I like your idea of a seven pound .405, you don't have to load it way up for the animals you are talking about using it on. I would have voted for the 45-70 but since that one was ruled out right off the bat, I've voted for the next best all around caliber, the .405 Winchester. I use 300 grain bullets in mine at around 2050 FPS. It holds up it's energy better than the 45-70 300 grain bullet and I think it shoots a little flatter. A seven pound .405 with 24 inch barrels makes a great woods rifle, and it kills with decisive power. That's what I want in an all around smaller bore gun. Bob