the 30-30 will have more range capabilities than the 45-70. I think the 45-70 has less recoil than a .308 but it all depends on what grain bullet and how heavy the gun is. I always wanted a 30-30 or 45-70 for deer. They are great. Never used the .308 marlin express but i would check out some 30-30s or 45-70 if your hunting mostly hardwoods. You wont take many shots over 150 yards in that terrain. I dont think ive taken one over 100 yards.