If it is really important to you... you can handload small game loads for the 45-70. One that I have READ about uses an off-the-shelf swaged lead ball and a small amount of one of several pistol powders. I have no experience with that in 45-70 and no idea how accurate it may be. <br><br>A (relatively) lightweight cast bullet of 0.457" - 0.459" diameter would be another option, but might require a custom mold to be made up. Most 45 cal pistol bullets are 0.452" diameter - they would be difficult to load and may not be very accurate (45-70 has a 0.458" bore), so unless you've got an itch to know, that's likely to be fruitless.<br><br>"Light" loads with cast bullets of any conventional weight should work fine, too, and may be the most productive - they could effectively be used on larger game as well, within the range limitations imposed by a loopier trajectory. And I don't think they will destroy any more meat than a 22 on small game - maybe even less. It's a very interesting and effective cartridge. I had a rilfe chambered for it once, and one son has one now (Guide Gun).<br><br>Pretty bulky compared to a 22 long rifle, of course. OTOH, headshooting small game is easier with a larger caliber, all things remaining equal. I took more ptarmigan with a 45 Colt than I did with a 22 - a small "error" is a miss with a 22 and a hit with a larger diameter bullet - so goes the theory, and my experiences bore that out. Anyway, I think you can make something work with your 45-70 if it's really important to you.<br><br>I also thought Chris made a good point and do not disagree with what he wrote. There are other reasons to consider packing a firearm. But, hmmm, well... a lot of "what-ifs" and most have little or nothing to do with the thrust of this forum, I guess. Campfire forum? Anyway, hope this points you in a useful direction.<br><br>Regards,<br><br>Tom<br><br>