I have owned both and still have the 338. I had a highly customized 45-70 (guide gun) and sold it at a loss. For mild loads, it was fine. For the hot stuff, it was another story. The stock drop was terrible for recoil, and it was hard on the knuckles, and the lever throw seemed so long that at least to me, it was not really any faster than working a bolt action.
I don't know if my 338 WM with 250 gr bullets kicks any less according to a recoil chart, but it seems easier to manage, maybe just due to the straighter stock. I don't think it's any slower to run than a hard-kicking 45-70.
