I know that some calibers work better than others that have a muzzle brake. What about a 45/70? I have a Ruger #1 in 45/70 and I like to play with the larger loads. Thinking of getting a muzzle brake put on but just dont know if its going to be worth it. What do you think?

Basically, the more fuel you burn, the bigger the bullet and the higher the pressures, the more effective the break becomes. It will help considerably. I have a 45-70 on a siamese mauser that duplicates 458 win mag loads and has a integral brake machined into the barrel. Works wonders.-Rob

problem with breaks is the added noise, maybe not with the amount of powder in a 45/70 but when you shoot a 416 Weatherby that is breaked without hearing protection there is physical pain.
have you tried better recoil pad like a Pachmyer deccelerator and lead/mercury recoil reducer in stock, would suggest to do these first and then try the muzzle break if you are still not happy.
muzzle breaks do work.
Have been told the Ruger no.1's do recoil a lot more-(felt) than other stock designs.
I have a 458lott on a no.1 but don't really have anything to compare it to, it kicked less than my 1886 in 45/70 with slightly hotter loads but the 1886 is about 3lb lighter.

I don't shoot Ruger class loads but did find about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 lbs. of #8 lead shot in the but stock tamed my 45-70 down a lot.

try the mercury recoil reducer first, and the muzzle-break as a last resort.

Seems that the #1's are a little muzzle-heavy anyway... the extra weight in the stock will help with that too.