No, I wasn't kidding!

But not nevertheless...rather...thankfully!

The .45-70 is one of those calibers that is very easy to get lost in. Those who have never owned one frequently seem to miss the numerous complexities and challenges presented with many of the guns; pressure levels, bore dimensions, weight/recoil comfort levels are all over the map and each gun seems to be a law unto its own.

Remember the old adage, tho, the Ole Timers took a fast shine to the .30-30 because it seemed to kill as well as the .45-70 on many of the smaller game.

That big bullet is no guarantee of a shot/drop on deer.

Shot placement and a good, opening bullet will demonstrate just how fast a killer the old .45 can be, but on the very slow loads combined with softs-that-aren't, pack a lunch and comfortable boots for the followup, as it might be a long trail...

On the lower pressure guns like yours, if it were me, I'd TRY my best to regulate the gun for a "fast" 300 if deer is the main quarry. Loads in the 1800 fps range should be attainable {factory} and the Remington 300 HP's open and kill fast at those velocities. If larger bullets are desired or necessary due to regulation, you might find you want to trick-tip the bullets a bit by hollow-pointing, etc to get them to open fast as at 1200 fps you may find expansion iffy.

Please keep us posted!!