Just use a .460 weatherby you get the bullet diameter, weight and velocity. Seriously, I have been looking at getting a guide gun also and one advantage I see along with the 45/70 is lever action compared to bolts or side by sides. From my limited experience a lever action is easier to work under stressful conditions and the 45/70 holds 5 including the one in the pipe compaired to most bolts that carry 4 or 3 with one in the pipe. I think I might feel uncomfortable with one of the big side by sides. If you are experienced and a good shot, 1 should be enough but murphys law and mother nature seem to work well together and I would feel better with more shots that did not require me to break open my weapon and hope I can feed two fresh shells ect. Then again I have never been big game hunting although I hope to and my observations could be complete bullcrap. Sorry for rambling.
[This message has been edited by Keeper (edited February 03, 2000).]
[This message has been edited by Keeper (edited February 03, 2000).]