I'm a new member here, and this was the first thread I saw, that interested me. Since I have both calibers in Marlin levers.
Handloaded with hardcast WFN bullets, both should be about equal for stopping power on all Noth American game. Dead is dead as they say.
Its like comparing a 250gr 44 magnum handload, to a max hot 325gr 45 colt handload.
They both kill effectivly if used effectively.
If you are interested in maximum penetration in a given substance, then the 45-70 can definatley lob way heavier bullets.
Of course, once the point of complete penetration has been met with a solid, any further energy used, can be considered wasted
somewhere else behind the animal. I guess this is the "enough is enough" law.
A heavier bullet at modest velocity, can penetrate as far or further, than a lighter bullet at higher velocity.
This can often be accomplished with much less recoil and blast.
There is something to be said about "splat" energy as well.
Or energy that is dumped inside an animal, from a fast moving expanding bullet. This violence may drop an animal faster than just a large round hole through the organs.
Regardless of favorites, in my hands, 300gr 444s, and hot 405gr 45-70s have been indistinguishable in my hunting experience on deer,blackbear,hogs and elk.
