What are The Differences Between 30-30 Winchester vs 45-70 Government Ammo?

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30-30 Vs 45-70: Which One Is Better?

30-30 vs 45-70 are all standard magazines in lever rifles with distinct advantages.

However, while there are many similarities, you can still distinguish the two magazines with a few crucial differences.

If you are a beginner struggling to find these in-depth differences, the detailed comparison below will be for you.

Let’s explore the details!

About 30-30 Winchester History

30-30 Winchester
30-30 Winchester

30-30 Winchester first shipped in 1895. This cartridge became an excellent weapon for target shooting and medium-range hunting.

The 30-30 Winchester convention is based on the weight and size of the grain in the cartridge. Its most significant advantage is the high speed of about 300-400 fps.

During World War II, 30-30 were marketed for use in smokeless powders.

Going beyond the magazines at the time, it proved its power when it came to knocking down animals like deer and bears easily.

This version has advantages in many aspects, from design to combat ability.

About 45-70 Government History

45-70 Government
45-70 Government

Weapons experts put the 45-70 Government into service in the late 90s.

It was designed in the 1873s and used internally by the US military. The name 45-70 derives from the size and weight of the black powder particles inside.

The accuracy of this version compared to previous bullets is much superior.

It is a pity that 45-70 did not last long after its publication, almost only after 20 years.

However, with the appearance of 30-30 Winchester later, people no longer attach importance to 45-70. Simply put, it cannot compete with the increasingly powerful improvement of modern weapons.

However, many hunters still try the 45-70 option in hunting their large prey.

They reasoned that the 45-70’s firepower was strong enough to kill prey but still humanely retain their shape.

30-30 Vs 45-70
30-30 Vs 45-70

Here are some of the differences you need to know between the two magazines. The common point is that both can be available in mid-range game types.

Cartridge Sizes & Designs Of 30-30 Vs 45-70

45-70 Government is generally more prominent than 30-30 Winchester.

While the sum of both lengths coincides, the diameter of 45-70 is 0.608, slightly larger than the number 0.506 of 30-30.

The exterior design of the case is also different. 45-70 comes with an upright canister model, while the 30-30 utilizes a bottle neck box. Therefore, the capacity between the two will also have a little difference.

The maximum pressure of 30-30 Winchester is higher than the other due to the difference in materials.

30-30 uses smokeless powder to form the finished product, while 45-70 still uses the traditional black powder for the barrel.

Ballistics Of 30-30 Vs 45-70

The range of both is about 100 yards. The impact force is most effective when the prey is within this position.

The 45-70 has a muzzle velocity of about 2,100 feet per pound, while the 30-30 is more impressive, around 2,400 feet per pound. Although not the highest number, it is still excellent ammunition for us to use in actual combat.

The 30-30 is not highly regarded as a long-range aiming projectile, but it is worth noting that the ’30-’30s trajectory is a straight trajectory and little drop. When tested in a defined space, loads of both magazines were not uniform.

The 45-70 Government’s touch recoil is twice that of the 30-30 Winchester. After all, the reason lies in the difference in the firepower of the two cartridges.

30-30 and 45-70 Ammo

Both ammunition are popular among users.

They are commonly available for lever rifles in North America.

In terms of price, the amount you spend buying 30-30 is significantly less than 45-70.

Many manufacturers can distribute both types throughout the United States. Therefore, finding the above product lines is not difficult.

45-70 vs 30-30 Rifles

The 30-30 and 45-70 come in several different versions, so they don’t necessarily work on lever-action rifles.

In addition to Winchester Model 1894 or Marlin 1893, you can use 30-30 for Savage Model 99.

If you look closely, the Marlin 336 is currently the most popular gun for 30-30 ballistics.

Shortly, manufacturer Henry also focuses on producing 30-30 lever guns for Mossberg titles with Mossberg 464, 472, and 479.

Referring to 45-70, we will immediately think of Marlin Model 1895G. They are iconic and a favorite of many ADCs. Not only brings high speed, but powerful firepower will also make hunting easier.

45-70 Government 30-30 Winchester
Cartridge Sizes
  • Bullet diameter: 0.458 inches
  • Rim Diameter: 0.608 inches
  • Total size: About 250 – 400 seeds or more
  • Bullet diameter: 0.308 inches
  • Rim Diameter: 0.506 inch
  • Total size: About 125 – 170 beads
Ballistics
  • Muzzle velocity: 2,100 feet/pound
  • Muzzle velocity: 2,400 feet/pound
Ammo
  • 30-30 Winchester uses the same 0.308 ammo as the 0.300 Blackout
  • 45-70 Government uses the same 0.458 ammo as 0.458 SOCOM
Rifles
  • Winchester Model 1894, Marlin 1893, Savage Model 99…
  • Marlin Model 1895G

Which One Is For You? 

Depending on each different case, we determine that the product is compatible.

As mentioned above, both are suitable for mid-range hunting.

Quick and easy handling is something to consider.

In North America, the 30-30 is a popular hunting cartridge many people use. Although the 45-70 has more firepower or attack power, the 30-30 is still great for hunting in many ways.

30-30 Winchester has a flat trajectory and effective range, and it will be a great tool to take down prey like deer or elk.

40-75 is suitable for large-scale hunting.

In the Alaskan regions, the Marlin Guide Gun is essential equipment for the people here.

The 40-75 ammo is large in diameter and heavy, so the attack power is also significantly increased.

Conclusion 

As stated, there are quite a few in-depth differences between 30-30 vs 45-70.

Depending on your needs, you can choose between 45-70 Government or 30-30 Winchester for your hunting.

If you have any other questions to discuss, do not hesitate to contact us via email to receive a timely response.

Thank you for reading!

Last Updated on November 21, 2023 by

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