.45-120 or .50-90

[Jim Watson]

I'm going to pass by.

Probably smart. .45x 3 1/4" aka .45-120 was introduced only after Sharps Rifle Co. folded. Seen only in rechambered rifles. Tedious to load for, darned tough to load smokeless for. There was an entirely different .45-125 Winchester which seems to have been derived from the .450 Express. .50-90 is a better balanced load but a hard kicker.
If you want to get into the field, .45-70 is the obvious choice. But not for $400.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I don't know (if I ever live in a Free State) if these rifles would count as 'black powder' for hunting season. (Truthfully, if they don't count, then I probably won't take either.).
Greg

Depends on the state.
In Arkansas where I live, it would not. In neighboring Mississippi, it would.
In MS, you can use a single shot of .35 caliber or larger. The action must be of a design that was around prior to 1900, IIRC. That last part may not be completely accurate, but I think it is.

So different states will have different regulations as to whether it is legal for ML season. I think more often it would not be.

 

[CraigC]

.50-90, no replacement for displacement and velocity is overrated.