RE: 45-70 or 450 marlin
If you're a handloader the .45-70 would seem to be the better choice. Both are far far far more powerful than needed for deer hunting and as a matter of fact the .450 Marlin was designed to be a bear stopper for guides in the mountains guilding elk hunters etc.
There's little doubt in my mind that it (as well as a properly hand loaded .45-70) would do that job very well!!!