I have shot one white tail with 45-70. This doe was at about 25 yards looking at me. I held center of chest and pulled the trigger. She went down on her knees hard with a blat. Then got up and ran out of sight. I thought. "Dead deer walking" smoked a cigar to savor the moment and then went to dress her out. I never found her. Her very scant blood trail ( a few drops now and then) took me over a mile, over a mountain, and deep into a swamp.

I killed a bull moose with 45-70. Same position. Moose was facing me maybe 75 yards away. My first shot hit in the chest veered right, broke a shoulder and lodged there (NO VITALS!). Moose turned around and ran away. I dropped him with the Texas heart shot.

45-70 is not my first choice for "stopping power"


Last edited by Mssgn; 03/19/15.
"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37, verse 4.


"The lazy do not roast any game, but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt." Proverbs 12:27