The Origins: A Look Back at Each Cartridge
The 350 Legend represents a more modern approach to hunting cartridges. It was specifically engineered with straight-walled cartridge regulations in mind, primarily aimed at states with restrictions against bottlenecked rifle cartridges. This design allowed hunters in these areas to utilize a modern, efficient cartridge with good performance. Its introduction was a response to the evolving needs of hunters and the legal landscape of hunting regulations. The goal was to create a cartridge that delivered accuracy, moderate recoil, and sufficient terminal performance for common game animals.
The 45-70, on the other hand, boasts a history that stretches back to the late nineteenth century. Originally adopted by the U.S. Army as the standard service cartridge, the 45-70 Government quickly proved itself as a versatile and effective round. It played a crucial role in the development of firearm technology and was known for its stopping power, making it a favorite among frontiersmen and hunters alike. Its long history is intertwined with the iconic lever-action rifles that became symbols of the American West. Even today, the 45-70 persists, a testament to its rugged reliability and effectiveness.
Understanding the Fundamentals: Examining Design
The 350 Legend utilizes a straight-walled case and fires a .357-inch bullet. This design makes it exceptionally easy to load and reload, leading to accuracy. The case design facilitates efficient powder burning, contributing to its performance. It offers a moderate recoil, making it a comfortable cartridge for a wide range of shooters. This design is well-suited for modern manufacturing, allowing for accurate and reliable ammunition production.
The 45-70 features a noticeably larger bullet diameter, measuring .458 inches. Its case design, while straight-walled, is significantly larger and is known for its capacity to handle a variety of bullet weights. The original black powder loading has given way to modern smokeless propellants, which allow for higher velocities and improved performance. The 45-70 is a classic design, with a straightforward and effective shape.
Analyzing the Ballistics: Performance in Detail
One of the primary distinctions lies in bullet diameter and weight. The 350 Legend generally uses bullets that fall in the 120-180 grain range. These lighter bullets result in higher velocities and flatter trajectories. The increased velocity allows for greater range and more consistent performance at medium distances.
The 45-70, in contrast, typically fires bullets ranging from 300 to 500 grains or even heavier. This greater mass translates to a significant increase in kinetic energy. The heavier bullet weight, coupled with a larger diameter, delivers substantial energy on impact, making it effective on larger and tougher game.
The trajectory difference between the two cartridges is significant. The 350 Legend’s lighter and faster bullet results in a flatter trajectory, meaning it drops less over a given distance. This flatter trajectory makes it easier to accurately estimate range and engage targets at longer distances.
The 45-70, with its heavier bullets and slower velocities, exhibits a more pronounced trajectory. The bullet will drop more over the same distance, requiring more precise range estimation for accurate shots. However, the substantial energy delivered upon impact compensates for the trajectory limitations.
In terms of energy, the 350 Legend offers sufficient energy to take down game at reasonable ranges. While the exact energy varies based on bullet weight and velocity, it often provides ample energy for ethical hunting of deer, hogs, and other medium-sized game.
The 45-70 delivers a far greater energy on impact. This increased energy, when coupled with the large bullet diameter, results in devastating terminal performance. It provides excellent penetration and stopping power, making it suitable for larger and dangerous game.
Game and Range: Matching Cartridges to Needs
The 350 Legend has proven to be a capable cartridge for medium-sized game such as whitetail deer, black bears, and wild hogs. Its flatter trajectory and manageable recoil make it a good choice for hunters seeking accuracy and ease of use. It’s particularly well-suited to hunters who want a cartridge that is comfortable to shoot, or are looking for a cartridge with low recoil for younger hunters.
The 45-70 excels in situations where increased power and penetration are paramount. It’s a great choice for hunting large game such as elk, moose, brown bears, and other tough animals. The heavy bullets and substantial energy transfer provide exceptional stopping power.
When considering range, the 350 Legend has a practical range of approximately 200-250 yards for ethical hunting. While capable of longer shots under the right conditions, hunters should carefully assess their abilities and the potential for a clean kill at extended distances.
The 45-70 has a shorter effective range, typically around 150-200 yards. Its trajectory requires more accurate range estimation. However, the cartridge can still be effectively employed at longer ranges with proper bullet selection and practice. Ethical hunting principles always demand responsible shot placement.
The hunting environment should also be considered. The 350 Legend is well-suited for the dense cover often found in wooded areas, due to its manageable recoil. The 45-70 can also be used in wooded environments, but its power makes it suitable for open fields where the increased energy can be used to its advantage.
Firearms and Ammunition: Availability and Considerations
The 350 Legend is often found in modern rifles such as bolt-action rifles, AR-15 style platforms, and lever-action rifles. These firearms are frequently very accurate. The widespread availability of these rifles, coupled with their ergonomic design and affordable price, is one of the reasons behind the 350 Legend’s rise in popularity.
The 45-70 is commonly chambered in classic lever-action rifles, single-shot rifles, and a few bolt-action designs. Lever-action rifles are often associated with the 45-70, thanks to the cartridge’s heritage. These rifles are known for their rugged reliability. Single-shot rifles can offer excellent accuracy, but they may have a slower reload time.
Ammunition availability for the 350 Legend is generally good. Many manufacturers produce factory loads, offering a wide range of bullet weights and designs. The price of ammunition is generally reasonable, and it’s easily accessible in most sporting goods stores.
The 45-70 also boasts a wide selection of factory ammunition. However, the ammunition price is generally higher. Handloaders will have the most flexibility in load development. Reloading allows users to tailor loads to their specific needs, optimizing performance and cost. This is a significant advantage for the serious hunter.
Weighing the Pros and Cons: What Each Offers
The 350 Legend offers several advantages. It offers low recoil making it a comfortable cartridge for hunters of all experience levels. It also has a flatter trajectory, and better ammunition availability in many regions. It is perfect for hunters who have to be compliant with straight-wall cartridge restrictions.
The 350 Legend, however, has its limitations. The flatter trajectory means the effective range is reduced. It also has a power level that is less than some of the cartridges on the market.
The 45-70 also offers advantages. It provides enormous power, making it well-suited for a broad range of game. It’s known for its stopping power, particularly on larger and tougher game. The history and nostalgia for the cartridge provides a strong emotional appeal for many hunters.
The 45-70 also has drawbacks. Recoil can be significant, particularly with the heavier loads. The trajectory requires a precise range estimation at longer distances, and its price can be steep.
Making the Decision: Choosing the Right Tool
Choosing between the 350 Legend and the 45-70 is dependent on a number of factors. Consider the typical game animals you hunt, the environment where you hunt, and your own experience and comfort level.
If your primary hunting targets are deer, hogs, or other medium-sized game within 200 yards, the 350 Legend is an excellent option. Its low recoil, flat trajectory, and easy availability make it an approachable and effective choice.
If you’re pursuing larger game like elk, moose, or bear, or require maximum power and penetration, the 45-70 may be the better option. Its impressive energy and stopping power make it well-suited for tougher and potentially dangerous game. Consider the distances you will be shooting at and how those distances will impact performance.
Ultimately, the “best” cartridge is the one that best fits your specific needs and preferences. Take the time to research both cartridges, handle different rifles chambered in each, and consider the types of hunts you’ll be undertaking.
By thoroughly evaluating your individual hunting requirements and by understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each cartridge, you can select the one that gives you the most effective and ethical tool for your next hunting experience.
