.454 Casull vs. .45-70 from similar barrel lengths

[MTMilitiaman]

Been watching Youtube videos on the Magnum Research BFR in .45-70 and wondering how it compares ballistically to the .454 Casull, all other things being as equal as possible. The .45-70 looks to have a significant advantage in capacity, but I believe the Casull operates at close to twice the pressure?

 

[troy fairweather]

the 45/70 bfr is great and you can load it hotter than you will ever need.

 

[LRDGCO]

They are two different animals. A revolver in 45-70 is a hand gun in name only. These are enormous. And will launch 400 grs+ bullets. Shortest barrel is 7.5" and shortest overall length is 15". It weighs 5lbs. SAAMI MAP is 28,000 psi.

The Ruger SRH "Alaskan" has a 2.5" barrel and overall length of 7.62" . It weighs 44oz. SAAMI MAP is 55,000 psi.

They really aren't comparable in any way other than in ballistic theory, in which case, they can do more or less the same thing but the 45-70 will do it with much less pressure.

 

[MaxP]

The more appropriate comparison is the BFR in .454 versus the BFR in .45/70. With a 7 1/2-inch barrel on each, they weigh 3.8 versus 4.3 pounds respectively. I have both, and the .45/70 is a fun revolver, but I find the .454 more useful and practical as it is a bit easier to shoot offhand. They can both work up quite a head of steam loaded to spec (65,000 psi for the .454). I really haven't seen anyone fully exploit the velocity potential of the .45/70 in the BFR. When you start burning that much powder in a handgun, they become somewhat unmanageable. There is one factory load (by Garrett) that is designed specifically for the BFR and it slings a 540 grain bullet at about 1,200 fps (Ashley Emerson actually loaded it down from the original 1,300 fps). I have shot that load quite extensively, and it is actually uncomfortable even in my numb hands. Again, I have them both and hunt with both, and they are both quite capable.

My .454 BFR:



My .45/70 and the Garrett load:

 

[CraigC]

MAP for the .454 is 65,000psi.

I really do not know the answer. I've never seen any .45-70 data that fully explored its capability from a revolver. It's always either loaded with rifle powders or at original pressures. I will say that the .454 is going to be many times more practical. It delivers everything a revolver can use in a more portable platform. If you want more, the .460 is a better option. There is simply no need to use bullets heavier than 400gr anyway. Garrett has a 540gr "BFR only" load but if I'm slinging a bullet that heavy, I want it to be a half inch in diameter.

 

[25-20 WCF]

...A revolver in 45-70 is a hand gun in name only. Shortest barrel is 7.5" and shortest overall length is 15". It weighs 5lbs. SAAMI MAP is 28,000 psi. The Ruger SRH "Alaskan" has a 2.5" barrel and overall length of 7.62" . It weighs 44oz. SAAMI MAP is 55,000....

Uh, the OP asked about comparable ballistics with “all things as equal as possible”. The post title mentions similar barrel lengths. How does this answer his question?


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