The .45/70 loads that shoot 300 or 400 grain bullets at velocities in the 1800 FPS range are MORE than deer loads! They, particularly the 400 grain jobs, have great penetration! If you are shooting at the front or back end of a deer, or at an elk, whether quarting toward, away, or broadside, these bullets will get top where they need to go, or more!! For deer, they are a lot more than needed, especially on broadside shots! If you shoot a deer broadside with one, it will hit the deer like a jackhammer, and a lot of the landscape on the other side of it too!!

Now, because of its' lower velocity, the .45/70 does not generally ruin as much meat as faster rounds. Elmer Keith used to say, " you can eat right up to the bullet hole" , and that is pretty true. As to whether or not the .45/70 has a substantial advantage over your .44 Mag. with careful bullet placement, I' d say NO, not on deer! BUT, if you ever want to shoot elk, bear, moose, etc., then YES!!