Factory 300 gr loads, meaning like Win. Rem or Fed are easy to shoot but still like a good 44 mag with a heavy bullet.
Let me say this. When I emtioned the 550 gr bullet I was alluding to the fact that powerwise one is equiped for just about anything.
One does not need a 550 gr to kill a deer or even a 300 gr.
A 45 Colt with a 250 at 800 fps will kill them graveyard dead with mild recoil and no fuss no muss.
With me the 45/70's reputation was built on 405 to 500 gr bullets and I feel, personally, that it is a waste of a good cartridge with an outstanding reputation to wimp it down with a bullet that one can get weightwise in a 45 colt, 44 Mag and other cartridges.
Even it I was going to use a 300 gr in a 45/70 i would try for at least 2000 fps in an Encore.
Again needed no but that is just me as as I have lesser cartridges to hunt with that has less recoil and muzzle blast.
Again just me.
A 45/70 though is a good cartridge that has many possibilities with a good selection of components.