The 45-70 round as been around for a long time so when ammo makers are manufacturing ammo they have to keep in mind there are a lot of old rifles that can not stand the higher moderninternal pressures. If you are buying a factory made cartridge the balistics will be fairly cool and you will not be pushing much speed. We have handloaded shells for a newer 45-70 and we where getting substantially greater velocity then factory. This is the BIG down fall with the 45-70 cartridge in my mind.

Having said all of this there is no comparison between a .50 cal and a newer 45-70 but a newer .50 cal would (depending on bullet size and powder) be pushing it close to what an old 45-70 is capable of.

It is hard to compare apples and oranges. As for accuracy it all depends on the rifle and the load. with all things being equal you will have great accuracy with both firearms (much more accurate then the shooter is capable of in my case).[:@]

Eric