No different from a 45-70 except that the factory 450 Marlin cartridges are loaded to higher pressures than factory 45-70 (black powder-level) pressures. With handloading of the 45-70 they are identical, ballistically speaking. If given the choice, I wouldn't hop on that train and would stick with the vastly more popular and available 45-70. As to suitability for game, search "45-70" and all comments will apply.~Muir