Rod,
Thanks. I'll be getting to Cabelas soon on an ammo run so I'll pick up some new .17's and see what happens.

s4s4u,
Here's the spec's from DT.
Caliber : .45-70 Government
Bullet : 400gr Wide Flat Nose Gas Check
Ballistics : 1810fps - 2914 ft./lbs. - 22.0" bbl. Marlin

Since I don't reload yet can either of you recommend a commercial hunting load in .45-70. I'm partial to the theory behind hardcast. In one side out the other.

Jeff