It is great that we all have our own opinion. But I can tell you if I want to put an animal to the ground I would not hesitate for one second, My 45/70 would be in my hand. Have you ever seen the wound channel left from a 405gr bullet going 2300 fps ? That is a chunck of lead. Its like a trian slow but once on its way its hard to stop. And those flat nose bullets just plow a groove in there path . In the right hands it can and has been a great 200 yard rifle. But I do understand about the hunt being expensive and I to would want to take my .300mag just in case there was a 300 yard shot I would feel better taking it then with my 45/70. But he already has an 30-06 and if I were him I would take that and back it up with a big bore 45/70 with some buffalo bore 405 gr soft points. That round will kill anything I am man enough to hunt. good luck