Wonderful responses all around so far. Thanx. I would like to further the discussion by mentioning the rifle would be used primarily as a beer rifle, as well a timber gun for whitetail and other cxp2 to cxp3 game. I also don't have the means or time to handload at this time, but will soon. I'm wondering what companies out there offer 45-70 that are not ported, or .450 that aren'tported well. I can handle a bit more energy on the shoulder versus hearing damage. I can't seem to find unported new rifles in either of these calibers-are there any?-Your feedback is appreciated.