Good Evening, All,
For myself, my Marlin 1895SS .45-70 is all the rifle I need for most situations. Reloading for it, I've found a nice 300 grain load that will fall into a milk jug at 300 yards almost every shot. It arrives on target with plenty of punch left, and is all the big bore rifle that I need.
As for pistols, I have a Freedom Arms Field Grade .454 Casull, that is the finest pistol I've ever shot, bar none! From a rest, it will place all five of it's big bore rounds into the same ragged hole at 25 yards, all day long! With the right loads, it will shoot, stem to stern, through most any brown bear you might run across up in Alaska, and that's more than enough power for me. Others may choose to go for more horse-power, but as for me, the .45-70. and the .454 Casull will do ANYTHING that I might want to do with a firearm, period!! Take care, and God Bless!
Every Good Wish,
Doc