How many of you out there have the tapered octagon lever action .45-70? I would like to find out if there is much difference in shooting that rifle as opposed to the 1895 SS. THANKS

I have never fired the rifle with that barrel, but can generalize that, for a given load, if a gun is heavier you will feel less recoil, and vice versa. Accuracy tends to be improved by both barrel and action rigidity, and heavier barrels tend to be more rigid. The exception is a fluted barrel which may be more rigid without being heavier. So, look up the rifle's weight and compare it to that of the other rifles in the same chambering that you may be considering. That will provide your best clue. Other factors, such as width of butt plate, also affect felt recoil.