I bought my 1st 45-70 used in 1976. It was part of the original run when Marlin reintroduced them in 1973. I've come to the conclusion that 45-70 is the single most over-rated cartridge out there, but I do wish I'd kept that rifle, they are uncommon and bring a premium today. I paid $175 in 1976 BTW. It looked just like this. They only made this configuration for 1 or 2 years and it is still my favorite. I've had 2 others including a Guide gun but finally sold the last one about 15 years ago.
The original black powder loads, and equivalent modern smokeless powder loads have very little recoil but are weak. About the same power level as a 45 caliber muzzle loader, which is considered the minimum for deer and is not legal for game larger than deer in most places. When the 30-30 was introduced, it was considered way more powerful than 45-70.
Modern loads make 45-70 a legitimate elk or moose gun. But recoil from the top end loads a light lever gun is brutal. Way out of proportion to its capability.
Loading manuals show 3 different levels. The lightest loads are suitable for original 1800's era rifles and their reproductions. The mid-level loads are suitable for most lever actions. The top end loads are only for single shots or bolt action rifles.
The top end loads will shoot the same bullet weights as a 458 WM, but over 100 fps slower. The top end loads suitable for a lever gun are still going to hit you with about the same recoil as a 458 WM because the lever guns run 2-3 lbs lighter than most bolt action 458's.
And those loads are nowhere near 458 WM performance. A 30-06 or even a 308 with heavier bullets will outperform 45-70 on any game animal and do it with 1/2 the recoil.
If I wanted a big bore lever gun I'd stay with 44 mag or 45 Colt. With good loads either of those are legitimate deer and black bear cartridges. The cheapest option for lever action rifles and ammo is still 30-30 and there isn't anything I'd hunt with 45-70 that I'd not hunt with 30-30.