The 35 Whelen and the 45-70 are two popular hunting cartridges, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages.
Both are powerful cartridges that can be used to take down big game animals, but they differ in terms of the type of game they are best suited for, the range of the shots they can take, and the type of rifle they are chambered in. Both cartridges have been around for decades and have a loyal following of hunters who swear by their effectiveness. The 35 Whelen is a great choice for medium sized game, while the 45-70 is better suited for larger game.
Both cartridges offer a wide range of bullet weights and velocities, so they can be tailored to fit the specific needs of the hunter. Ultimately, the choice between the 35 Whelen and the 45-70 comes down to personal preference and the type of hunting that is being done.
35 whelen vs 45 70: What’s the Difference?
1. Caliber
The 35 Whelen and the 45-70 are two popular big game hunting cartridges that have been around for more than a century.
Both cartridges offer excellent performance on large game animals such as deer, elk, moose, and bear. The 35 Whelen is a relatively new cartridge, having been developed in 1922, while the 45-70 has been around since the late 1800s. Both cartridges offer good accuracy and power, but there are some differences between them that should be considered when choosing the right cartridge for your needs.
The 35 Whelen is a .35 caliber cartridge that is based on the .30-06 Springfield case. It is capable of launching a 200 grain bullet at a muzzle velocity of 2,500 feet per second. This gives it excellent knockdown power for hunting large game animals.
The 45-70 is a .45 caliber cartridge that is based on the .45-70 Government case. It is capable of launching a 300 grain bullet at a muzzle velocity of 1,800 feet per second. This gives it good power and penetration, but not as much as the 35 Whelen.
When it comes to accuracy, the 35 Whelen is the clear winner. It is capable of producing groups of 1-2 inches at 100 yards, while the 45-70 is only capable of producing groups of 2-3 inches at the same distance. The 35 Whelen is also capable of shooting at longer ranges than the 45-70, making it a better choice for long range hunting.
In conclusion, both the 35 Whelen and the 45-70 are excellent cartridges for hunting large game animals. The 35 Whelen is the better choice for accuracy and long range shooting, while the 45-70 is the better choice for power and penetration.
2. Ammunition Capacity
The 35 Whelen is a centerfire rifle cartridge developed in 1922 by Colonel Townsend Whelen. It is based on the .30-06 Springfield cartridge, but has a larger case and a heavier bullet. It was designed as a big game hunting cartridge and is well-suited for medium to large game, such as elk, moose, and bear. The 35 Whelen can hold up to four rounds in a standard-length magazine.
The 45-70 Government, also known as the .45-70, is a centerfire cartridge developed in the United States in 1873 for use in the Trapdoor Springfield rifle. It is one of the most powerful cartridges in production and can hold up to five rounds in a standard-length magazine. The 45-70 is a popular hunting cartridge and is well-suited for large game, such as elk, moose, and bear.
3. Accuracy
The 35 Whelen is a popular choice among hunters, as it offers a flatter trajectory and better accuracy than the 45-70. The 35 Whelen also has the advantage of being able to use lighter bullets, which can help reduce recoil and improve accuracy. The 45-70, on the other hand, is a powerful cartridge that is capable of taking down big game animals.
It also has the advantage of being able to use heavier bullets, which can help increase accuracy. Ultimately, the choice between the 35 Whelen and the 45-70 comes down to the individual shooter and their own preferences.
4. Recoil
The 35 Whelen and 45-70 cartridges are two classic rifle cartridges that have been around for many years. Both are powerful and capable of taking large game, but they differ in several ways. The 35 Whelen is a more modern cartridge, developed in the early 1900s, while the 45-70 is a much older cartridge, developed in the late 1800s. The 35 Whelen is a rimless, bottlenecked cartridge, while the 45-70 is a rimmed, straight-walled cartridge.
The 35 Whelen is capable of higher velocities than the 45-70, but the 45-70 has a heavier bullet, giving it more energy and greater stopping power. The 35 Whelen has a steeper trajectory, making it more suitable for longer range shooting, while the 45-70 is better suited for close range shooting. When it comes to recoil, the 35 Whelen is more manageable than the 45-70, but it still has a significant kick.
5. Price
The 35 Whelen is a modern cartridge based on the 30-06 Springfield case, while the 45-70 is a much older cartridge based on the original .45-70 Government cartridge.When it comes to price, the 35 Whelen is generally more expensive than the 45-70.
The 35 Whelen is typically loaded with more modern, higher-performance bullets, which can cost more than the traditional lead-based bullets used in the 45-70. Additionally, the 35 Whelen is a more popular cartridge, so it is more widely available and often more expensive. On the other hand, the 45-70 is a much older cartridge and is not as widely available, so it can be more difficult to find and more expensive.
6. Durability
The 35 Whelen is a rimless bottleneck cartridge, and it was designed in 1922 by Charles Newton. It is based on the 30-06 Springfield cartridge, and it is capable of generating velocities of up to 2,800 feet per second.
The 35 Whelen is a very versatile round, and it can be used for a variety of game, including deer, elk, and bear.The 45-70 cartridge was designed in 1873 by the US Government, and it is a rimmed, straight-walled cartridge. It is capable of generating velocities of up to 1,900 feet per second.
The 45-70 is a very powerful cartridge, and it is popular for hunting large game, such as moose and bison.When it comes to durability, both cartridges are very reliable. The 35 Whelen is a rimless cartridge, which makes it less susceptible to rim damage.
The 45-70 is a rimmed cartridge, which makes it more durable than the 35 Whelen. Both cartridges are also known for their accuracy and reliability.In conclusion, both the 35 Whelen and 45-70 cartridges are known for their durability and reliability.
The 35 Whelen is a rimless cartridge, which makes it less susceptible to rim damage, and the 45-70 is a rimmed cartridge, which makes it more durable. Both cartridges are also known for their accuracy and reliability.

Similarities
There are some similarities between the .35 Whelen and the .45-70 cartridges. Both are popular hunting rounds, and both have a long history of use in North America. Both cartridges are capable of taking down large game, and both are available in a variety of bullet weights and styles. However, there are also some differences between the two cartridges.
The .35 Whelen is a more modern cartridge, having been developed in the early 20th century, while the .45-70 has been around since the late 19th century. The .35 Whelen is also more powerful than the .45-70, with a higher muzzle velocity and greater energy. Finally, the .35 Whelen is a rimless cartridge, while the .45-70 is a rimmed cartridge.
Why The 45-70 is Still King?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the differences between the 35 Whelen and 45-70 cartridges in terms of power and accuracy?
The 35 Whelen and 45-70 cartridges are two of the most popular big game hunting cartridges in the United States.
Both cartridges are powerful and accurate, but they have some distinct differences. In terms of power, the 35 Whelen is slightly more powerful than the 45-70. The 35 Whelen is capable of generating muzzle velocities of up to 3,000 feet per second with a 200 grain bullet, while the 45-70 is limited to around 2,400 feet per second with a 300 grain bullet.
The 35 Whelen also has a flatter trajectory, making it easier to hit targets at longer distances. In terms of accuracy, the 45-70 is generally considered to be more accurate than the 35 Whelen. The 45-70 has a longer case length and a larger powder capacity, which allows it to generate more consistent velocities and better accuracy.
The 35 Whelen is still a very accurate cartridge, but it is not quite as accurate as the 45-70. Overall, the 35 Whelen is slightly more powerful and the 45-70 is slightly more accurate. Both cartridges are excellent choices for big game hunting, and the choice of which one to use will ultimately come down to personal preference.
2. What type of rifle is best suited for each cartridge?
35 Whelen:
The 35 Whelen is best suited for a bolt-action rifle. This cartridge is powerful enough to take down large game, but is still manageable in a bolt-action rifle. It is also capable of producing excellent accuracy and is well-suited for long-range shooting.
45-70: The 45-70 is best suited for a lever-action rifle. This cartridge is powerful enough to take down large game, but is still manageable in a lever-action rifle.
It is also capable of producing excellent accuracy and is well-suited for short-range shooting.
3. What is the cost difference between the two cartridges?
The cost difference between the two cartridges depends on the type of ammunition and the brand. Generally speaking, 35 Whelen ammo is more expensive than 45-70 ammo. This is due to the fact that 35 Whelen is a more specialized cartridge and is not as widely available as 45-70. Additionally, 35 Whelen ammo is typically loaded with heavier bullets, which can add to the cost.
Final Words For 35 whelen vs 45 70
The .35 Whelen is a modern cartridge that offers excellent accuracy and velocity, while the .45-70 is a classic cartridge with a long history of use in the field. Both cartridges offer good stopping power and can be used for a variety of hunting and defensive applications. Ultimately, the choice between the two cartridges comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the shooter.






