For history sake 45-70 is a good gun and holds up well on big game.There are guys in this big world that say the 45-70 is the way to go.I have a Marlin cowboy in 45-70 and it kills just as well as my .450 marlin 1895 w/a 24 in barrel.I have shot elk with both and both time the animal gave up with little fuss.I do not handload and I have shot the garret ammo out of my marlin cowboy it works well.I shoot hornady loads for my 1895,so I say each to his own and good luck shooting.BBJ