.454 Casull vs .45-70: Which One Should I Choose for My Next Hunt?

General
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Overview

I’m diving into the world of powerful cartridges and found myself stuck between two heavyweights: the .454 Casull and the .45-70 Government. Both rounds have unique strengths and applications, but I’m trying to figure out which one is better suited for my needs, particularly for bear hunting.

Purpose of This Post

I’m reaching out to gather insights on these two cartridges. I would love to hear your experiences, especially if you’ve used both. Below are some points I’m particularly curious about:

Key Comparison Points

  1. Performance: How do the ballistics stack up between the two? I’ve read that the .454 Casull is a powerhouse in compact handguns, while the .45-70 truly shines in rifles. Any personal experiences with their effectiveness on game?

  2. Firearm Suitability: What types of firearms do you typically use for each round? I’m considering both pistol and rifle platforms. Does the choice of gun influence your preference for one round over the other?

  3. Hunting Scenarios: For specific scenarios, like bear hunting, would you say one is definitively better? I want to make sure I’m making the right choice for stopping power and accuracy at ranges I might typically be shooting.

  4. Advantages and Disadvantages: I’ve come across debates on the portability and recoil of each. Can anyone share insights on the handling characteristics? How about ammo availability and cost considerations?

  5. Personal Insights: If you’ve switched from one to the other, what motivated your decision? Would love to hear how they perform in real-world conditions.

Conclusion

I appreciate any feedback, tips, or experiences you can share! Looking forward to the conversation and learning from everyone’s insights. Thanks for your help in advance!

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I’ve used both cartridges for hunting. The .45-70 is great for big game with its massive stopping power, while the .454 Casull offers excellent versatility. It really depends on what you’re hunting!

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I agree! The energy delivered by the .45-70 can be phenomenal—especially at close range. It’s hard to beat for bear hunting!

4

I’ve always been intrigued by the ballistics of the .454 Casull. It has a flatter trajectory, which is advantageous for longer shots. Anyone tried it on deer?

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Yes! I took a deer with the .454 last season. It performed beautifully, delivering enough power without excessive recoil at moderate ranges.

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For self-defense, I’d argue the .454 Casull is superior due to its manageable recoil and higher velocity. It makes for a formidable option in urgent situations.

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That’s a solid point! The .45-70 is a great cartridge, but I wouldn’t want to rely on it for self-defense—too bulky to carry around!

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Has anyone compared the effective range of these two cartridges? I’m curious how they stack up against each other in various hunting scenarios.

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Good question! The .45-70 is generally effective up to about 300 yards for big game, while the .454 Casull can work well around 100 yards or slightly more depending on the shooter.

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At the end of the day, it really just comes down to personal preferences and the specific needs for your hunt! What are you primarily hunting?

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I’m targeting elk. I’d want something with enough knockdown power. Leaning towards the .45-70 but still considering the .454’s versatility.

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Just remember, both cartridges are heavy hitters! If you’re not careful, they can kick like a mule. Make sure to practice with whatever you choose!

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I’ve been looking into this too! The .454 Casull is often found in revolvers, like the Ruger Super Redhawk, which is a great choice for handgunners who want power in a compact design. The .45-70, on the other hand, shines in rifles, such as the Marlin 1895. Both have their unique advantages depending on the hunt!

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That’s a great comparison! I’d even recommend checking out the Taurus Raging Bull in .454. For .45-70, the Henry Lever Action is a classic choice. It really depends on whether you prefer a rifle or a revolver for your hunting style!

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I’ve used both calibers during hunts! The .454 has this impressive stopping power, especially for larger game. However, the .45-70 offers a great smooth shooting experience. If you enjoy heftier rifles, you might lean towards the .45-70.

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16

It’s interesting how both these cartridges serve different purposes. I agree with qreed; they both have excellent performance, but it really depends on what you’re hunting. What kind of game are you planning to pursue?

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For deer hunting, I’d say the .45-70 is a solid choice, especially with those big, slow bullets. But if you’re after a dangerous game, like bears, the .454 might give you that extra edge for stopping power. What do you think fits your needs?

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Exactly! The .454 Casull’s revolvers are easy to carry and handle if you’re on the move. I’d definitely suggest trying out various models before committing. Any thoughts on how comfortable you are with either type?

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This is such an intriguing discussion! If cost isn’t an issue, I’ve found the .454 Casull ammo to be pricey compared to .45-70, so keep that in mind. But the thrill of shooting a powerful revolver? Unmatched!

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Haha, true! It’s like choosing between a steed and a sturdy truck. Both will get you there, but the journey feels different! Any specific experiences you’ve had with models that you found particularly enjoyable?

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