[jmr40]

Load data is the same for all lever actions. There may be minor differences between the handful of manufacturers, but not enough difference to matter. There are 3 levels of 45-70 load data.

You have original black powder equivalent levels which are pretty mild.

The lever gun data is next.

The really hot 45-70 load data is for single shot and bolt action rifles only. But even that is well below 458 WM power levels.



When I 1st got into 45-70 all the factory loads were loaded to the lowest power level. Manufacturers didn't want to risk someone taking factory loads intended for only modern lever guns and putting those rounds into an original or even reproduction rifle meant only for the old black powder equivalent loads.

To get to that power level you had to hand load. The 450 Marlin was an attempt to get factory loads matching the mid-level 45-70 hand loads in a factory load. Since it wouldn't chamber in a 45-70 there was no danger of loading it in an older gun.

Today some manufacturers are loading 45-70 a little hotter, but still not where you can go with handloads. The best 45-70 handloads will duplicate 450 Marlin. Which was exactly the purpose of the 450 Marlin.

But the 450 didn't take off like Marlin hoped. Most people who shoot 45-70 handload anyway and like the versatility of loading to different power levels. The 450 Marlin level loads will kick the snot out of you in a lever gun and the power isn't always needed.

Since 45-70 usage is so low in single shots and bolt guns I doubt if you'll ever see factory loads ever coming close to that. There just isn't the demand. And most people wanting that much power go straight to 458 WM anyway.