Much is made of the .45-70 - and quite honestly in some forums I believe too much is made of it as a hunting cartridge. Read recently in another forum that it "will kill an elephant". It is the same as the .577 /.450 Martini Henry used by the Boers and the Brits in the First English war. Sure, like the Martini the .45-70 will kill an elephant - by the professional taking time to get into a position for a rear side-on heart shot from 20 yards when the inner leg is moved forward and there is no need to break through the humerus bone. Not even a .458 Win Mag can do that.
The American Classic which has my true attention when it is mentioned is the .45-90.
Bill Reed - I know you have one. Please tell us about it. The stage is yours, sir!