Ive always been rather amazed at the fact that the higher quality semi auto hunting rifles are not more popular
both my 270 win and 30/06 BAR's will consistently shoot every bit as tight groups as most bolt guns, with some loads,
I wish they were available in 35 whelen and 450 marlin calibers

For what it is worth, any 30-06 can be rebarreled to 35 Whelen. It is just a 30-06 sized up to 35 caliber so you don't even have to adjust the action. Or you could go 1 better and take it up to 9.3mm which equates to .366 caliber. That would basically give you a 9.3x62 which is an all time classic round. Additionally I have always thought a light fast handling double rifle in 7x57 or 9.3x74 would be ideal for timber. You can get 2 very quick shots and if you learn how to carry extra rounds in between your fingers you can get shots number 3 and 4 off quick as well. Most Americans have no experience with double rifles but they are incredible to use.

It is available in .338 Win. Mag. ;)

Thank you!
yeah I just saw that, I thought that caliber option, was long dis-continued,
that may be on my next wish list, a 338 win with a 250 grain bullet is a well proven elk hunting combo

Way back in the 1800s when recreational deer hunting was really first taking off, I am thinking the more eastern states: Adirondacks, Maine, PA etc. where at least I am most familiar with, center fire rifles were largely lever actions....sure, there were centerfire Sharps, Spencers, etc. but they were in comparison quite heavy and in heavier calibers. Esp. the first smokeless cartridges like 30-30 were had in the light handy levers, and there were a bunch to choose from: Savage, Marlin, Winchesters, just off hand. Of course any rifle you shoot well can be a "deep woods " gun. 30-40 Krags were a favorite in our area, and are still occ. seen. Remington Semi and pump rifles have a strong following for a good reason. Myself, I was very partial to an ultra light Ruger bolt .308 for many years. Nothing makes the levers actually any "better " for the job, but historic timing and availability certainly comes into play. I must admit, I never feel more at home and happy than when I am carrying my model 94...it just feels so ...right.

Ive carried a dozen different rifles, and several calibers over the last 50 years,for hunting elk and mule deer and white tail deer,
everything from a ruger single shot 270 win, and browning BLR in caliber 257 roberts to a remington 700 in 458 win mag,
I favored my weatherby fiber-mark synthetic stainless 340 mag. and SAKO 375 H&H more than anything else.
my late hunting partner carried a browning BLR in caliber 358 win,
he spent a good deal of time kidding me and calling most of my rifles (##$$%% CANNONS)
and he never felt any urge too change.
the open secret is that they ALL worked just fine,
having confidence in what you carry, and being proficient in its use,
is far more important than the caliber you select,
I was just as successful with 270 win as the larger calibers,
and you certainly don,t need more power than a 270 win provides
but I always had more confidence in the 33-45 caliber rifles

458 win mag





450 marlin


35 whelen


375 H&H

A 500 yard gun is just as good for a 50 yard shot as any other gun, BUT a 150 yard gun like most lever actions may as well be left on the horse at 500 yards. So most people who own them don't want to call it just a plain low accuracy 150 yard gun. Instead they call it "woods gun" or "brush buster".