I started out with a .270 win. and still love it to this day. But there is absolutely nothing wrong with a 30-30 win. I bought a 336w to back up my 7400 .270, and after packing both out to the woods with me last year, i have decided that from now on i'll leave the auto back at the cabin if i want to timber hunt. The 30-30 points so nice, and really can put the hammer down on a whitetail with proper shot placement. Head shot one at 142 yards with just factory Winchester 170's. Can't complain about the gun one bit.