Yes you are correct, the modern levers are designed to handle the pressures of the .450 mar. and 45/70 hot loads. They are basiclly the same round ,shouldered different to keep them out of each others rifles. I would still pick the 45/70 over the .450, It is starting to gain its popularity back and with some of the super rounds being made by buffalo bore and garrett it is right there beside the .450. I hope the comment about it being just barely big enough for elk is a joke.That round put 1000's of buffalo down and that was with black powder ammo.I would have to think they are alittle tougher then elk.