Just read last evening in this month's RIFLE SHOOTER magazine that Marlin along with Hornady have come out with a .338 lever gun..states they are attempting similar ballistics of a 30'06 with .338 bullets in a lever gun...currently offered in 200 gr flex tip bullets...might be an interesting gun for hunting in the timber for bear, elk and deer..as they goal is to have a hard hitting but flatter shooting lever than the 450 Marlin..

Also Remington has come out with a .30 for it AR_15 platform..so if you get tired of it you can swith it out on the top reciever for the 223, 204 or 243...have not read the entire article yet...

Ripp