45-70 vs 30-30: Caliber Comparison

Known as trademark choices for lever guns, the 45-70 and 30-30 carry a storied history and strong ballistics that lend to their widespread popularity.

The 45-70, also known as the .45-70 Government, emerged in the 19th century and was prominently used by the United States military before it found its footing in big game hunting. Its significant profile and superior firepower became closely associated with the iconic lever action rifles and are lauded today for their inherent reliability.

On the other side of the spectrum, the 30-30 has carved its niche as the first American centerfire cartridge to be loaded with smokeless powder. Ever since it burst onto the scene in the late 19th century, this rifle cartridge has remained a favorite among hunters in North America due to its effective range and suitability for dangerous game.

The Short Answer: The 45-70 offers more power and is ideal for bigger game, whereas the 30-30 features less recoil, is great for deer hunting, and is generally cheaper. But what is the better choice between 45-70 vs 30-30? That comes to individual preferences based on a few factors we will discuss today: usage, ballistics, recoil, and cost.

45-70 vs 30-30: History and Usage

THE ORIGINS AND DEVELOPMENT OF 45-70

Looking back at their history, the 45-70 first debuted in 1873. Initially intended for use in rifles by the U.S. Army, this caliber found a new lease of life within the world of game hunting, primarily for larger animals like black bears and feral hogs, eventually carving itself a niche as a versatile powerhouse. This caliber cooperates exceptionally well with Marlin rifles, sustaining a heavy-hitting power even at longer ranges.

THE EMERGENCE AND RISE OF THE 30-30 WINCHESTER

The 30-30, on the other hand, etched itself into firearm history as the first commercially available cartridge in the United States loaded with smokeless powder. Unveiled in 1895, it gained rapid popularity among shooters for its reduced recoil, impressive performance in lever action rifles, and effectiveness when using iron sights. The 30-30 Winchester’s moderate potency, combined with its flatter trajectory, made it the go-to choice for deer hunting, particularly whitetail deer. Compatible with a variety of lever action rifles, including certain popular Winchester model rifles, its enduring appeal can also be attributed to its affordability, efficiency, and handling. These factors contribute to it being the deer cartridge of preference across the United States.

RELEVANCE OF HISTORY AND USAGE TODAY

While both the 45-70 and the 30-30 have their individual historical and usage credentials, it’s essential to remember that their performances can vary dramatically depending on several factors. These include but are not limited to, rifle type, bullet grain (weight), load, and bullet type (flat nose, round shoulder, etc.).

45-70 vs 30-30: Ballistics

Every bullet has unique ballistics – measurable attributes that play key roles in shot performance. The most crucial ballistics to consider when comparing the 45-70 and 30-30 are muzzle velocity, trajectory, and bullet drop.

MUZZLE VELOCITY

The 45-70 cartridges are known for their slower muzzle velocity due to their heavier weight construction. That means the bullet moves slower, but it also imparts a larger impact on the target. Conversely, the 30-30 cartridges, being lighter, have a higher velocity.

RAJECTORY & BULLET DROP

The trajectory – the path the bullet follows after leaving the barrel – is also significantly different for the 30-30 and 45-70 largely due to the latter’s heavier bullet. As we have mentioned, the 30-30 Winchester has a flatter trajectory, making it a suitable choice for smaller game precision hunting. The 45-70, due to its bullet drop, is better tailored for larger game shot at shorter distances. However, within 150 yards, both bullets perform well.

BULLET CONSTRUCTION

When looking at bullet construction, the 45-70 boasts a flat-nose bullet design which makes a significant difference in energy transfer upon impact. On the other hand, the 30-30 lever gun primarily uses round shoulder bullets which lend themselves to the precision shooting we have already mentioned.

45-70 vs 30-30: Key Considerations

Choosing between the 45-70 and 30-30 is not just about understanding their history or dissecting their ballistics. There are other practical elements to consider, such as recoil, cost, and available rifle options.

RECOIL

One of the significant differences between the 45-70 and the 30-30 is the recoil. Due to the heavier grain bullets, the 45-70 lever gun tends to have a robust and powerful recoil, which might be challenging for certain shooters. On the other hand, with its lighter grain bullets, the 30-30 offers a more reasonable recoil, making it a better choice for beginners or those who prefer less jarring feedback from their rifle.

COST

Cost is another essential factor in the decision-making process. Generally, 30-30 bullets are easier to find and hence more affordable than the 45-70. This makes the 30-30 a more budget-friendly choice, especially for frequent recreational shooters.

RIFLE COMPATIBILITY

In terms of rifle compatibility, both cartridges are lever-action staples, allowing plenty of options. Top manufacturers, such as Marlin, Winchester, and Browning, offer great choices for both calibers. However, the 45-70 is usually associated with larger, more powerful hunting rifles. If someone is looking for a lighter, more manageable rifle for the range, the 30-30 would likely be the preferred caliber.

How Berry’s Bullets Can Help

When it comes to choosing between the 45-70 and the 30-30, personal preference plays a significant role, but the quality of the bullet is something that pertains to all users. Whether you settle for the heavy-hitting 45-70 or the versatile 30-30, Berry’s Bullets is dedicated to providing superior projectiles that ensure your shooting sport is done right.

Our commitment to quality and innovation spans over six decades, establishing us as a reliable partner for shooters worldwide. We produce both 45-70 and 30-30 caliber projectiles, prioritizing consistency, accuracy, and performance.

Explore Berry’s offerings today and discover how our commitment to excellence can enhance your shooting experiences. Regardless of your choice, Berry’s Bullets is here for you, providing the dependable, high-quality bullets you need.