Due to the fact that most hunts will be on elk and smaller animals, I vote for the 30-06 due to its range advantage. Although since people have killed all north american big game animals with a bow, you can get close enough to use the 45-70.

the 30-06 hands down.if you power over 300 yards buy a 7mm.

The 30-06 is definitely a more versatile cartridge but since you also said

and also mentioned what rifles the two cartridges were chambered in (Browning BAR vs. Marlin guide gun) my answer would be the Marlin 45-70.

I would leave most any semi auto rifle at home when hunting in sub zero temps, rain, sleet, snow. Far too much can go wrong with a semi auto like a BAR when hunting in these conditions.

The 30-06 definitely has the edge for versatility, but for what you asked, I'd lean in the direction of the Marlin in .45-70. While the BAR, if you take care of it, should be reliable in all but the most extreme circumstances, the lever action will still edge out reliability wise. And since you specifically said you'd be stalking, it's reasonable to conclude that ranges would be short enough that the trajectory advantage of the -06 wouldn't be all that important. Also, for stalking, a short, quick handling rifle like the guide gun with iron sights (I'd go with a ghost ring, myself) will edge out over a scoped BAR should you jump one up close.

Mike

I agree with driftrider.Because you are stalking chances are your shots will be 150yds. or less.That takes away the trajectory advantage of the 06.In "any weather" I'd rather have the lever over the auto.so my vote goes for the 45.70

Hmm, cant have that BAR freezing up, and that 45 70 is droppin fast past 100yds. What do you guys think about splittin the difference w/ a 358 BLR?:s4: