Here are some stats and data on cartridge and rifle availability, comparing the two (and many more also) that might be interesting, from ConsumerPla.net:

Cost Effective .30 Caliber Cartridges
Ammunition Survey: Best Rifle Cartridges Overall
Available .30 Calibers
Ammunition and Chamberings Surveys: Combined Availability
Review: Best Rifle Cartridges for 2011

This site has a wealth of information and stats on cartridge and chambering availability. They complied stats for how available cartridges are, and how available rifles are in different chamberings, used and new. You can see about 25 articles across all calibers and categories on the right hand side.

Their conclusion, by the way, is that 30-30 is extremely available right now, but that there are so few new chamberings for it that cartridge availability in 10-15 years might be much lower. FWIW...

FYI - I have a Marlin 336SS on 30-30, and a Brownling BLR 81 Takedown in 308. I love them both. The Marlin is great for hunting in the brush, and you don't have to worry abt recoil. The Browning is great in a more open field. No need to be exclusive:-)

Last edited by WestOfPecos; 01/08/11.
Michel