.45-70 all the way... and for the following reasons...

The 45-70 has been around since 1873 albiet in black powder back then, but it is more popular now then ever. It can be handloaded to exceed the perofrmance of the .450 in equal bullet weights ever so slightly. Also brass will be available for many many years to come.... You just cant say that about the .450 as its already seen the heights of its popularity and is slowly starting the downhill slide according to die sales stats.

Look at the .35 REM... many times more guns have been chambered for it then the .450 and I see many of them in the woods every fall but brass and ammo are both drying up. Just something to think about.