NJ-Bowhunter

I'm heading up to Main in november to deer hunt and want to get a lever action rifle (my first)- what do you think is the better of the two for range/knock down/ and versatility?

rick_reno

The .308 is better for what you mentioned (range/knock down/ and versatility).

bigcountry

No contest. Your comparing a high powered hunting round with a self defense round. A 308 would win every contest.

CapDog

I have a Browning BLR and it does it all. Nice and light rifle, quick handling and the .308 has the range if you need to stretch a shot out

rhs98jeep

Have you considered a .444 Marlin? That is an overlooked caliber, it shoots great. I would go that route over a .357, or any other lever action for that matter.

frizzellr

There are some Savage 99's in 308 Win still available. Nice guns. I would forget the 357.

Sniper151

Between the two you mentioned, the 308 hands down. For Maine in heavy brush I would suggest the 35 Remington.

Virginia7

Strange combination to choose from - the 308Win. being a high powered rifle cartridge,
and the 357 is a handgun cartridge.
Anyway, forget the 357 for deer hunting. Yes, it can be used, but most any rifle cartridge is going to far away beat it for range, power, etc., and better accuracy with the
308Win., too.
For a lever action you can get the Browning BLR in 308Win., or you might find a good used old Savage 99 in 308Win. Then too, there's the old Winchester model 88, but those are harder to find, and usually command a higher price too.
Don't knock a good bolt action carbine for deer hunting. There's plenty of 308 bolt action rifles available including such as the Remington model 7, and the Ruger Ultra-Light, both with 20" barrels. Or, take any full size rifle with 22" barrel, and just have
a decent gunsmith cut/re-crown the barrel down to 20" - only cost about $40 (+/-) to have it done.

rhs98jeep

I have an older remington model seven, when they had 18.5" barrels, in 308 Win, its an excellent deer rifle.

pop pop

take a look at what the people in main hunt with that will give you the answer .