Hi Colt.

Essentially the same gun (using Cor-Bon, BB, Garrett, hotter handloads in the .45.70). If all you are going to do is shoot a few boxes a year, sighting-in and hunting, get either one. If you plan on shooting the gun ALOT, reload and get the .45-70. That way you can choose between reduced loads and the "bigger" stuff, as needed. You will never find a shortage of supplies for .45-70, and they are somewhat less expensive than .450, which probably won't enjoy the 100+ year history of the .45-70.

CE

- You might want to explain to your Dad the benefits of reloading, including having two guns in the same caliber, you could shoot significantly more together for the same cost...