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Old February 4, 2011, 06:12 PM   #11
Sarge
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Join Date: May 12, 2002
Location: MO
Posts: 5,453
Quote:
Originally Posted by shrewd
but why? what are the differences between the calibers? they have to be significantly different for there to be three seperate 45 based calibers, am i wrong?
The 45-70 and 45 Colt were conceived in a time when anti-personnel problems were solved by a big bullet, propelled by a big dose of blackpowder. Their success is no mystery when you consider that many of those 'personnel' practically lived on horses and survived on buffalo. In their most primitive loadings, both cartridges were capable of depriving an enemy of life, transportation and food.

In a strong revolver, the 'modern' .45 Colt can about duplicate the old .45-70 carbine load. In a stout, short barreled carbine the 45 Colt makes an even better showing. In strong rifles, the .45-70 can be a '2/3 throttle' .458 Mag, assuming 500 grain bullets.

The .454 can run with the big dogs mentioned above* but it operates at substantially higher pressures and firearm choices are thus limited. To my thinking, the Casull's primary advantage is that it can do most of the 45-70's chores, along with the ability to use .45 Colt loads for light work. This ability to use .45 ACP and Colt bullets in the .454 sort of tweaks this old hand-loader's 'inner mad scientist'.

*except the .458 WM
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Last edited by Sarge; February 4, 2011 at 06:57 PM.
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