Origins and Backgrounds
The realm of firearms is a world of diverse choices, where enthusiasts and professionals alike seek the perfect combination of power, precision, and suitability for their individual needs. Within this landscape, certain cartridges have carved out significant reputations, representing exceptional force and capabilities. Today, we delve into a comprehensive comparison of two such powerhouses: the 50 Action Express and the 45-70 Government. These two rounds, though distinct in their origins and intended applications, both promise a potent experience, delivering a significant impact at the moment of truth. Which one reigns supreme? That depends on your objectives.
The story of these rounds reflects the evolution of firearms technology and the evolving demands of users. Understanding their origins helps us grasp their fundamental characteristics and their place in the shooting world.
The 50 Action Express, often simply referred to as the 50 AE, came into being through the creative mind of Evan Whildin in the late nineteen eighties. Whildin’s innovation aimed to push the boundaries of handgun performance, seeking a cartridge that could deliver a considerable amount of energy from a semi-automatic platform. His vision led to a round designed from the ground up to meet these criteria. It was intended to be a powerful round in a handgun that offered more power than existing handgun cartridges. The 50 AE found its initial fame in handguns, most notably in the iconic Desert Eagle. The semi-automatic platform offered by the 50 AE gives the shooter an ease of follow up shots.
The 45-70 Government, on the other hand, boasts a pedigree that stretches back to the nineteenth century. Originally developed for the United States Army in the eighteen seventies, this cartridge has a rich history, deeply intertwined with military operations and the westward expansion of America. The “45” refers to the bullet diameter, while “70” indicates the amount of black powder the original load contained, measured in grains. The 45-70 was designed for use in the Springfield Model 1873 “Trapdoor” rifle, a single-shot firearm that provided soldiers with a potent weapon for both close-quarters combat and engaging targets at longer ranges. As time passed, the 45-70 has transitioned beyond its military origins, becoming a favorite of hunters and target shooters alike, finding a niche in lever-action rifles and other firearm platforms.
Ballistic Performance: A Deep Dive
The heart of any cartridge lies in its ballistic performance, which determines its trajectory, energy transfer, and overall effectiveness. Let’s examine the critical aspects of how the 50 AE and the 45-70 perform under fire.
Bullet weight is a key differentiator. The 50 AE, designed for handgun applications, typically employs bullets ranging from three hundred to three hundred fifty grains. While this provides ample mass for transferring energy to a target, it is not always the heaviest. The 45-70, often utilized in larger rifles, provides a considerably larger variety in terms of bullet weight. The 45-70 can utilize bullets weighing from around three hundred to over five hundred grains. This allows for a wider spectrum of load options, catering to various hunting and shooting scenarios. Heavier bullets typically translate to greater momentum and potential for penetration.
Velocity is the measure of how quickly a bullet travels downrange. The 50 AE, in its handgun form, often delivers a higher muzzle velocity than many standard 45-70 loads. This higher velocity can contribute to a flatter trajectory at shorter distances, meaning less bullet drop over a specific range. The 45-70, however, offers a very wide range of velocities depending on the loads utilized. With certain rifle configurations and modern powders, the 45-70 can also reach impressive speeds.
Energy, the capacity to do work, is another critical factor. The 45-70, especially when paired with heavier bullets and modern propellants, can often surpass the 50 AE in terms of muzzle energy. This difference in energy translates into a greater potential for delivering a decisive blow to a target.
Trajectory, the path a bullet follows through the air, affects accuracy at various distances. The 50 AE, because of its higher muzzle velocities, benefits from a flatter trajectory at closer ranges. This makes it easier to hit targets without needing to compensate for bullet drop. However, even the 50 AE experiences bullet drop over longer distances, requiring careful consideration. The 45-70, with its usually slower bullet speeds and heavier projectiles, tends to exhibit a more pronounced arc in its trajectory, especially when using heavy bullet weights. This curvature requires shooters to accurately calculate the range and adjust their point of aim, depending on the distance to the target.
Recoil is the felt impulse a shooter experiences upon firing a round. The 50 AE, known for its substantial power, also delivers significant recoil, particularly in handguns. This recoil can present a challenge for some shooters, impacting their ability to maintain control and make accurate follow-up shots. The 45-70, with its greater power and larger bullet weights, has the potential to generate even greater recoil. This recoil is often dependent on the weight of the firearm, the load, and the individual shooter’s body mechanics. Understanding and managing recoil is crucial for effective shooting.
Practical Uses and Applications
Both the 50 AE and the 45-70 find favor in specific practical applications, each bringing its strengths to the table.
The 50 AE’s capabilities in the hunting field depend on its size and power. The cartridge has become a viable choice for hunting medium-sized game like deer, feral hogs, and similar animals. Its relatively flat trajectory at close range and the ability to deliver a quick shot can be beneficial in many hunting situations. However, the 50 AE’s limitations come into play when hunting larger, tougher game. The lower sectional density, or the weight of the bullet relative to its diameter, may not be enough to assure adequate penetration to successfully take down the biggest and toughest game animals. The limited effective range of most 50 AE loads could also pose a limitation.
The 45-70 enjoys a long-standing reputation as a hunting cartridge. It has a proven track record for taking down large and dangerous game, including bears, elk, and moose. The 45-70 is able to deliver significant energy to a target while also utilizing heavy bullets that offer substantial penetration, which can be key when pursuing large game. It is a versatile round. The broad range of bullet weights allows hunters to customize their loads for different game species and hunting scenarios. Whether shooting modern hunting rifles or classic lever-action firearms, the 45-70 offers reliable power and a wide variety of firearms to choose from.
Target shooting provides another area where these rounds can be used. The 50 AE, despite its primary design for handguns, has niche applications in target shooting. Its larger size and potent recoil can make it an interesting challenge for shooters seeking a demanding experience. The 45-70 has become a favorite among target shooters, especially in lever-action rifle competitions. The relatively slow velocity and manageable recoil, in comparison to some high-powered rounds, make the 45-70 an accessible and enjoyable round for various shooting disciplines. The availability of match-grade ammunition and a variety of rifle platforms further enhances the 45-70’s appeal to target shooters.
While the 50 AE has found a niche in the self-defense arena for some handgun owners, this application is still highly debated. The 50 AE, because of the size and recoil, is not as easy to carry and control as smaller caliber handguns. Furthermore, the risk of over-penetration, where a bullet passes through a target and potentially strikes an unintended person, is a serious consideration. The 45-70, largely due to the size of the cartridge and the firearms that chamber it, is not a practical choice for concealed carry or everyday self-defense.
Ammunition and Firearm Availability
The availability of ammunition and firearms is a significant consideration.
The 50 AE, as a niche round, often comes with a higher price tag and is less widely available compared to other ammunition options. This is because it is less popular than more common calibers. However, the specialized nature of the round attracts a committed group of shooters.
The 45-70, conversely, enjoys wider availability. You can purchase ammunition for it at many sporting goods stores and online retailers. This wider availability, combined with the relatively lower cost per round, makes the 45-70 an attractive choice for those looking for accessible and economical shooting options.
Firearm availability reflects a similar trend. The 50 AE, largely confined to specific semi-automatic handguns and some AR-15-style platforms, has a more limited selection. The 45-70, by comparison, offers a broad range of firearm choices. It is often used in popular lever-action rifles, single-shot rifles, and modern hunting rifles. This abundance of choices enables shooters to select the perfect firearm to meet their needs and preferences.
Evaluating the Pros and Cons
To make an informed decision, you should balance the advantages and disadvantages of each cartridge.
The 50 AE’s pros are: the potentially higher velocities at close range and its flatter trajectory.
The cons of the 50 AE are the ammunition expense, the limited firearm choices, and the heavy recoil.
The 45-70’s strengths are: the power for large game, the wide range of ammunition options, and the vast variety of firearm choices.
The downsides of the 45-70 are the arched trajectory and heavier recoil.
Final Thoughts: Making Your Choice
The 50 AE and the 45-70 represent very different but equally powerful tools within the world of firearms. The 50 AE offers a powerful punch in a semi-automatic platform, making it ideal for some handgun hunters and those seeking a significant hand-held experience. Its higher velocity at close range can be an advantage in certain scenarios, though the limitations of the cartridge in general remain. The 45-70, a proven workhorse, offers significant power for big game hunting, and provides a wide range of firearms and ammunition options.
Making the decision between the 50 AE and the 45-70 depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you seek a powerful handgun cartridge with a relatively flat trajectory, the 50 AE might be a good fit, provided you are comfortable with the recoil and ammunition cost. However, if you are looking for versatility, a wide range of loads, and proven stopping power for large game, the 45-70 is probably the better choice.
Consider your own shooting style, the game you intend to hunt, and your overall budget. If possible, try to shoot both calibers to experience the feel and performance first hand. This hands-on experience will provide invaluable insights and guide you in making the perfect choice. Armed with this knowledge, you are prepared to navigate the landscape of firearms and select the cartridge that meets your needs.
