I realize you’re currently looking at magnum pistol caliber calibers for a lever gun, but have you considered a .223 Remington?

The Browning BLR can be had in .223 with a 20” barrel, feeds from a flush mounted box magazine (no pinching issues), and easily mounts an optic. Plus you get to use cheap ammo you can find anywhere, and recoils very little. Downside is the barrel is 1-12” so above 55gr bullets will not shoot well.

There are plenty of other caliber options though if recoil sensitivity isn’t an issue.

Just a thought.