Actually from what I have read the 30-30 actually kills deer a little better, but where the .35 sets itself apart is on larger game. I honestly don' t think the deer will know the difference though if you do your job. I have both, an old Savage pump 30-30 and a Marlin .35 and I don' t think either doe I have shot w/ them would have known the difference. If you need something for the brush, why don' t you look at the 45-70 or .450 Marlin or load up a shotgun w/ slugs. They are true brush busters within 100 yards.