I have both a Marlin 1895 in 45-70 and a Marlin 444. I have taken multiple wild hogs with both and I have taken a nice black bear with the 45-70. I find both to be good, accurate rifles. If I were going to hunt white tailed deer I would prefer the 444 with the factory 250gn load. I have taken hogs with that load and all were one shot kills. The hogs and the bear I have taken with the 45-70 were also one shot kills but I feet that a 45-70 is a little much for a whitetail. Get a 444 and start a fire to cook your venison.