Curious which 30-30 you got? Win. or Marlin?
Look at it this way:
Handgun hunting is very popular and legal in most western states. (Elk country). And the .44 mag is probably the most popular caliber.
So to compare the .44 mag to the 30-30's energy in foot pounds at 100 yards, the 30-30 still has at least double the knock down energy as does the .44 mag. So is the handgun too small? I think not.
According tho the Federal balistics chart . . .
i.e.; 30-30 / 150gr / @ 100 yds: 1358 ft. lb's.
" " / 170gr / @ 100 yds: 1355 ft. lb's.
.44 mag / 180 gr / @100 yds: 485 ft lb's!
" / 240 gr / @ 100 yds: 713 ft. lb's!
Considerably less, and yet very deadly.
Go with the Hornady LEVERevolution in 160 gr. Very nice groupings.
And as always . . . practice, practice, practice.