I want a marlin xlr lever gun, but not sure which one. I have shot my brothers 30-30 and was wondering how a 444 or 45-70 compares as far as recoil.
I will be using it mainly for deer hunting in wooded areas 150 -175 yards max. I have never hand loaded before but might start in the future. What caliber would you guys want?

A 300 Savage Model-99 with hand loaded (a "tad warm") 125gr Ballistic Tips.

The recoil from a 45-70 or .444 handload in a lever gun will definately get your attention. If you were going to use it for moose or large bears, I'd say it'd be perfect. But, in my opinion, for deer or black bear, it's overkill. There's nothing wrong with a .30-30, or optionally, a .35 Remington. If you go with a Savage, a 300 like '99er said, or a .308 would be great. Much flatter trjectory, easier on the shoulder, lots of reloading options, fun to shoot. With the .35 Remmy, you can handload light lead pistol bullets and a pinch of pistol powder for squirrel hunting or off-season practice. I've got a .32 special that I've done that for years. When my "bunny" loads are on at 25 yd.'s, my deer loads are on at 100.

Actually the .444 or the 45-70 will do what you need it to. I own both calibers in leverguns and don't really see a lot of difference. My personal choice is my 1895 Guide Gun in 45-70 only because there is a pretty good variations of bullets that can be reloaded of bought over the counter. I have taken grizzly, black bear and deer with the 45-70 using the ammo for that particular game. There isn't much difference in recoil between the two loads. When you get into the hot loads for the 45-70 like Garretts 540gr Hammerheads +P, then you feel the recoil.

If you don't want much recoil. Then stay away from the 444 or 45-70.
The 30-30 will do just about anything you will need to do.

You can only kill a deer so dead. No need for high recoiling calibers. The 30-30 or .32 Win. Spl. are just about perfect...IMO.

oh ya im 15 and been hunting since 10 the 2 deer ive shot were both with a 32 spl they are great brush guns both those deer were under 100 yards

I second this.
A 30-30 is the way to go.
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JMHO

I own a Marlin 336 C in .35 Remington and will never scope it.

I still have no regrets, as it is the perfect brush gun that can handle everything up to and including black bear.

However, I must admitt the factory ammo is not piled up at the local Wal mart.

How about the Marlin 308 and 338 Express? More power and range than a 30/30 or 35 Remington.