BBTI (ballistics by the inch ) website has stats for different calibers; if you are looking for the most energy out of the round, the .357 would be my choice.
My Marlin lever action in .357 allows you to top it off as you go. The Henry lever action does not.
Choosing 9mm might be a choice especially with cheaper 9mm or if you are already using 9mm for handguns.
.44 Mag would also be a great choice; If I had to order calibers in order I'd go .44 mag, .357, 9mm, .. , .45acp.. .45acp would be dead last, especially at like 100 yards. You can just about sight in, shoot, move your head away, and watch where it hits with .45 acp at 100 yards.
My Marlin lever action in .357 allows you to top it off as you go. The Henry lever action does not.
Choosing 9mm might be a choice especially with cheaper 9mm or if you are already using 9mm for handguns.
.44 Mag would also be a great choice; If I had to order calibers in order I'd go .44 mag, .357, 9mm, .. , .45acp.. .45acp would be dead last, especially at like 100 yards. You can just about sight in, shoot, move your head away, and watch where it hits with .45 acp at 100 yards.