RE: Best cal. of the leavers?
 

I've taken a deer at 225 yards with the 30-30 so it can be done. At that range it still has the energy a .44 mag pistol at the muzzle. Just know the range, the drop, and hold high and steady. Heck at 250 yards it still has more energy than a .357 mag pistol at the muzzle. A lever gun in 30-30 should still be able to put a round into the heart lung area very easily at that range if you're a decent shot.