45/70 vs. 500 S&W

[scamp walker]

I will be sending my Handi (actually my daughter’s 22 hornet) in for a 35 Whelen barrel......And one other between the 45/70 & 500s&w.

In trying to determine which has the better ballistics, as I am seeing that, being a pistol caliber, the 500's ballistics are based on a short pistol barrel, and the 45/70 is from rifle of course, therefore I am not sure if I am seeing eye to eye on the comparison.

But, unless I am reading the various charts incorrectly, it appears the 500 may have more (and remember I will depend on factory ammo) MV and downrange energy at 50, 100 and 200 yards....However, there is something about having the old gov't round in a Handi barrel that is attractive.

So, given the fact I want better ballistics in a 22" barrel (and I would like to minimize recoil), which is the better choice?

Some target/plinking is the goal here, plus potential short-range large game purposes.

Any caliber choice help would be much appreciated..

SW

[Stan in SC]

You mentioned recoil as being a factor.If you look back at some of the posts on this forum you will find that reported recoil in the .500 has been very pronounced.The recoil on a 45/70 is not bad at all especially when loaded with lighter bullets.
All things considered I would go with the 45/70.

Stan

[Swageall]

xxx

[quickdtoo]

There are a bunch of threads here on the merit of both, as has been said, don't count on light factory loads for the  .500.  If you handload, you can load it down to the recoil level you can shoot comfortably. I don't have a .500, but I do shoot .45-70s, the Handi can be quite uncomfortable to shoot with even mid level levergun loads, anything hotter gets real uncomfortable. There are no trapdoor factory loads for the .500, which are the .45-70 loads most thought of in comparison to the .500, the .500 having the advantage ballistically over that load level, but compare top loads for the .500 to top loads for the .45-70 and the .500 looses due to it's poor BC and the fact that it's already loaded to the max capacity for a handgun round. Seems to me the 22" barrel gives the .500 120fps over a pistol velocity. For comparisons of hot ammo, check out Buffalo Bores offerings for both, the .45-70 data is from 22" barrels, ballistics is just below the energy data. Either would due well for the ranges that big bores would typically be used for hunting big game, it would just be a matter of preference, the .45-70 would have the edge at the extreme end of their range with higher BC and SD, plus .458 bullet offerings are numerous in comparison to .500" bullet offerings which has improved in the last year or so, brass is just a bit more expensive for the .500.

Tim

http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#500sw

http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#4570

http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.exe/browse?TabID=1&Categoryid=7987&categorystring=9315***652***675***9015***

http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.exe/browse?TabID=1&Categoryid=7290&categorystring=9315***652***675***9016***

[Swampman]

I'd get the .45-70 for several reasons I feel it's the better of the 2.

[Daniel Laws]

I have both calibers.  Trust me on this one- the 500 KICKS!  In my guns, the 45-70 is much easier on the shoulder.  I even tried both on the same frame, with the same stocks, just to make sure.  I reload, so I can tame either one down, but the 45-70 seems to have the edge on the 500 from a usability standpoint.  Those big 500 bullets do look cool, though.

[cwlongshot]

I love them both and wouldnt trade/sell either of them. But you asked witch one so I would have to give the nod to the grandpa 45-70 government.
Its just a bit more versatile, cheaper on the wallet and will do more easier.

 Like I said I love them both, the 500 is still new and sees more woods time lately than my 45-70. But if push came to shove and I could only choose one, it would be the 45-70.

CW

[SHOOTER 72]

i love my 500 s&w , i got a set of straight grip camo laminates on it ( thanks cwlongshot ) and i don't think the recoil is all that different from the 45-70 factory loads . my local gun shop sell bullseye factory ammunition for $30 a box . it is loaded with 300 grain speer gold dots , 20 per box . that price is about the same of most premium factory loads for centerfire rifles . but still a little expensive for plinking .

[Swampman]

"The Lee .50 caliber REAL bullets, sized to .502" and lubed in the bottom two
grooves, works very well for (relatively speaking) low velocity loads in the
.500 S&W cartridge. They weigh 320 grains, lubed."

If I had one I'd try this.

[bucknbass]

Can't comment on the 500 but I own a .45-70 Handi and will say you can't go wrong with that gun.  I killed a couple of hogs in TX with it last March.  I really like shooting that gun.