From a performance standpoint how do power, range, effect on game etc compare?

What would you choose for deer, hogs etc.

I am leaning towards the 35 Rem but I have heard bad things as far as no bullet expansion due to very low muzzle velocity.

What say you?

hit 'em in the right spot and the deer/pig will not know the difference...

As far as your last, I'd say you've been reading too much Ed Matunas. Go over to the Marlinowners forum and look up the bullet tests by 35remington.

I have both and like the 35 over the 30-30 because it hits harder at the ranges I usually shoot leverguns with. Either would work great for deer and hogs within range of the cartridge ballistics. Factory 160 gr. ammo for the 30-30 is now loaded to 2400 fps while the 35 Rem is loaded with 220 gr. to 2200. If you need more than that to expand your bullets, you are probably using the wrong bullet. Either carries over 1000 ft-lbs. past 300 yards. Take your pick.

Either one.

The .35 will give you plinking/reload options with .357" pistol bullets, which the .30-30 won't, though.

If I wanted a stomper, I'd start at the .375 Win, and quickly move up to .45-70.

That said, the .30-30 and/or .35 Rem are great for what they do, and exactly what you want. Pick either, and enjoy.

A couple of quickload runs say I should be able to realize 2300 fps with the 200 gr in the 35 with various powders. Every load under 40K psi. That is cool!

2300 can be done, but my accuracy loads have been less than that.
H4895 will give you a good start.

Great. I have a line on one....we will see!

35 REM! Both classics but more "smackdown" with the 35 in my experience.