Caliber matchup
| Metric | .223 Remington | .45-70 Govt |
|---|---|---|
| Typical bullet | 55 gr | 325 gr |
| Muzzle velocity | 3240 fps | 2050 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 1282 ft·lb | 3032 ft·lb |
| Cost per round | $0.42 | $1.60 |
| Recoil | Light | Heavy |
| Introduced | 1964 | 1873 |
| Best role | Varmint / range | Brush / big bore |
.223 Remington: SAAMI sibling of 5.56; check chamber markings.
.45-70 Govt: Massive close-range thump from lever guns.
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