Andrew Leigh
Member
I agree with a 30-06 with a 180gr. bullet. Reason for this is that the 30-06 is widely considered at the calibre at which you will develop a flinch if so inclined.
Hahaha! Kind of an expensive way to amuse yourself and lose friends, though. lol.
I don't know that it could handle "Marlin & Ruger loads" (nor would it be much fun with them), but I'm thinkin' it'd be a blast with some moderate hardcast loads, like 400 grainers at about 1,500-1,600 FPS.
That Uberti looks gorgeous, but probably a bit too painful in 45-70. I'm more into the 30.06 range. Something that will leave my retinas intact.
For whatever reason, my Steyr never kicked so bad as my K31. I truly think recoil for the '06-class of rifle rounds is almost totally dependent upon stock geometry. Granted, I never shot Nazi surplus which is supposed to be slightly hotter, but that's only because it was expensive & borderline-unsafe to shoot in pressure in the first place. It's getting rebarrelled to 50 Alaskan, so I imagine my opinion of its kick will change a good deal.M-95 Steyr gets my vote as well.