I agree that there are rifles more suited for African game than the 45-70. However if one had trouble with the 45-70 on Game that size, Penetration will not be part of it. The 45-70 will penetrate more than the 458 Win Mag with hard cast bullets. Velocities higher than the 45-70 will start to expand and loose penetration. There are some good studies and articals. on the Garret site and details of Lupos taking of the big six with the Marlin. He was the first to officially do so. The artical about shooting through two Cape buffalo by Bryan Pierce is in a recent past artical in hand loader Magazine. I have had simular results with the 45-70 and have shot one since I was old enough to hold it up..