I have a Marlin 1895 chambered in 45-70, and it'll put anything that you shoot down with authority, assuming you use the right bullets.

For deer, the factory 300 gr. is hard to beat out to 150-200 yds. For large or dangerous game (moose/griz/cape buffalo) look at the 540 gr. Garrett Hammerhead, or the Buffalo Bore ammo.

The 444 will do everything that you need for it to do, including griz, if you use premium ammo such as the CorBon or Buffalo Bore loads.

I prefer the 45-70 b/c bullet weights are much heavier. The heaviest 444 ammo i've seen was about 350 gr, whereas the 45-70 can spit out 540 gr. of lead.

I wouldn't pick the corbon 45-70 ammo as my number one bear medicine b/c it isn't loaded very hot. Look for Garrett or Buffalo Bore in 45-70.