Well, I guess Wild West Guns finally built the 500 S&W Levergun. Looks like they are first to do it. Too bad the cheapest it can be had is $1499 US.
"Wild West Guns - Model 04
500 S&W/454 lever action rifle
17-4 PH Stainless Heavy Duty
CNC Machined Receiver
Fast Action Hammer Safety
Take-down or standard rifle
16 ½ or 18 ½ inch barrel
Walnut, Laminate or Synthetic Pistol Grip Stock
WWG Thru Bolt Locking System
WWG Big Loop Lever
WWG Bear Proof Ejector
WWG Aluminum Magazine Follower
Safety Slotted Magazine Tube
WWG Ghost Ring Sight System
WWG Trigger System
Action Tuned for Reliability
Pachmayr Decelerator Pad
Optional Recoil Control Porting
RETAIL PRICE STANDARD RIFLE: $1499 Wood/Laminate Stock $1799 Synthetic Stock
RETAIL PRICE TAKE DOWN RIFLE: $1899 Wood/Laminate Stock $2199 Synthetic Stock"
Load Data for the 500 S&W
http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/?Cali ... er&Source=
Not too big of a jump if any over the 45-70, but those figures are for pistols.
My 45/70 Government:
I like the Handi-Rifle idea...Get tired of 500 S&W and you can throw on a varmint barrel in 223 or 25-06 and have fun with that...Or make it a shotgun, right?