Question: is a 45-70 bigger than a 30-30?
Answer: 30–30 is more common, cheaper to shoot and lower recoil, and a little less expensive a rifle. Muzzle energy in the 1,800 ft-lbs range. 45–70 is quite powerful (from black powder loadings to Buffalo Bore), has a larger arc (bullet drop) making longer shots more difficult to dial in.