Didn't the .45-70 almost disappeared entirely at the time when created the .444 Marlin? Which was why Marlin developed the cartridge in the first place....45-70 vs 44 Magnum is just a silly comparison. The debate you want to have is 44 Mag vs 444 Marlin. The Marlin wins, but at least it's apples and really effing powerful apples. 44 Mag vs 45-70 is apples vs man-portable artillery.