This falls into the silly world of DR nostalgia. The 30-06 is vastly superior to the 45-70 in every respect. It's like those people who would never own a .375 H&H mag double.

I would chose a 30-06 over a 45-70 for the Baikal and have a rifle that is much more lethal.

I used to have a Merkel .375 H&H and loved it. I only sold it to help fund a .35 WCF H&H double rifle.