The 45-70 was the first cartridge that I started reloading for. That was back in 1976.
I originally bought a Lee Loader, which is a set of tools that allow you to reload 1 cartridge at a time without a loading press. It was slow, but it got the job done.
My first 45-70 was Marlin lever action that I bought new.
I sold that rifle about 10 years ago, but I still have a single shot break open H&R rifle. Over the years, I've had 2 different Trapdoor Springfields, one rifle and 1 carbine, wish I still had that carbine...