Well,where to begin. 45-70 ruger no.1 has differnt loads then a 450mar. (I own both). Look in the horady 5th or 6th or barnes number 3 and you will find that the 45-70 in a ruger has its own load. They will run alot hotter then the 450 mar. example 45-70 with imr 4198 at 53.3 with a 350gr round nose will produce 2235 f.p.s. from a 22in bar. Were as the 450 marlin will do @2100 with 48.5 gr imr4198. NOTE that the marlin has less case capacity by @ 4gr of 4198. Also the time tested 45-70 has cheaper brass and will (in a ruger no.1)take more pressure. Hope this helps.

Just switch to black and shoot the same cases for ever.

Karl,

With the Ruger, I think you should be able to do what you want with the 45-70.

As for loads for the 45-70, take a look at http://www.loadbooks.com/ . They have a load book for the 45-70. Finding modern loads for the 45-90 or 45-100 is problematic.

I have not found case life to be an issue. 45-70 cases by both Starline and Remington are good choices. I have used the Winchester cases, but find they are not as heavy. In fact, I weighed a batch and found them lighter by 30 grains than the Remington. Also, there was more variation in weight. The Remington cases were all within .5 grains.

The 45-70 in the right rifle can be very flexible. You can load it way down has well. Just for plinking or to teach a new shooter. In all, with the correct load and bullet, it is an impressive round.

Pete