tarawa,

Nice rifle! No need to apologize for getting a 45-70, I personally think it's a great load. I've owned a .458 Win Mag, .458 Lott and a 375 H&H and my 45-70 double kicks evey bit a much and appears to do just as much damage! I also bought mine on-the-cheap and I love it, and just like you - I currently have higher priorities than spending 9 months pay for an English double (like putting braces on the kids, paying the mortgage, or staying married! ) I love your gun - now get over to Africa and kill something with it!