I want to thank everyone for participating in this thread and helping me to gain a better understanding of hunting rifles.

A Special thanks to "Head" & "Bigbulls" for taking the time to explain rifle bullet dynamics especially barrel PSI and the difference between a high velocity rifle and a lower pressure "big Bore" rifle.

By the way Centauri, that's a nice looking Marlin 30-30 336SS you have there.

Driftrider, Thanks for the Bowhunting tip. I have been there & done that. I had been considering a crossbow but after shooting a couple of the high end model's I was surprised at the noise they produced when fired. I wanted to be able to reach out 40-50 yards if I'm going to spend $1,500 on a crossbow and I think even at 350 fps a deer could jump the string when hearing that. I don't have "hyperacusis" as it's called or a sensitivity to sound. I just don't want to expose my ear's anymore while hunting to dangerously loud noise decibels, it's just not worth it. Thanks for mentioning an ENT. I have been to a true ear specialist before called a "Neurotologist".

Anyway, I like the idea of getting close to game and many times rifle hunting my shots have been as close as 20-60 yards in thicker cover. I just want to hunt a new spot this year and cover a thick river bed and need a gun now that has the ability to shoot out to 250 yard's in case a shot opportunity presents itself for a nice buck.

From what I have read it seems like a .35 remington might just be the perfect gun for me?

I love lever action guns and have already looked at the new Marlin 336 XLR rifles including the 30-30, .35 Remington and 45-70 Gov't. I like the fit, smooth operation, safety, balance, 24" barrel and the ability to shoot several times if necessary. Knowing they were designed to shoot the new Hornady Leverevolution ammo (which I have heard nothing but good about) is also nice to know and that stainless does look great not to mention it's much more corrosion resistant.

So what do you think Head & Bigbulls? Would this gun probably work for me based on what I decribed? I have a barrel PSI rating on that big bore gun of 33,500 psi which is 8,500 less psi then the 30-30 and the XLR's have a 4" inch longer barrel then standard lever guns. Granted I haven't shot one yet and I know the Recoil would be several pounds more then a 30-30 (13.5lbs) but it seems to me the actual "crack", concussion, blowback of this rifle would be not only be less the a high power rifle but also lower then a 30-30 and produce excellant "wound channels" on large game.

I still need to look more into the 44 magnum before my purchase and look forward to hearing any additional comments/recommendations from others especially form Head and Bigbulls.