Look, I am not toting the 45-70 as some miracle caliber here but to say that the round that has probably killed more 2000 pound animals than any other on earth (the great american bison slaughter) is only good for 200-300 pound animals is plain silly. I have killed whitetails approaching that weight.
It is equally silly to say that it is only good for black bears under 40yds! A 45-70 even with factory ammo straight knocks the snot out of blackbears.
It is true it was developed as a military round, and I admit I wouldnt dream of using it with factory ammo on DG. But with hot loads I consider it at least the equal of the 375.
I often read of people using the 375 on DG (not just elephants) and as far as I can see its only advantage over the 45-70 is range, which shouldnt be a factor with DG.
As for me putting myself or others in danger or causing undue suffering to the animal, why dont you ask the same to people doing it with 375s?
And for the tests conducted at the Linebaugh seminar, I would like to know how they cheat physics. Penetration is penetration, whether its through wet newsprint, rocks, plate steel, or elephant skulls. If the tests had showed the 375 or 500NE outperforming the 45-70 you guys would hail it as the gospel. And as for the truth of these tests, who could be more credible than John Linebaugh & John Taffin. I cant help it the better rounds didnt outperform it!
I dont know why you guys are biased against the 45-70. After hearing the 458WM get ragged on a little I am starting to think its just because its an american round.
Although I freely admit that classic english rounds(especially in doubles) are much much cooler than a plain jane 45-70. And I like the classics much more I just cant figure out where the bias comes from.
Anyways to each his own.
P.S.
I NEVER CALLED ANYONE OUT! I have been nothing but polite and yet people continue to be rude. Beats me.