The 243 is enormously popular because hunters get on target quick, kill deer and the ammo is not prohibitive in cost. Marlins are fine lever rifles and if you don't need 300 yards range, you don't have to buy into it. The 30-30 is time proven. Also, Marlin has lever actions in .32, .357, 44 & 45 pistol calibers that will get out to 100. The only one I am not sure about is their 32 H&R Magnum rifle as I have not seen ballistics on that round in a rifle barrel, and I am not sure how humane a killer it would be on deer.