My opinion is get the 30-30 over the 44. If you want a rifle get a rifle caliber, if you want a pistol get a 44 mag. I think there is a distinct advantage having a 3030 as you use the new leverlution rounds in a 3030 which make it a 175 yard gun. Can't do that with a 44 mag chamber.

30.06 is plenty for larger game.