If you want to stay with factory loads, by all means the .450, but in 45-70 there are, as mentioned, the loads from Buffalo bore and others. Master Guide Ed Stevenson of Wassilla Alaska uses browning (Winchester 1895 clones) model 1895's in various wildcat calibers such as 411 Hawk and some Scovill chamberings, two of his guides that I have met use 45-70's, but these are for getting people out of jams, not general hunting of bears. If you love 'em, use 'em but you will be limited in what shots you can take and I dont think that any of the guides reccomend such a weapon as a primary hunting tool. The 450 Marlin and the hot rodded 45-70 are much more powerful than a .444 is capable of becoming.
