Best lever gun caliber

[HANDGUNNER]

Alright, let's hear your thoughts on lever guns. I sold my Marlin 336 in 30/30 and I miss her allot. I need another lever gun. Here is my problem; I like to shoot and ammo cost and recoil is a factor, (no I'm not a wimp, I just like to go to the range and don't need to develop a flinch.) I was lookin at a Winchester 94 with a dark stock I saw a Wally World and I'm diggin it, but...

I was in a tree stand last week huntin bear over a barrel. The week before a guy got a 420lb. bruin in the same stand. I don't think the 30/30 would've been enough gun if I got the same chance, but then again it's only thirty yards away.

I'm looking at the .32 special and 35 Remington, but ballistic coeff what ever is less than the 30/30. I never had a 45/70 or .444, but the ammo ($) is up there. Can the 30/30 do whatever the .32 special can? Anyone have experience with the .32 special?