I have both a Marlin 1894 in 44 magnum and an 1895 in 45/70. I haven't killed a lot of deer with them, but the on game performance has been very similar for me. Shot to the vitals with large exit wound. 30 yard death dash and a pile up. I handload and am able tom make my 45-70 a comfortable 200 yard gun. With my 44 magnum, about 125 is my comfort range.
