I bought a brand new 45-70 and after checking target at 50 yds, I cut it and recrowned it at 18". For fun I use 300 grain lead over Trailboss, no fuss, not much noise, not much recoil and at 50 yds it still shoots just as well when sighted in. out to 100 yds I just use kentucky windage on coyote. I got a ladyelk tag last year and went up to a cattle tank trail at 4am and hunkered behind some juniper. 4 does had come in the other side along with a bull. Bull pushed them up off the water on my trail. I picked the largest doe,#2, and hit her with a Bufflo Bore 350 grain full load. Yeah it hurt and I had elk running everywhere. First I reloaded, then I went to look. Far side of the trail away from me, about 45', was covered with blood and some bone. Found her in less than 10 minutes.
Varmint to elk, that's why you need a 45-70 Handi. Whole lot of fun
Hodr