"I've had 45-70, it's over rated. For what you want to do warmish 45 Colt or 44 magnum will do the job as long as the rifle is designed for hotter loads. There is nothing I'd hunt with a 45-70 that I'd not hunt with a 44 mag or warmish loaded 45 Colt."
I disagree. If your thinking is only regarding standard factory ammo designed for Trapdoor Springfield rifles your statement is valid. If you handload, it's a whole different ball game. There is no dinky a$$ pistol cartridge that can come close to a full power 45-70.