Quick Answer
The .45-70 Government is a versatile hunting caliber, suitable for hunting a variety of game, including elk, deer, and bear, at ranges up to 200 yards. Its large case capacity and heavy bullet weights provide excellent kinetic energy transfer. This caliber is ideal for hunting in dense forests or thick brush where accuracy and stopping power are essential.
Ballistic Performance
The .45-70 Government is capable of delivering impressive kinetic energy at close to medium ranges. A 420-grain bullet at 1,250 feet per second (fps) provides approximately 3,200 foot-pounds (ft-lbs) of energy, sufficient for taking down large game like elk. This caliber’s performance is further enhanced by the availability of premium bullets with high ballistic coefficients, allowing for greater accuracy and more consistent expansion.
Hunting Applications
In dense forests or thick brush, the .45-70 Government excels as a hunting caliber. Its larger case capacity and heavier bullet weights allow for more efficient expansion and deeper penetration, making it effective against larger game at closer ranges. When hunting elk, aim for the heart or lungs to ensure a quick kill, and use a rifle with a high-quality scope and a bullet weight of 400-500 grains for optimal performance.
Terminal Ballistics
When considering the .45-70 Government for elk hunting, it’s essential to understand the importance of bullet expansion and penetration. Look for bullets with a minimum expansion ratio of 1.5:1 and a penetration depth of at least 18 inches to ensure a clean kill. The Speer 300-grain SP and the Hornady 400-grain FTW are excellent choices for elk hunting with the .45-70 Government, as they offer exceptional expansion and penetration characteristics.
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