This is interesting. I tried some penetration tests with my older Marlin 1895 with the bbl chopped to 16.5 inches. I used to load the Cast Performance 405gr WLNGC with a .380" meplate. These were max loaded and were deadly on moose and black bear. I gathered telephone books and water jugs. Just not enough I guess. I never recovered a single bullet.
I hit a 980lb bull moose with one at 25yds. The bullet entered just to the right(about 2 inches)of the brisket. It traveled the full length of the moose(about 9ft)and hit the right rear hip joint square. It shattered the ball and socket joint so that is was not easily ID'ed. Then exited through the right ham. The bullet took a tiny piece out of the top of the heart but jelled the tops of both lungs. I found a 2" piece of rib just fwd of the stomach.
The 45-70 id often under estimated. If hand loaded it will kill anything on the planet given the closer ranges and proper shot placement. --- pruhdlr
I hit a 980lb bull moose with one at 25yds. The bullet entered just to the right(about 2 inches)of the brisket. It traveled the full length of the moose(about 9ft)and hit the right rear hip joint square. It shattered the ball and socket joint so that is was not easily ID'ed. Then exited through the right ham. The bullet took a tiny piece out of the top of the heart but jelled the tops of both lungs. I found a 2" piece of rib just fwd of the stomach.
The 45-70 id often under estimated. If hand loaded it will kill anything on the planet given the closer ranges and proper shot placement. --- pruhdlr