"It amazes me that some folks will condemn the 243 Win as a deer round, but will think nothing of advocating the anemic 30-30 Win cartridge as the best deer round ever. "

There are other rounds that are anemic from muzzle energy standpoints, such as the .45 Colt, .45-70, etc., but there is still something to be said for bullet diameter/weight, and construction.

The .30-30 is anemic if used for shots greater than ~125 yards; but it's 150 or 170 grain projectile of .308" diameter, designed for those sedate (by .300 WSM standards)velocities, is still impacting and penetrating said critters at 50 yards with about as much energy as an -06 or .308's projectile at 350 yards. Really, in my opinion, all one gains with more velocity, is increased potential for longer shots, or a larger dust cloud caused by the exiting projectile.