I've killed five buffalo and three elk. Three of the buffalo were killed with a 45 2 7/8 Sharps and a 511 grain paper patch bullet, and two were taken with a 45-70 Sharps. With the 45-70, I used a 510 grain paper patch bullet for one and a 480 grain FN greaser for the other.
The first two elk were taken with a 45-70 Sharps using the 510 grain paper patch bullet. The third was taken with a 45 2 7/8 Sharps and a 515 grain paper patched bullet.
Shot in the heart or lungs, both animals seem to die about the same. Given a poor hit, the buffalo is definitely harder to put down. If I were going for either animal again tomorrow, I could carry either the 45-70 or the 45-110. Whichever rifle I chose, it would be shooting a 500 to 515 grain cast lead bullet to insure complete pass through penetration.
