When it comes to firearms, there are a variety of options available for different purposes. Two popular cartridges for hunting and self-defense are the 45-70 and 44 Magnum. While both have their strengths and weaknesses, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to the shooter’s needs and preferences.
Here is the short answer:
The 45-70 is a powerful cartridge that is ideal for hunting large game at moderate distances, while the 44 Magnum is a versatile pistol cartridge that is suitable for both hunting and self-defense in close quarters.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closely at each caliber, their ballistics, and see which cartridge is better in-depth.
In-Depth Look at the 45-70
The 45-70 has been present since 1873 when it was designed by the United States Army to be used with black powder rifles. Initially, this cartridge proved most notable for its use in hunting and target shooting activities. The versatility of this ammunition is such that it can accommodate bullets that range anywhere from a light 300-grain up to an impressive 500-grain projectile.
The 45-70 is a powerful cartridge that is capable of taking down large game at moderate distances. This combination of weight and velocity results in high stopping power and penetration, making it ideal for hunting deer, elk, and other large game.
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 |
In-Depth Look at the 44 Magnum
The 44 Magnum was developed in 1955 by Smith & Wesson. It is a versatile pistol cartridge that is suitable for both hunting and self-defense. The cartridge has a rimmed case that is 1.285 inches long, with a bullet diameter of .44 inches.
The 44 Magnum is a powerful cartridge that typically fires a heavy bullet weighing between 240 and 300 grains at a muzzle velocity of around 1,200 to 1,500 feet per second. This combination of weight and velocity results in high stopping power and penetration, making it ideal for hunting medium-sized game and for self-defense in close quarters.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 44 Magnum with a 240-grain soft point:
| RANGE (YD) | DROP (IN) | WIND DRIFT (IN) | VELOCITY (FPS) | ENERGY (FT-LB) |
| 0 | -0.9 | 0 | 1230 | 806 |
| 25 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 1169 | 729 |
| 50 | 0 | 1.1 | 1117 | 665 |
| 75 | -2.1 | 2.4 | 1073 | 613 |
| 100 | -6.1 | 4.2 | 1035 | 571 |
| 125 | -12 | 6.5 | 1003 | 536 |
| 150 | -20.1 | 9.1 | 974 | 505 |
| 175 | -30.6 | 12.1 | 948 | 479 |
| 200 | -43.4 | 15.5 | 925 | 455 |
In-Depth Comparison
Both the 45-70 and 44 Magnum are powerful cartridges with high stopping power and penetration. However, there are some differences between the two that make them better suited for different purposes.
The 45-70 is a larger cartridge that is capable of taking down larger game at moderate distances. It is ideal for hunting deer, elk, and other large game in open areas where shots can be taken at longer ranges. The cartridge has a higher recoil than the 44 Magnum, which can be a challenge for some shooters.
The 44 Magnum, on the other hand, is a more versatile cartridge that is suitable for both hunting and self-defense. It is smaller and easier to handle than the 45-70, making it ideal for use in close quarters. The cartridge has less recoil than the 45-70, which makes it more manageable for most shooters.
Conclusion
Both the 45-70 and 44 Magnum are powerful cartridges that have their strengths and weaknesses. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to the shooter’s needs and preferences. If you are hunting large game at moderate distances, the 45-70 is an excellent choice. If you are looking for a more versatile cartridge that is suitable for both hunting and self-defense, the 44 Magnum is a great option.