Caliber matchup
| Metric | .308 Winchester | .45-70 Govt |
|---|---|---|
| Typical bullet | 168 gr | 325 gr |
| Muzzle velocity | 2650 fps | 2050 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 2619 ft·lb | 3032 ft·lb |
| Cost per round | $0.85 | $1.60 |
| Recoil | Moderate | Heavy |
| Introduced | 1952 | 1873 |
| Best role | Hunting / precision | Brush / big bore |
.308 Winchester: Does everything; ammo everywhere.
.45-70 Govt: Massive close-range thump from lever guns.
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