[HIKayaker]

A 45-70 can be loaded very to a very mild velocity with just about any weight bullet. Recoil is minimal and it will absolutely do the job. Also the longer octagon barrel adds to the weight of the rifle further reducing felt recoil.

I have both an 1895 in 45-70 and an 1894 in 44 mag. The 45-70 is definitely more comfortable to shoot than the 44 mag, as long as I keep the loads to about 1200-1300 fps, even with 405gr bullets.

So, unless you plan to shoot 44 special rounds in your 1894, go with the 45-70. If you reload.

On the top end, a 45-70 can be loaded to within 150 fps of a .457 Win Mag. But the recoil is ferocious. That's why we say, "mild to wild".