The 12ga slug and 45-70 are two very different types of ammunition, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The 12ga slug is a shotgun round that is typically used for hunting and home defense, while the 45-70 is a large caliber rifle round that is often used for hunting large game animals.
Both rounds have their own unique characteristics that make them suitable for different types of shooting scenarios. In this article, we’ll take a look at the differences between the 12ga slug and 45-70, and discuss which round is best suited for different types of shooting.
12ga slug vs 45-70: What’s the Difference?
1. Introduction
The 12 gauge slug is a popular choice for deer and other large game hunting, while the 45-70 is used primarily for large game, such as bear and moose. Both rounds have their advantages and disadvantages, and this article will discuss the differences between the two rounds, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each. We will also discuss the best use for each round and the best firearms to use with them.
2. Caliber and Power
The 12 gauge slug is a large bore shotgun shell that fires a single, large projectile. It is typically used for hunting large game animals such as deer and bears. The 12 gauge slug has a muzzle energy of 2,500 to 3,000 foot-pounds, depending on the load.
The 45-70 is a rifle cartridge that was first adopted by the US Army in 1873. It is a large caliber, high-powered cartridge that is still popular today for hunting large game animals. The 45-70 has a muzzle energy of 2,200 to 3,000 foot-pounds, depending on the load.
Overall, the 12 gauge slug has slightly more power than the 45-70, but the difference is not significant. Both cartridges are powerful enough to take down large game animals.
3. Accuracy
Accuracy is an important factor to consider when choosing between a 12ga slug and a 45-70. The 12ga slug is a larger projectile, and therefore has more mass, which can result in greater accuracy at longer distances. However, the 45-70 is a smaller projectile, and its smaller size allows for more efficient use of propellant, resulting in higher velocities and flatter trajectories. This can result in greater accuracy at shorter distances.
Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the shooter’s preference and the intended use.
4. Recoil
The 12-gauge slug is a popular choice for hunting and self-defense due to its power and accuracy. It is a large and heavy round that can deliver significant amounts of energy and penetration. On the other hand, the 45-70 is a much larger and heavier round that is typically used for large game hunting. It has the capability to deliver more energy and penetration than the 12-gauge slug, making it a good choice for large game.
When it comes to recoil, the 12-gauge slug has a moderate amount of recoil, while the 45-70 has a significant amount of recoil. The 12-gauge slug is typically fired from a semi-automatic shotgun, which helps to reduce the amount of felt recoil. The 45-70, on the other hand, is typically fired from a large-caliber rifle, which will produce a much more significant amount of felt recoil.
Additionally, the 45-70 has a much higher muzzle velocity than the 12-gauge slug, which will also contribute to the amount of felt recoil.
5. Cost
12ga slug: 12ga slugs can range from $1.50 to $3.00 per round depending on the brand and type of slug.
45-70: 45-70 rounds can range from $1.00 to $3.00 per round depending on the brand and type of round.
6. Conclusion
The 12ga slug and 45-70 are both powerful and effective rounds, but they are designed for different purposes. The 12ga slug is designed for short-range hunting and self-defense, while the 45-70 is designed for long-range hunting and target shooting. Both rounds have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of which one to use depends on the shooter’s individual needs and preferences. Ultimately, both rounds are excellent choices for their intended purposes.

Similarities
No, there is no similarity between a 12ga slug and a 45-70. The 12ga slug is a shotgun shell that is designed to fire a single projectile, typically a large lead slug. The 45-70 is a rifle cartridge that is designed to fire a single bullet. The two cartridges are not interchangeable and have different applications.
45-70 vs 12 gauge. Too much fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference in the stopping power of a 12ga slug versus a 45-70?
The stopping power of a 12 gauge slug is significantly greater than that of a 45-70. A 12 gauge slug is a large, heavy projectile that is designed to penetrate and cause massive damage to its target. The 45-70 is a smaller, lighter round that is designed for hunting and is not as effective at stopping power as the 12 gauge slug. The 12 gauge slug is capable of penetrating thick armor and other materials, while the 45-70 is not.
The 12 gauge slug also has a much higher muzzle velocity than the 45-70, which means it can reach its target faster and with more force. The 12 gauge slug also has a greater effective range than the 45-70, meaning it can be used to hit targets at longer distances. The 12 gauge slug is also more accurate than the 45-70, making it a better choice for precision shooting.
2. What are the pros and cons of using a 12ga slug versus a 45-70?
Pros of 12ga Slug:
1. The 12ga slug has a higher muzzle velocity than the 45-70, which makes it more effective at longer ranges.
2. The 12ga slug also has a larger diameter than the 45-70, which means it is more likely to cause greater damage to the target.
3. The 12ga slug is also more accurate than the 45-70, which makes it easier to hit targets at longer distances.
Cons of 12ga Slug:
1. The 12ga slug is more expensive than the 45-70, which can be a deterrent for some shooters.
2. The 12ga slug also has more recoil than the 45-70, which can be uncomfortable for some shooters.
3. The 12ga slug is also more difficult to reload than the 45-70, which can be a hassle for some shooters.
3. What is the effective range of a 12ga slug versus a 45-70?
The effective range of a 12 gauge slug is typically around 50 yards, while the effective range of a 45-70 is typically around 150 yards.
The 12 gauge slug is a much larger projectile than the 45-70, so it has a much shorter effective range. The 45-70 is a much more powerful round and is capable of taking down large game at greater distances.
Final Words For 12ga slug vs 45-70
The 12ga slug and the 45-70 are both powerful rounds that can be used for hunting and self-defense. The 12ga slug has a higher muzzle velocity and is more accurate at longer distances, while the 45-70 has more stopping power and is better suited for close-range shots. Ultimately, the choice between the two rounds depends on the intended use and the shooter’s preference.






