357 magnum carbine VS 30 Carbine?

CCCLVII · November 10, 2012, 03:17 PM

I am looking for a smaller fun low recoil rifle. I kind of have in narrowed down to these to cartridges (357 magnum or 30 Carbine).

It will be used mostly for plinking and as a first center fire rifle for the young ones. I may use it for hunting game like small deer, hogs and coyotes as well.

So which one do you think would be better?

Don H · November 10, 2012, 03:36 PM

I think the wider range of loads available for the .357 Mag will make it a more versatile cartridge for you.

hodaka · November 10, 2012, 05:55 PM

Both are great fun for plinking with the young ones but if you want to hunt, go with the .357. Heavier bullets are available. Although the 110 gr. soft points will kill deer size game, the margin of error is not large. You can shoot 180's out of the .357.

l98ster · November 10, 2012, 06:31 PM

I own both a marlin 1894c (357) and an M1 carbine (30 carbine). Although both a lot of fun, the most versatile is certainly the marlin, and if you reload or have 357 handguns, its definitely the best choice.

38 special loads in the marlin are GREAT for plinking. 357 loads can easily be used for close range hunting. Since I have several revolvers chambered for 357, its a no brainer for me.

BTW, with the right load (mine being 5.1 of W231 with 125 grain JHP bullet), the marlin has better than average 50 yard groups (1.5 - 2 inch groups with iron sights off a bench)

Either way, you can't go wrong in the fun department!!!

-George

chris in va · November 10, 2012, 08:22 PM

When I saw a Carbine fire out of battery at the range, spraying a guy's face with powder after the case head separated, I kinda soured to getting one. His face was sheeting blood...fortunately he was wearing glasses and it was a superficial wound.

Deja vu · November 10, 2012, 08:43 PM

id vote for the 357 as well. My only wish is that they would make a semi-auto version similar to a Coonan or Desert Eagle.

bamaranger · November 10, 2012, 09:20 PM

Another vote for the .357. Far more versatile, and available in a variety of loadings and a variety of rifles. (Lever, bolt and pump) The .30 Carbine is pretty much limited in bullet weight and the GI rifle (and its copies) that launch it. (excluding the old Levermatic).

And .38/.357 ammo and components are widespread.

Sevens · November 11, 2012, 01:34 AM

If you want cool factor, U.S. GI M1 Carbine has it flowing. Noisy, a total blast to shoot, horribly easy for anyone to load magazines and extra magazines are cheap. If it's all about plinking and pure fun, M1 Carbine wins, especially if you are not a handloader and you'll be buying all the ammo you sent through it.

Now if you want performance on game, ability to use a wide range of bullets and loads and have much more enjoyment at the load bench, a .357 Magnum chambered rifle or carbine is the easy winner.

You won't be able to send as much lead down range as quickly with .357 Magnum, but you can be more effective with it.

If you are a handloader, you have a ridiculous range in ability with the .357 Magnum and all of the components are more plentiful, easier to get, (effectively) cheaper and it's just plain easier to handload for.

idek · November 11, 2012, 03:31 AM

I can't comment on the 30 carbine, but I've enjoyed my Marlin 1894c in .357.

I bought the basic Lee Hand Press kit and .38 Special/.357 dies and now load my own plinking cartridges for 13 cents a piece (which is about the same as the higher end .22 ammo: Stingers, Velocitors, etc.). I haven't tried hunting deer with the gun, but if I did, I'd probably consider Buffalo Bore ammo for that purpose.

The only problem with buying the Marlin 1894c and the reloading equipment and components is that I then HAD to buy .357 revolver too.

MarkDozier · November 11, 2012, 04:57 AM

LOL, I had to the rifle to go with my pistol. I shoot my rifle about 10 times more then my pistol.

ohen cepel · November 11, 2012, 05:53 AM

Another vote for the .357.

Could get a .44 if you need more thump. Or, there are many 9mm/40 options out there if you think hunting will be less likely it's use and you want an auto.

The .30 is really neat, but ammo cost/availability can be issues.

sc928porsche · November 12, 2012, 01:13 AM

Why is it that everyone thinks that 110 gr is all you can fire in 30 carbine. If you reload, you can go a bit higher. 130 works good too. I have even loaded 150gr fp cast lead and moved out to max cyl length for my blackhawk. But that round wont chamber in the carbine.

Baba Louie · November 12, 2012, 08:08 AM

Quote:

...as a first center fire rifle for the young ones.

For this reason, a semi automatic War Baby, which negates some of the felt recoil as opposed to a lever or bolt action, would be my pick. Probably better choices out there than a 70 year old war surplus carbine for beginners or hog and 'yote hunters, but the historical, cool, factor is high.

EdInk · November 12, 2012, 11:35 AM

Lever action .357 all the way.

yourang? · November 12, 2012, 12:38 PM

uh....the only logical answer is: BOTH!

Colt46 · November 12, 2012, 12:38 PM

Is even good at small game and easy on the wallet.
I'd opt for the .357 though. In carbine length barrels it really reaches the potential of that big old case.

Ken - Oh · November 12, 2012, 02:42 PM

Quote:

For this reason, a semi automatic War Baby, which negates some of the felt recoil as opposed to a lever or bolt action, would be my pick. Probably better choices out there than a 70 year old war surplus carbine for beginners or hog and 'yote hunters, but the historical, cool, factor is high.

Now I have never tried a 30 carbine but my .357 lever action is very mild recoil. If you wanted even less recoil, you could shoot .38 specials.

chris in va · November 16, 2012, 01:47 AM

I've seen the results of an M1 carbine firing out of battery. It wasn't pretty for the shooter. Go for the 357.

sc928porsche · November 16, 2012, 02:17 AM

Any semi auto fired out of battery is not a pretty scene.

TX Hunter · November 16, 2012, 07:39 AM

I love both Rifles, but I would have to say a 357 Magnum Rifle would be easy to find shells for, If I was this torn between the two however I would try to find a way to end up with both of them. Good luck

mavracer · November 16, 2012, 11:03 AM

Quote:

I love both Rifles, but I would have to say a 357 Magnum Rifle would be easy to find shells for, If I was this torn between the two however I would try to find a way to end up with both of them. Good luck

Pretty much my feelings. 357s going to be more versatile and probably better suited to your purpose, but a 30 Carbine has the history and is dang handy too.

Sarge · November 16, 2012, 11:17 AM

I'd go with the .357 for its advantage in brass availability, it better ability to handle 180 grain bullets and for the wide variety of bullets available.

Revoliver · November 16, 2012, 11:25 AM

Another vote for the .357 magnum (I suggest a 77/357).

45_auto · November 16, 2012, 11:43 AM

Quote:

It will be used mostly for plinking and as a first center fire rifle for the young ones.

I went shooting with a friend of mine's 13 year old son about a month ago. He owns a 10/22 and that was all he had ever shot before.

I took a slicked-up Rossi 357 lever action and an M1 carbine. He shot the lever action a couple of times, but he loved the M1 and would have spent all day on it if we had let him.

Best thing to do is get both.

10-96 · November 16, 2012, 04:46 PM

It's just a darn sobbing and nearly crying shame that the M1 Carbine wasn't designed from the git-go around a rimless .357 Magnum. They were sitting around a drawing board drinking coffee and probably flinging paperclips at each other anyway. A little more thought on the matter wouldn't have hurt anything.

November 10, 2012, 03:17 PM	#1
CCCLVII Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2012 Location: Idaho Posts: 226	357 magnum carbine VS 30 Carbine? I am looking for a smaller fun low recoil rifle. I kind of have in narrowed down to these to cartridges (357 magnum or 30 Carbine). It will be used mostly for plinking and as a first center fire rifle for the young ones. I may use it for hunting game like small deer, hogs and coyotes as well. So which one do you think would be better? __________________ "I ask, Sir, What is the militia?" "Its the whole of the people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them" -George Mason Co-Author of the second amendment. Last edited by CCCLVII; November 10, 2012 at 04:46 PM.

November 10, 2012, 03:36 PM	#2
Don H Senior Member Join Date: May 9, 2000 Location: SLC,Utah Posts: 2,706	I think the wider range of loads available for the .357 Mag will make it a more versatile cartridge for you. __________________ Don http://www.utahconcealedcarry.com/forum/

November 10, 2012, 08:43 PM	#6
Deja vu Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2010 Location: Border of Idaho & Montana Posts: 1,751	id vote for the 357 as well. My only wish is that they would make a semi-auto version similar to a Coonan or Desert Eagle. __________________ Shot placement is everything! I would rather take a round of 50BMG to the foot than a 22short to the base of the skull. all 21 of my guns are 45/70 govt 357 mag, 22 or 12 ga... I believe in keeping it simple

November 10, 2012, 09:20 PM	#7
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 3,640	.357 Another vote for the .357. Far more versatile, and available in a variety of loadings and a variety of rifles. (Lever, bolt and pump) The .30 Carbine is pretty much limited in bullet weight and the GI rifle (and its copies) that launch it. (excluding the old Levermatic). And .38/.357 ammo and components are widespread.

November 11, 2012, 01:34 AM	#8
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 6,862	If you want cool factor, U.S. GI M1 Carbine has it flowing. Noisy, a total blast to shoot, horribly easy for anyone to load magazines and extra magazines are cheap. If it's all about plinking and pure fun, M1 Carbine wins, especially if you are not a handloader and you'll be buying all the ammo you sent through it. Now if you want performance on game, ability to use a wide range of bullets and loads and have much more enjoyment at the load bench, a .357 Magnum chambered rifle or carbine is the easy winner. You won't be able to send as much lead down range as quickly with .357 Magnum, but you can be more effective with it. If you are a handloader, you have a ridiculous range in ability with the .357 Magnum and all of the components are more plentiful, easier to get, (effectively) cheaper and it's just plain easier to handload for. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

November 10, 2012, 05:55 PM	#3
hodaka Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2006 Location: South Texas Posts: 1,515	Both are great fun for plinking with the young ones but if you want to hunt, go with the .357. Heavier bullets are available. Although the 110 gr. soft points will kill deer size game, the margin of error is not large. You can shoot 180's out of the .357.

November 10, 2012, 06:31 PM	#4
l98ster Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2010 Location: Hopewell Junction, NY Posts: 446	I own both a marlin 1894c (357) and an M1 carbine (30 carbine). Although both a lot of fun, the most versatile is certainly the marlin, and if you reload or have 357 handguns, its definitely the best choice. 38 special loads in the marlin are GREAT for plinking. 357 loads can easily be used for close range hunting. Since I have several revolvers chambered for 357, its a no brainer for me. BTW, with the right load (mine being 5.1 of W231 with 125 grain JHP bullet), the marlin has better than average 50 yard groups (1.5 - 2 inch groups with iron sights off a bench) Either way, you can't go wrong in the fun department!!! -George

November 10, 2012, 08:22 PM	#5
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 11,718	When I saw a Carbine fire out of battery at the range, spraying a guy's face with powder after the case head separated, I kinda soured to getting one. His face was sheeting blood...fortunately he was wearing glasses and it was a superficial wound.

November 11, 2012, 03:31 AM	#9
idek Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2009 Posts: 461	I can't comment on the 30 carbine, but I've enjoyed my Marlin 1894c in .357. I bought the basic Lee Hand Press kit and .38 Special/.357 dies and now load my own plinking cartridges for 13 cents a piece (which is about the same as the higher end .22 ammo: Stingers, Velocitors, etc.). I haven't tried hunting deer with the gun, but if I did, I'd probably consider Buffalo Bore ammo for that purpose. The only problem with buying the Marlin 1894c and the reloading equipment and components is that I then HAD to buy .357 revolver too.

November 11, 2012, 04:57 AM	#10
MarkDozier Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2010 Posts: 262	LOL, I had to the rifle to go with my pistol. I shoot my rifle about 10 times more then my pistol.

November 11, 2012, 05:53 AM	#11
ohen cepel Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 1999 Location: Where they send me Posts: 1,011	Another vote for the .357. Could get a .44 if you need more thump. Or, there are many 9mm/40 options out there if you think hunting will be less likely it's use and you want an auto. The .30 is really neat, but ammo cost/availability can be issues. __________________ He who dares wins. NRA Life Benefactor Member

November 12, 2012, 01:13 AM	#12
sc928porsche Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2008 Location: now living in alabama Posts: 2,325	Why is it that everyone thinks that 110 gr is all you can fire in 30 carbine. If you reload, you can go a bit higher. 130 works good too. I have even loaded 150gr fp cast lead and moved out to max cyl length for my blackhawk. But that round wont chamber in the carbine. __________________ No such thing as a stupid question. What is stupid is not asking it.

November 12, 2012, 11:35 AM	#14
EdInk Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2009 Posts: 3,885	Lever action .357 all the way. __________________ Sic Semper Tyrannis

November 12, 2012, 12:38 PM	#15
yourang? Senior Member Join Date: January 17, 2008 Location: upstate ny Posts: 110	uh....the only logical answer is: BOTH! __________________ Now I don't know, but I been told it's hard to run with the weight of gold. Other hand I have heard it said, it's just as hard with the weight of lead. hunter/garcia (new speedway boogie)

November 12, 2012, 12:38 PM	#16
Colt46 Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: Campbell Ca Posts: 216	.30 carbine is a great plinker Is even good at small game and easy on the wallet. I'd opt for the .357 though. In carbine length barrels it really reaches the potential of that big old case.

November 16, 2012, 01:47 AM	#18
chris in va Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2004 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 11,718	I've seen the results of an M1 carbine firing out of battery. It wasn't pretty for the shooter. Go for the 357.

November 16, 2012, 02:17 AM	#19
sc928porsche Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2008 Location: now living in alabama Posts: 2,325	Any semi auto fired out of battery is not a pretty scene. __________________ No such thing as a stupid question. What is stupid is not asking it.

November 16, 2012, 07:39 AM	#20
TX Hunter Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2010 Location: East Texas USA Posts: 1,757	I love both Rifles, but I would have to say a 357 Magnum Rifle would be easy to find shells for, If I was this torn between the two however I would try to find a way to end up with both of them. Good luck

November 16, 2012, 11:17 AM	#22
Sarge Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2002 Location: MO Posts: 4,360	I'd go with the .357 for its advantage in brass availability, it better ability to handle 180 grain bullets and for the wide variety of bullets available. __________________ Visit us at The Sixgun Journal or the archive, at http://sargesrollcall.blogspot.com/

November 16, 2012, 11:25 AM	#23
Revoliver Member Join Date: September 4, 2012 Location: USofA Posts: 66	Another vote for the .357 magnum (I suggest a 77/357).

November 16, 2012, 04:46 PM	#25
10-96 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Tx Panhandle Territory Posts: 2,863	It's just a darn sobbing and nearly crying shame that the M1 Carbine wasn't designed from the git-go around a rimless .357 Magnum. They were sitting around a drawing board drinking coffee and probably flinging paperclips at each other anyway. A little more thought on the matter wouldn't have hurt anything. __________________ Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I'm going to use the words "clip" and "Long Colt" every chance I get. It grinds my gears to see new members attacked when we all know dang good and well what's being refered to.