I started my first son out with a Marlin 30-30. It is an excellent bush gun but can not compare to with the ballistics of the .270 or the 7mm mag. The .270 and 7mm mag are different animals. The 30-30 will have no difficulty getting the job done but it all depends on the terrain you are hunting. If you are looking at 200 yard plus then the.270 would be the better choice. My preference and what I've hunted with for the last 20 years is the 7mm mag. I'm not saying that the 7mm mag is better than the .270 (I ownone also), just that it is my personal preference. The .270 is one of the most classic deer cal.