Like said already, both will do a good job. With the 444 you can load bullets from 200gr to 300gr which is more than enough for White Tail deer. If you want to hunt more than deer the 45-70 can be loaded with much heavier bullets and to 3 different powder levels.

In the 444 you can load a 300gr bullet to ~2000 fps, in the 45-70 you can match that with the Trapdoor loads and go much faster with the levergun loads and even more with the "modern rifle" loads. Add to that the ability to load 250gr to 500gr bullets I personally feel the 45-70 is a better choice of cartridge.

__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437