The .500 S&W Magnum and the .45-70 Government are both legendary cartridges known for their impressive stopping power. But which one reigns supreme? This in-depth comparison explores the ballistics, recoil, applications, and history of each, helping you determine which mighty round best suits your needs.
Ballistics: A Tale of Two Titans
Both the .500 S&W and .45-70 deliver substantial energy, but their delivery methods differ significantly. Understanding these differences is crucial for choosing the right cartridge.
.500 S&W Magnum: Raw Power in a Modern Package
- Caliber: .500 inch (12.7 mm)
- Case Type: Rimless, bottlenecked
- Typical Bullet Weights: 300-500 grains
- Muzzle Velocity: Varies widely depending on barrel length and load, typically ranging from 1800 to 2200 fps.
- Muzzle Energy: Typically ranges from 2500 to 3500 ft-lbs.
The .500 S&W is a relatively modern cartridge designed for handguns, specifically powerful revolvers. Its shorter barrel length compared to the .45-70 results in slightly lower muzzle velocities for the same bullet weight, but it still delivers devastating energy at close to medium ranges. The design emphasizes raw power in a manageable (for a handgun) package.
.45-70 Government: A Century of History, Unwavering Power
- Caliber: .458 inch (11.6 mm)
- Case Type: Rimmed, straight-walled
- Typical Bullet Weights: 300-500 grains
- Muzzle Velocity: Ranges from 1800 to 2400 fps, highly dependent on barrel length and load. Longer barrels yield significantly higher velocities.
- Muzzle Energy: Typically ranges from 2000 to 3500 ft-lbs, significantly influenced by barrel length.
The .45-70 has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Initially designed for military use, it has seen service in various conflicts and remains popular for hunting large game today. Its straight-walled case design allows for greater case capacity and, crucially, longer barrels. Longer barrels translate to higher velocities and greater downrange energy compared to the .500 S&W.
Recoil: Managing the Beast
Both cartridges pack a substantial punch, making recoil management a key consideration.
| Cartridge | Recoil (estimated, varies by firearm and load) |
|---|---|
| .500 S&W Magnum | Extremely high, can be difficult to control |
| .45-70 Government | High, manageable with proper technique and a heavy rifle |
The .500 S&W's recoil is notoriously fierce, often described as brutal. Its lighter weight handguns amplify this effect. The .45-70's recoil, while still substantial, is generally more manageable due to the higher weight and longer barrels of typical rifles chambered in this cartridge.
Applications: Hunting and Self-Defense
The intended uses for these two cartridges are quite different.
500 S&W:
- Primary Use: Dangerous game hunting at close range and personal defense against large, aggressive animals (bear, boar). It's less practical for long-range applications due to its trajectory and comparatively lower velocity in shorter-barreled handguns.
- Secondary Use: Very few other applications.
45-70:
- Primary Use: Large game hunting (elk, moose, bear) at various ranges. The longer barrel allows for more accuracy and effective range.
- Secondary Use: Black bear or boar hunting, potentially some forms of target shooting.
The .45-70's versatility extends to longer-range hunting, thanks to its availability in rifles with longer barrels, which significantly improves accuracy and effective range.
Case Study: Hunting Alaskan Brown Bear
A hunter choosing between these two for Alaskan Brown Bear would likely favor the .45-70 for several reasons: The longer barrel lengths available in rifles allow for significantly better accuracy and energy downrange, crucial in a dangerous and often-extended encounter. The lighter recoil (relative to the .500 S&W's recoil in a handgun) also allows for more controlled follow-up shots. However, a well-placed shot from a .500 S&W Magnum revolver would undoubtedly be effective at extremely close ranges.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Giant
The choice between the .500 S&W and .45-70 depends heavily on your intended use. The .500 S&W Magnum offers unparalleled stopping power in a handgun format, suitable for extremely close-range defense against dangerous game. The .45-70 Government, however, shines with its versatility and manageable (relative) recoil in rifles, making it a better choice for hunting larger game at various ranges. Careful consideration of your specific needs will guide you to the right cartridge for your situation.