Its a sure sign of spring. Soon they won't have to wear long handles under the cut offs.

I will go out and chronograph both of them with a factory loads.

NYO. Its true you have to hand load the 45-70. Thats just because ALL FACTORY AMMO, except the high performance loads, have to be kept to Trapdoor springfield strength level. That is only 18000 cup. However the Marlin loads go up to 28000 and could probably push 40000 because its the same rifle that the 444 Marlin is capable of. Loads for the Ruger and Brownings can top that and fall just a little below the 458 Win Mag. The 45-70 Marlin can and Has taken every species of big game on this planet. And have no trouble in the process. It been done many times. As long as you are checking webb sites, check out the Garret ammunition site.

Other wise, yor are correct that the 44 Mag in a Handgun or even better, in a rifle, is no slouch either. When you start pushing 300+ grain bullets around, its serous medicine.

I am willing to bet that as long as people hunt with firearms, the 45-70 will hold its own. For those who wish to learn of its capabilities will realize its to good to die. Its also a big big bore that the average hunter can afford to buy.