8 | 37.1 | 1394 | 1294 |
Overview of the 45-70 Caliber
For more than 140 years, the 45-70 caliber has been a popular rifle cartridge known for its power, accuracy, and dependability. Initially developed by the United States government to be employed in military rifles and carbines, it is now widely favored among hunters as well as target shooters. In comparison with another common big game hunting cartridge.
The 0.458-inch diameter bullet of the 45-70 is larger and heavier than that of most other hunting rounds which is what gives it its energy. The 45-70 does not shoot a very fast bullet but because of its heavy weight, it generates a lot of energy. Also because of the slower velocity, this round is not ideal for long-range shooting but rather for shooting at close range through thick brush.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 45-70 with a 300-grain jacketed soft point:
| Range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 1850 | 2280 |
| 50 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 1728 | 1988 |
| 100 | 0 | 2.3 | 1612 | 1730 |
| 150 | -4 | 4.8 | 1501 | 1500 |
| 200 | -11.9 | 8.8 | 1400 | 1305 |
| 250 | -24.3 | 14.1 | 1308 | 1140 |
| 300 | -41.7 | 20.7 | 1226 | 1001 |
| 350 | -65 | 28.6 | 1156 | 890 |
| 400 | -94.8 | 37.8 | 1097 | 802 |
| 450 | -131.7 | 48.1 | 1050 | 734 |
| 500 | -176.5 | 59.5 | 1010 | 679 |
Ballistics Comparison of 375 H&H and 45-70 cartridges
The 375 H&H Magnum and the 45-70 are two of the most widely utilized cartridges for hunting in North America, boasting a long history of dependable and precise performance. Comparatively speaking, these two ammunition types have diverging talents and limitations which makes them suitable for an assortment of hunting. Many consider the 375 H&H Magnum to be unparalleled when it comes to hunting large game creatures such as moose, elk, bear, or even African Cape buffalo.
The 45-70 is an excellent option for big game hunting, however, it is best suited to medium-sized animals such as deer or hogs due to its lowing energy. The 375 H&H Magnum offers greater accuracy when fired from barrels of similar length as a result of having more energy than the 45-70, and this capability permits shots taken at longer distances. Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness of the 45- 70 tends to be higher compared with that of the 375 H&H Magnum because its design tends towards simplicity and consists mostly of components that are relatively inexpensive (brass cases, etc.).
If seeking maximum power output is a priority, then opting for the 375 H&H Magnum may be recommended, whereas if affordability plays an important factor in one’s selection process then they ought to consider sticking with the classic 45-70 Government caliber rifle round. However, if needing maximum power output for extremely large game animals is paramount then spending slightly more on ammunition costs associated with the 375 H&H could be deemed worthwhile so that ethical kill shots can be delivered out in field settings.
Summary of Caliber Debate
In conclusion, when evaluating the caliber debate between 375 H&H and 45-70, both have their respective advantages. The 375 H&H is suitable for maximizing effectiveness at long ranges due to its higher velocity and flatter trajectories while the 45-70 offers more power over short distances with greater energy transfer. Therefore, it comes down to individual requirements as well as personal preferences in order to determine which one of these calibers best suits an individual’s needs.