.45 Colt in a CAS rifle is a beginners mistake. Made it myself with a used, super slick Marlin 1894 Cowboy. I got tired of powder blow back and turned the Marlin into a 'diller killer. I removed the sights, filled the slots with blanks, mounted a Bushnell Holosight, added a leather comb and loaded 300 gr. lead and jacketed bullets to max velocity with top loads of 4227. No blowback there and it's a great rifle with a lot of power. Would probably do well on deer and hogs at reasonable ranges.
In CAS, you'll eventually end up with an 1873 clone, probably one with an action job, so get one now and you won't have to upgrade later. I would suggest ordering one from a CAS gunsmith with a good reputation. Saves a lot of back and forth time and saves money in the long run.
IMHO,
DF
