I'v used a couple different calibres for deer thru the years. 30/30, 7mm08, 45/70 & 44 mag. All from lever actions. If I had to pick a favorite I guess it would be the 30/30. I live & hunt in the north east & long shots dont happen much so the 30/30 fits the bill for me pretty well. That being said I like trying different calibres just because I like trying different calibres. Brought the 45/70 last year with hard cast cowboy loads, but the whitetail god saw fit to leave me high & dry for gun season . Falls coming tho & that Marlin Guide Gun is wanting another try I think.