To me, the 444 is pretty close to the 45-70 when loaded similarly. The 45-70 can use heavier bullets on the top end.
The 348 fills a slightly different ballistic niche than the 444 and 45-70, albeit all are used on basically the same animals. All will work just fine.
I load my 45-70's with heavy bullets, my 348 with 200's or 250's. It's just another way to the same end.
For me, hard to not consider the rifle used. My 1895 Marlin from 1977, my Trapdoor rifle from 1885, and my Shiloh Sharps Business Rifle from 2009 all handle and shoot differently. My Winchester 71 348 from 1955 adds a different dimension distinct enough from my 45-70's that makes hunting with it very enjoyable.
Regards,
Manny
