45-70 vs 30.06
 

Just for fun, which is more versatile for all around NA big game hunting in your opinion.

For versatility it's not even close.The 06 wins easily.That said I would buy a Marlin lever in 45-70 but not an 06.I already have a Ruger AW Hawkeye in .280 Rem which IMO beats out the 06 and the Marlin would be great in the heavy cover where I live.

I'd say the 45-70

Two different animals. Although you can use either one for any animal the terrain will limit the 45/70.

The two cartridges are indeed very different from a ballistic standpoint, but I think the interesting comparison is that they are both venerable old calibers, that are both considered just enough to take, and have often taken, even the biggest NA game. I think alot of people would say the 45 70 shines at closer ranges, where the 06 obviously is the choice for longer range shots. The question is, what is more appealing to most hunters , "big" power close up, or "enough" power at all practical ranges?

Personally Id say the 06' wins all around because Id say in reality it can probably do everything the 45-70 can, at short ranges and blow it away at longer ranges. The 45-70 is cooler though!:biggrin:

I have both and I would say the 06 is more versatile. But for snarling beastys up close I would want my 45-70 Guide gun stuffed with 405 gr soft points.

Out to maybe 100 yards, the two may do an equal job of making meat, but the already rainbow arcing 45-70 is already out shot for accuracy potential well within that. The 06 can shoot varminting projectiles very efficiently, and is used for long range shooting out into the hundreds of yard. The punishment to the shoulder with the 45-70 with heavier loads to stretch the range are absolutly brutal, even compared to heavy 06 round. Versatility wise, there is no comparison. That said, I prefer my Browning 1885 45-70 to an 06 because I am limited to woodland shooting distances.

Two completely different things to compare. While the 30-06 has a trajectory advantage over the 45-70, both will take care of anything in NA inside of 300 yds.

id git ta 30-06

I have both, i have to vote for the 30-06.