Buffalo hunter what about the .416 Rigby did you not like? The reason that I ask is this I undrrstand that there is a very real use for longer range guns in some parts of Africa on bigger game and the .416's seem to fit the bill quite nicely. Now I've got the part about you never taking a shot at over 70 yards on African game. I know several people who have and do every year and that's why they say to use .416's.
I've been invited to Tanzania this summer and am debating tasking my .45-70. But I think I'll probably take old reliable in .375H&H and it's twin in .458Lott. This is the same area that my buddy went last year and had some longer range shots. The furthest shot he had on Buff was 103 yds. He confirmed that when I spoke to him today. Apparentley in that block some shots are taken at further range than that.
As far as redrivers comment on the defelected .45-70 round as I said I've seen stranger things happen. I believe alot depends on the angle the bullet struck the skull.