TML how do you hunt? Do you overlook open fields from a tree stand, box stand, or ground blind?, or do like to stalk and still hunt? How far do you feel comforatable shooting at game seriously. I know a lot of folks who swear they shot a deer over 200yd when in reality it was closer to 150yd. How compitant are you shooting from various field positions, such as off hand, kneeling, sitting and prone? Also how are you at judgeing distance in various light conditions and terrain?
If you like to hunt from static positions in blinds or stands over looking wide open fields then go with the .308. If you like to stalk and still hunt like I do in the woods where the action is then go with the .30-30.
As far as versatility goes if you hand load then yes the .308 has the edge. But if you buy your ammo then this is really a mute point as you can get ammo with bullet weights from 125gr up to 190gr in the .30-30. The most popular bullet weights being the 150gr, 160 Hornady LeverEvolution, and 170gr bullets. For the .308 it is 150gr, 165, and 180gr.
I grew up in the Southern Tier and hunted back when we were mandated to hunt with shotgun and slugs only. I now live and hunt in the Northern Zone. I used to hunt with a 7mm mag as I always thought that I was going to get 200yd plus shots. Guess what my longest shot to date was only 140yd and my Marlin 336A .30-30 was more than up to the task. I also found that over the hunting seasons the average distance that all my deer were taken has only been about 80yd.. I found that I like to hunt the big woods where stalking and still hunting is the name of the game. I haven't hunted nor shot my Savage 7mm RM in 8 years.
IMHO I feel leverguns chambered for traditional levergun cartridges have the advantage over bolt guns for this type of hunting. Whatever you do decide on though take the time to become proficient with it based upon your hunting style. In the end as hunters it is our morale and ethical obligation to cleanly harvest what we're hunting, and not take shots beyond our limitations regardless of the equipment we're using.
Opening day here was Saturday. I out witted this little 4 pointer and along with my Marlin 1894SS .44 magnum finally coaxed him into my truck with one shot from 30yd