[8D] Well I too have been looking at the .450 Marlin vs .45-70. Two aspects not brought out thus far is the Browning BLR in .450 Marlin will allow use of pointed bullets like the Barnes X Triple Shock allowing increased range. However Wild West Firearms in Alaska can open up the .45-70 to accept either standard .45-70 or the .457 Magnum ( about 1/10th longer) or even go up to the .50 Alaskan.