my opinion: out of the guns i have, if i had to choose one rifle to keep for deer hunting, it would be my marlin 30/30. at short ranges 100 yards or less it is extremely effective. im shooting winchester superX 150 gr. hollow points, and on a bench it shoots 1" groups at 100 yards, and only cost $15 a box. im not sure how the.44 would wade a little brush, but i know the 30/30 will do it. so if it was me i would get the 30/30...but none of us can decide for you, we can only provide you with our opinions and experiences with the calibers you mentioned....hope it helps