30-30 Hunting load

[JKump]

Getting a 1967 Winchester Model 94 classic 30-30. I don't reload, so I need a good factory hunting ammo for this rifle. What is your choice and why. Also most shots should be under 100 yards, hunting middle Georgia Whitetail deer.

[alex0535]

If they can be found, Hornady leverevolution would be a good choice. High velocity, good expansion and penetration. This choice has less drop than most other factory loads, probably not as important hunting inside 100 yards but it should hit really hard at that range.

A lot of people like Remington core-loct, the last deer I shot with one of those I got great penetration but hardly any expansion, it might of just been a fluke that it went in between ribs on its way in and out but the entrance wound was the same size as the exit. Killed the deer but had to wander around the woods for a while to find it, didn't find a single drop of blood from it.

I'll probably start out with some Winchester Supreme .30-30, its what we have laying around the house and from what I understand its a pretty good hunting ammo.

[FrankenMauser]

You don't need anything special for your planned uses and anticipated ranges.

If I was in your position, I would go straight for the low-priced but dependable Remington Core-Lokts (150 gr or 170 gr).
Anything else is just a waste of money (due to being expensive, ridiculous low quality and consistency, or being unnecessary for the task at hand).

[Hawg]

Mine really likes Federal 150 grain Power Shok but whatever is available should work fine.

[rmocarsky]

Title says it.

Exit wound is almost always much greater than soft point.

Rmocarsky

[steveNChunter]

It will be hard to find .30-30 ammo that won't work good on deer, but as others have said the Hornady Lever-evolution is good stuff.

[Sure Shot Mc Gee]

I've heard good words about Hornady Brand ammo. I know they use their own bullets in its manufacture. So being made entirely in house I'm sure the price of it is comparable to other popular manufacture's ammo {if you can find some.} and there lies the problem. (Availability.)

[alageezer]

In the current world of ammo shortages, just about any factory 30-30 you can find would work ok in your situation.

[ChasingWhitetail91]

+3 for core-lokts. (son, father, and grandfather) 150gr. will do you fine in any situation you would use a 30-30 for.

[1tfl]

I use nothing but Remington Core-Lokts 150 gr.
It's worked great for past 20+/- seasons on deer and hogs.
My son shot a deer with Leverevolution last year and the bullet did not expand... looked like a ice pick wound when we finally recovered the deer 14 hours later.

[steveNChunter]

shot a deer with Leverevolution last year and the bullet did not expand

How far was the shot?

Do you happen to have a photo of the recovered bullet?

I have a hard time believing this. Here's why:

I've used the LeverEvolution ammo in a .35 rem, which is a heavier bullet (200 gr.) at a lower velocity (rated MV of 2225 fps from a 24" barrel) than the .30-30.

My farthest shot with it so far has been 150 yards, the deer (a 150 lb. 6-point whitetail) stumbled 20 yards and and fell over dead. I walked up and rolled it over to find a golfball-size exit wound behind the shoulder. It was a double-lung shot through the ribcage. It did not hit a major bone. That bullet was probably traveling about 1750 fps (maybe less) at that yardage when it hit that deer.

[Brotherbadger]

I've used Core-Lokts and Leverevolutions with great success. I think they are around 150gr or 160? Excellent ammo and i'd use both without any hesitation.