I've decided to buy an 1895 ss and would like to know the limits (range) of this combo before it hits the field. With any hard cast bullet weight and powder charge, is 250-300 yards out of the question. Target in this case is whitetail. Thanks for your input.

While there is no doubt in my mind the 45-70 can be an effective killer at long range, the problem is the trajectory. Even with a 350 gr @ 2200 fps, me thinks 200 yds is a practicle range, as the bullet will be dropping very fast past the 200 yd mark. If you're going to use a lazer rangefinder, no doubt you can stretch the range.

OK, I will admit one of my errors.

I was doe hunting in the snow once. I saw two does across a little valley going up a steep face. I was carrying my Marlin 1895 in 45-70 pushing a 400 grain speer at 1750 fps.

I aimed at the deer's head thinking I would drop the bullet into the chest. I estimated the range at a little over 200 yards. However, I am notorious for underestimating range. It turned out the deer was more like 300 yards off, and the bullet dropped all the way to the deer's butt. But it knocked her down and kept her there.

That is one advantage of a 45/70. It may have the trajectory of a football, but it hits with quite a smack. I recently bought a #1 in 45/70, and I will use it this fall for deer. I personally wouldn't shoot it over 150 yards, at least until I get more familiar with the bullet drop.