The main difference between the 450 Bushmaster and the 45-70 Government is that the 450 Bushmaster is optimized for the modern AR-15 platform and utilizes lighter bullets at higher velocities for a flatter trajectory, while the 45-70 Government is a historic lever action powerhouse that fires massively heavy bullets to deliver unmatched penetration on the most dangerous game. Both of these large caliber cartridges have become incredibly popular in states requiring straight walled ammunition for deer hunting. The 450 Bushmaster offers a modernized approach, providing shooters with a hard hitting round that fits perfectly into lightweight semi automatic and bolt action rifles. The 45-70 Government, dating back to 1873, relies on sheer momentum and mass to drop everything from whitetail deer to charging grizzly bears. Understanding the ballistic realities of each will help you choose the right thumper for your hunting needs.
450 Bushmaster vs 45-70 Ballistics Chart
| Specification / Metric | 450 Bushmaster (250 gr FTX) | 45-70 Government (325 gr FTX) |
| Cartridge | 450 Bushmaster | 45-70 Government |
| Parent Case | .284 Winchester (modified) | Original Design |
| Bullet Diameter | .452 inches | .458 inches |
| Typical Bullet Weight | 250 to 300 grains | 300 to 405 grains |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2,200 fps | 2,050 fps |
| Velocity at 100 Yards | 1,840 fps | 1,720 fps |
| Velocity at 200 Yards | 1,520 fps | 1,440 fps |
| Velocity at 300 Yards | 1,260 fps | 1,215 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | 2,686 ft-lbs | 3,032 ft-lbs |
| Energy at 100 Yards | 1,880 ft-lbs | 2,135 ft-lbs |
| Energy at 200 Yards | 1,280 ft-lbs | 1,495 ft-lbs |
| Energy at 300 Yards | 880 ft-lbs | 1,065 ft-lbs |
| Bullet Drop (300 Yds, 100 Yd Zero) | -26.5 inches | -28.5 inches |
| Wind Drift (300 Yds, 10 mph Wind) | 18.0 inches | 17.5 inches |
| Ballistic Coefficient (G1) | 0.210 | 0.230 |
| Sectional Density | 0.175 | 0.221 |
| Effective Hunting Range | 200 to 250 yards | 150 to 200 yards |
| Maximum Effective Range | 300 yards | 300 yards |
| Typical Twist Rate | 1:24 | 1:20 |
| Recoil (Free Recoil Energy) | ~22.0 ft-lbs | ~28.0 ft-lbs |
| Trajectory | Looping arc past 200 yds | Heavy looping arc past 150 yds |
| Barrel Life | Practically unlimited | Practically unlimited |
| Accuracy Potential | Excellent for close range | Excellent for brush hunting |
| Hunting Performance | Deer, black bear, feral hogs | Moose, grizzly, elk, hogs |
| Target Shooting Performance | Heavy steel targets | Heavy steel targets |
| Long-Range Performance | Poor due to rapid drop | Poor due to rapid drop |
| Ammunition Availability | High | High |
| Ammunition Cost | High | High |
| Rifle Availability | Common in AR-15 and bolt actions | Common in lever actions |
| Magazine Compatibility | Single stack AR magazines | Tubular magazine |
| Suppressor Compatibility | Excellent with large bore suppressors | Requires threaded models |
| Best Use Cases | Deer in straight wall states | Dangerous game, large bears |
| Main Advantages | AR platform compatibility | Devastating penetration |
| Main Disadvantages | Rapid energy loss at distance | Punishing recoil |
The comparison table above shows two massive straight walled cartridges taking slightly different paths to achieve huge stopping power. The 450 Bushmaster relies on a slightly lighter bullet pushed to a higher muzzle velocity. This speed advantage allows the 450 Bushmaster to fly slightly flatter than the 45-70 Government out to 200 yards.
However, the 45-70 Government completely dominates the energy category. By launching a heavier projectile, the 45-70 generates significantly more kinetic energy right out of the muzzle and retains that massive power all the way downrange. Even at 300 yards, the slower moving 45-70 Government hits harder than the 450 Bushmaster. This immense retained energy and heavier bullet mass give the 45-70 superior penetration capabilities on the largest animals in North America.
For the hunter, the choice comes down to rifle platforms and recoil. The 450 Bushmaster drops perfectly into the modern AR-15, offering faster follow up shots and slightly less felt recoil. The 45-70 Government requires a lever action or single shot rifle and delivers a much heavier punch to the shoulder. Neither is suited for long range shooting, but both are incredibly effective within their practical hunting limits.
Detailed Comparison Sections
Understanding the Comparison Chart
To fully grasp the differences between these two large bore calibers, you must look at their intended platforms. The 450 Bushmaster was specifically engineered to be the most powerful cartridge that could safely function inside a standard AR-15 lower receiver. The 45-70 Government is a black powder era classic designed for heavy military rifles and later perfected in fast handling lever action brush guns.
How to Read the Ballistics Chart
When analyzing the ballistics of these big bore thumpers, bullet drop and kinetic energy are the most critical factors. Because they fire large, aerodynamically poor bullets, they shed speed rapidly. You must know exactly where the bullet will hit at 200 yards, and you must verify that the bullet retains enough energy at that distance to penetrate the animal you are hunting.
Velocity Comparison
The 450 Bushmaster is the faster of the two cartridges. Firing a 250 grain polymer tipped bullet, it leaves the muzzle at roughly 2,200 feet per second. Modern 45-70 Government loads featuring a 325 grain polymer tipped bullet exit the barrel around 2,050 feet per second. The 450 Bushmaster maintains this velocity advantage all the way to 300 yards, reaching the target slightly faster than the historic lever action round.
Energy Comparison
While speed goes to the Bushmaster, kinetic energy firmly belongs to the 45-70 Government. The massive 325 grain bullet of the 45-70 produces over 3,000 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle. The 450 Bushmaster produces a very respectable 2,686 foot pounds. Out at 200 yards, the 45-70 retains nearly 1,500 foot pounds of energy, while the 450 Bushmaster drops to 1,280 foot pounds. This extra energy ensures the 45-70 can crush through the thick shoulder bones of animals like moose and elk.
Trajectory Comparison
Neither cartridge is considered a flat shooting long range round. Both fire heavy projectiles that are pulled quickly to the ground by gravity.
Bullet Drop Comparison
If you zero both rifles at 100 yards, you will experience severe bullet drop as you push out to 300 yards. The faster 450 Bushmaster will drop approximately 26.5 inches at 300 yards. The heavier 45-70 Government will drop about 28.5 inches. This similar trajectory means a hunter must be exceptionally skilled at estimating range to make an ethical shot past 200 yards with either caliber.
Wind Drift Comparison
Thick, heavy bullets catch a lot of wind. In a 10 mph crosswind at 300 yards, both bullets will drift almost identical amounts. The 450 Bushmaster will be pushed roughly 18 inches off target, and the 45-70 Government will drift about 17.5 inches. The slightly heavier mass of the 45-70 helps it resist the wind just a fraction better.
Ballistic Coefficient Comparison
Ballistic Coefficient (BC) measures how well a bullet cuts through the air. The wide, heavy bullets used in these cartridges have very poor BC ratings. The 450 Bushmaster sits around 0.210, and the 45-70 Government sits around 0.230. These low numbers explain why both cartridges lose their initial muzzle velocity so quickly and drop so rapidly at longer ranges.
Accuracy Comparison
In a quality rifle, both cartridges are remarkably accurate at short distances. An AR-15 or bolt action rifle chambered in 450 Bushmaster can easily shoot one inch groups at 100 yards. A modern lever action 45-70 Government is highly capable of shooting two inch groups at 100 yards, which is perfectly accurate for striking the vitals of any big game animal.
Effective Range Comparison
These are dedicated close range to medium range hunting tools. The 450 Bushmaster can be reliably used on deer out to 250 yards by a practiced shooter. The 45-70 Government is typically restricted to 200 yards due to its heavier bullet drop. Trying to stretch either cartridge past 300 yards is risky and unethical for hunting.
Hunting Performance Comparison
If your primary goal is hunting whitetail deer, black bears, or feral hogs in the thick woods, the 450 Bushmaster is an incredibly efficient and devastating tool. However, if you are hunting dangerous game, massive bears in Alaska, or large elk in heavy timber, the 45-70 Government is the superior choice. Its heavier bullets provide deeper penetration and massive wound channels that the 450 Bushmaster cannot match.
Target Shooting Comparison
Neither of these cartridges is ideal for a high volume day at the shooting range. The recoil is heavy, the blast is significant, and the ammunition is far too expensive for casual plinking. They are designed to be zeroed from the bench and carried into the hunting woods.
Long-Range Performance Comparison
Long range shooting is entirely out of the question for both calibers. Their blunt bullets bleed off velocity at an extreme rate. Past 300 yards, the trajectories look like rainbows, making accurate shot placement almost impossible without highly specialized sights and extreme luck.
Recoil Comparison
Recoil is stout for both cartridges, but the 45-70 Government kicks noticeably harder. The 450 Bushmaster generates roughly 22 foot pounds of free recoil energy, which is easily manageable in a semi automatic AR-15 due to the buffer spring absorbing some of the impact. The 45-70 Government generates roughly 28 foot pounds of recoil in a relatively light lever action rifle, delivering a massive physical push to the shoulder.
Barrel Life Comparison
Because both cartridges operate at low chamber pressures and fire large diameter bullets at moderate speeds, barrel wear is practically non existent. A rifle barrel chambered in either 450 Bushmaster or 45-70 Government will easily last a lifetime of normal hunting use.
Ammunition Cost Comparison
Shooting big bore rifles is expensive. The sheer amount of lead, copper, and brass required to manufacture these massive rounds keeps the retail prices high. Expect to pay premium prices for hunting ammunition in both calibers. Finding cheap bulk training ammunition is incredibly rare for either round.
Ammunition Availability
Both cartridges are very popular in North America. The 45-70 Government is universally stocked in almost all sporting goods stores and gun shops. The 450 Bushmaster is heavily stocked in regions that require straight walled cartridges for deer hunting, but it may be slightly harder to find locally in states that allow standard bottleneck rifle cartridges.
Rifle Compatibility
The 450 Bushmaster fits perfectly into the AR-15 platform, requiring only a dedicated upper receiver and specialized single stack magazines. It is also widely available in highly accurate, budget friendly bolt action rifles. The 45-70 Government is almost exclusively chambered in classic lever action rifles and single shot falling block rifles.
Pros and Cons of 450 Bushmaster
Pros:
- Fits the lightweight and modular AR-15 platform.
- Fully legal in straight wall hunting states.
- Excellent stopping power for deer and hogs.
- Slightly less recoil than historic big bore cartridges.
Cons:
- Lacks the deep penetration needed for giant game.
- Ammunition is expensive.
Pros and Cons of 45-70 Government
Pros:
- Legendary stopping power on the largest animals on earth.
- Unmatched straight line penetration.
- Fully legal in straight wall hunting states.
- Universal ammunition availability.
Cons:
- Punishing recoil.
- Heavy looping trajectory limits effective range.
Which Cartridge Is Better for Beginners?
Neither cartridge is recommended for an absolute beginner. The heavy recoil and loud muzzle blast of both calibers can easily cause a new shooter to develop a severe flinch. Beginners should learn the fundamentals of rifle shooting with a much smaller, softer shooting caliber before stepping up to a big bore hunting rifle.
Which Cartridge Is Better for Hunting?
For the vast majority of hunters pursuing whitetail deer in the midwestern United States, the 450 Bushmaster is the better choice. It drops perfectly into affordable bolt action rifles and provides excellent terminal performance. If you are venturing into grizzly bear territory or specifically targeting moose, the 45-70 Government is the undisputed king of the deep woods.
Which Cartridge Is Better for Long-Range Shooting?
Neither cartridge can be used for long range shooting. If your goal is to hit targets past 300 yards, you must select a modern bottleneck cartridge designed for aerodynamic efficiency, such as the 6.5 Creedmoor or the .308 Winchester.
Which Cartridge Should You Choose?
Choose the 450 Bushmaster if you want a modern, highly accurate, straight walled cartridge that functions flawlessly in bolt action and AR-15 rifles for deer and hog hunting. Choose the 45-70 Government if you appreciate classic lever action rifles and demand absolute maximum stopping power for the largest and most dangerous game animals in North America.
Verdict
The 450 Bushmaster and the 45-70 Government are both incredibly effective straight walled cartridges that solve the same problem using different platforms. The 450 Bushmaster brought big bore power to the 21st century. It allows modern hunters to utilize the AR-15 platform while remaining fully compliant with restricted state hunting regulations. It is highly accurate, hard hitting, and relatively easy to shoot. The 45-70 Government remains the ultimate powerhouse of the lever action world. It makes no apologies for its heavy recoil or looping trajectory because it delivers bone crushing penetration that simply cannot be replicated by lighter bullets. If you prefer modern semi automatic and bolt action rifles, the 450 Bushmaster is your caliber. If you demand absolute maximum power from a traditional lever gun, the 45-70 Government stands alone.
FAQs
Can an AR-15 shoot 450 Bushmaster?
Yes, the 450 Bushmaster was specifically designed for the AR-15 platform. You simply need a 450 Bushmaster upper receiver assembly and specialized magazines to run the cartridge safely on a standard AR-15 lower receiver.
Is the 450 Bushmaster more powerful than the 45-70?
No. While the 450 Bushmaster is slightly faster, the 45-70 Government fires a much heavier bullet that generates significantly more kinetic energy at the muzzle and retains more energy downrange.
Which cartridge has more recoil, 450 Bushmaster or 45-70?
The 45-70 Government has noticeably more recoil. Its massive bullet requires much more energy to push out of the barrel, resulting in a heavier physical kick to the shooter’s shoulder.
Can you use 45-70 in a straight wall hunting state?
Yes. The 45-70 Government features a very slight taper, but it is legally classified as a straight walled cartridge and is fully approved for deer hunting in states with straight wall restrictions like Ohio, Iowa, and southern Michigan.
What is the maximum range of the 450 Bushmaster?
For ethical hunting applications, the absolute maximum range of the 450 Bushmaster on a whitetail deer is roughly 250 to 300 yards. Beyond that distance, the bullet drops too rapidly to guarantee a precise hit.
Is the 45-70 good for bear defense?
The 45-70 Government is universally recognized as one of the best bear defense cartridges in the world. When loaded with heavy, hard cast lead bullets, it delivers the deep, bone breaking penetration required to stop a charging grizzly bear immediately.