I own and shoot several 45-70's and have whacked all kinds of small critters up to a 300# black bear and a 225# pig. That said, contrary to what people mistakenly think, the old 45-70-500 was not a good bison killer. Yes they died eventually, but after they had run off for miles. Back then, bison were shot not only for hides but to eradicate the food source of plains Amerinds and thereby pacify them. Everything under the sun was used and the only thing the 45-70 had going for it was that it was a military cartridge. Everybody had one. The round is good for up to 200 yds if you practice and shoot a lot (500-700 rds/wk.) If you don't shoot that much, definitely under 100 yds. I don't hunt with a T/C of any caliber because they never fit my hand. I do hunt and shoot my +P 44's,45's, & 475 Linebaugh. I've burnt up thousands of rounds a month when I was searching for the "truth" in my younger days. Anyways, so much for my blathering.