.45-70 Government vs .450 Bushmaster
Typical factory loads side by side: speed, energy, BC, twist, range and what each one is built for.
The short answer
With typical loads, the .450 Bushmaster is about 320 ft/s faster at the muzzle (1,880 vs 2,200 ft/s).
The .450 Bushmaster carries about 14% more energy at the muzzle (2,687 vs 2,354 ft-lbs), which usually also means more recoil.
On the same size target, the .450 Bushmaster has the longer point-blank range (200 yd), so you can hold dead-on a bit farther without adjusting.
Side by side
| .45-70 Government | .450 Bushmaster | |
|---|---|---|
| Made for | Army rifle round that took bison. Today a lever-gun choice for bear, moose and elk up close. | Big-bore AR round for deer, hogs and black bear; legal in most straight-wall states. |
| Typical load | 300 grhollow point | 250 grFTX |
| Muzzle speed | 1,880 ft/s | 2,200 ft/s |
| Muzzle energy | 2,354 ft-lbs | 2,687 ft-lbs |
| Typical BC (G1) | ≈ 0.20typical, varies by brand | 0.210maker's published G1 |
| Twist rate | 1:201:18 to 1:22 | 1:24 |
| Practical range | 150–200 yd | 200 yd |
| Point-blank range | 171 yd6" vital zone | 200 yd6" vital zone |
| Recommended platform | Lever or single-shot, 7½ lb+Heavy with full-power loads; mild with standard ones | AR-15 or bolt rifle, 7 lb+Stout for its size; a good pad helps |
Which one fits you?
.45-70 Government: Army rifle round that took bison. Today a lever-gun choice for bear, moose and elk up close.
.450 Bushmaster: Big-bore AR round for deer, hogs and black bear; legal in most straight-wall states.
For most hunters, the right pick is the one you can shoot accurately and comfortably, in a rifle that fits how you hunt. Good shot placement and a bullet built for your game matter more than small differences on paper.
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Speed, energy and BC are typical figures for the listed load; real numbers vary by brand, lot and barrel length. Always check the ammo maker's data for your exact load.