.45-70 VS .300 win

[Highwind]

It's a drastic comparison between the 45-70 and the 300 WM. And my starting point would be factory loads with factory rifles. That gets those who are new to various calibers on a starting point where they can research and experience the variables that are available to them. I've shot moose out to 600 yards with a 300 WM and it had sufficient carry to drop him in his tracks. I was amazed at the performance. Just starting with the 45-70 so no real experience to share - but I'm willing to see some results with this round.

So Lets get to a closer review of calibers that are closer in diameter and bullet weight and look at comparing the 45-70 to the 9.3 x 62 with common factory loads.

First the 45-70 Winchester 300 grain Super X bullet rated at 1880 with a 100 yard Zero RIFLE BALLISTICS

DISTANCE
(YDS) VELOCITY
(FPS) ENERGY
(FT.LBS.) TRAJ.
SHORT TRAJ.
LONG Energy Velocity Trajectory Long range 200 yard zero
Muzzle 1880 2355
50 1.0
100 1650 1815 0 5.8
200 1425 1355 -12.2 0
300 1235 1015 -42.0 -23.3

Now look at a 9.3 x 62 shooting PPU 285.5 grain Soft point factory ammo. (From PPU USA Ammo)
Bullet Wgt./Style 285 SP
Ballistic Coeficient 0.332
Bullet Striking Velocity in FPS at Yardage Indicated

Velocity Energy Trajectory
Muzzle 2265 3252
100 2025 2597 0
200 1800 2052 -7.6
300 1595 1610 -26.2


The 9.3 x 62 is similar but has more punch and some interesting advantages down range over the 45-70. The drop of the 45-70 is more equal in trajectory if it is sighted in with a 200 yard Zero. But this takes the bullet to a set-up of +5.8 inches at 100 yards.

Not sure what the test rifles were but we could infer 22 inch barrels in each rifle. And if actual test were performed we could see some variables in the tables listed above.

Both rounds can be loaded hotter then Factory specifications.

 

[Highwind]

On another note if the 45-70 with a 300 grain bullet was loaded to around 2265 FPS. This would match the velocity of the 9.3 factory load (285 grain bullet) of the PPU ammo. We would feel a definite increase in recoil of the 45-70. But, beyond that we would see a flatter trajectory in the 45-70 bullet of 300 grains at that velocity.

Might be an interesting comparison and I`m sure there are a few shooters who are more experienced with loading the 45-70 beyond factory loads and maybe someone will tell that tale in this thread. My apology to the OP if I nudged this thread in a slightly different direct then what was initially asked.

 

[Slamfire]

Whether to take my 9.3 or my .45-70 Marlin Moose hunting? Calling in Bull Moose is a close range proposition. Comes down to whether the flavor of the day is 9.3 or .45. I like them both and will continue to take either. However I would prefer to have my .45-70 if I happen to inadvertently call in Omach-ksoyis-ksiksinai .