Strongest 30-30 Lever Action - Page 2

**44 AMP** · April 16, 2024, 03:14 PM

Quote:

I'm guessing that's your sothern zone then since Rochester is northwest of NYC?

Southern Zone (per the game regs when I lived there) is most of the state. Look on a map, go about 50 or so miles north of Albany, and draw a kind of squiggly line across the state at that point. Everything south of that line was "Southern Zone".

I grew up about half way between Saratoga and Lake George, and hunted there and further north. Rocester is a few hundred miles west, and about a hundred miles south of there.

gwpercle · April 16, 2024, 06:03 PM

The strongest would have to be a Ruger No. 1 ... it is a Lever action ...sort of ...
and that rascal would be heck for stout ... you could load it just as hot as you wanted !
Gary

The Verminator · April 16, 2024, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gwpercle

The strongest would have to be a Ruger No. 1 ... it is a Lever action ...sort of ...
and that rascal would be heck for stout ... you could load it just as hot as you wanted !
Gary

I passed on one of those about 15 years ago and haven't seen one since.

Still suffering non-buyer's remorse.

jetinteriorguy · April 17, 2024, 04:57 AM

Or, just get a Henry Long ranger in whatever flavor suits your needs.

Kestrel4k · April 17, 2024, 05:01 PM

PO Ackley stated that he was able to shoot a 30-30AI chambered Win M94 /without/ the locking lugs (i.e. just the lever was holding the bolt closed), due to significantly lower bolt thrust from the AI case.

Much lower bolt thrust gives a greater variety of performance options than some have stated above.

deadcoyote · April 17, 2024, 06:15 PM

Not quite what you asked but I once owned a Steven’s model 325 in .30-30 with the “butter knife” bolt handle. That thing was super accurate and light and handy. Sold it to a friend for his kids first hunting rifle. Really kick myself about selling it. I can’t say if that action is stronger than a lever action.

The Verminator · April 17, 2024, 06:45 PM

Stevens 325: This is the Model 340 Savage.........a great gun sold under several names.

Speaking of the "AI" there's one on Gun Broker.

Listed as a Savage 340, it's a "Revelation" brand (still the Savage 340) and in AI with reloading equipment.

1972RedNeck · April 18, 2024, 11:48 AM

Yeah, but I want a classic lever action in 30-30 AI...

**44 AMP** · April 18, 2024, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Yeah, but I want a classic lever action in 30-30 AI...

So, go get a Win 94 or Marlin 336, get it rechambered, get dies load up, and go play!

What's the problem??

Paul B. · April 18, 2024, 04:34 PM

"I don't have a 308 bolt action anymore but if I could find a 308 carbine I think I would load the case with 170gr 30-30 bullets pushed to around 2400fps for sort of a Super 30-30. And that would be how I ramped up the power in the 30-30 rifle. I already do loads like that in 30-06 cases and they are very pleasant to shoot."

Back in the late 1960s, GUNS Magazine ran an article titled, "Jacketed Dynamite" on doing that very thing, 30-30 bullets in the .308 and 30-06. IIRC, he also mentioned the .300 Savage. From 1964 to 1968 before I left California for good and forever, I hunted the extreme Northwest part of the state and used loads like that in a 1903 Springfield I'd cut the barrel back to 18.5" for hunting in that thick stuff. They did a nice job smacking deer down hard. IIRC, I mostly used the 170 gr. Speer 30-30 bullet as they had a bit more streamlined shape. Shots to 100 yards were rare and it was thick enough that most shots were at a lesser distance but there were a few open spots where shots to 150 to 200 yards were possible. My loads were similar to the ones in the magazine article.
Paul B.

Pumpkin · April 18, 2024, 06:50 PM

My M70 Lightweight is loaded with Speer (discontinued

) 165gr rnsp under IMR 4064. Although not as thin jacketed as typical 30-30 bullets it still gives very decisive results on deer and hogs. Groups really well too.

1972RedNeck · April 18, 2024, 08:07 PM

Quote:

So, go get a Win 94 or Marlin 336, get it rechambered, get dies load up, and go play!

What's the problem??

No problem. Just wanted to know which of the two was the stronger. I see a 336 in my future, hopefully after an 1886 in 45-90.

The Verminator · April 19, 2024, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1972RedNeck

Yeah, but I want a classic lever action in 30-30 AI...

A Model 94 carbine is very lightweight and will kick the crap out of you in that AI version..........loud, too.

Maybe the rifle version with a 24-inch barrel would be a better choice.

The Marlin rifle version is even a little bit heavier.

Jim Watson · April 19, 2024, 02:50 PM

A '94 carbine doesn't have to be "improved" to kick.

My neighbor the gunsmith had a Canadian Centennial with 26" octagon barrel that was a lot more fun to shoot.

Paul B. · April 19, 2024, 03:11 PM

"A '94 carbine doesn't have to be "improved" to kick."

Interesting. I have a couple of m94 carbines, one from 1911 and the other sometime in the mid 70s IIRC. At a close look, other than the carbine butt plate on the 1911 gun, they look pretty much the same. Guess it would depend on body configuration but the guns are noticeably different.

Take the 1911 year rifle, look at a suitable target and snap the rifle to the shoulder as if jump shooting a deer or bear. The sights are perfectly lined up. I've taken a few deer with that rifle and like how it handles but it flat out kicks the snot out of me.

The mid 70s rifle when I snap the rifle to my shoulder does not have the sights line up as on the 1911 gun.

In order for me to get the rifle to do so I had to install a receiver sight after which the sights aligned up quite well. On closer look, the post 64 version has less drop at the stock which helps lessen the stock slap on my cheek. I've noticed this on several other post 64 M94s as well so I'm thinking that was one of changes made in 1964.
Paul B.

georgehwbush · April 19, 2024, 03:21 PM

oddly enough Hodgdon's leverevolution will push the same pill in the same "M94" at the same speed without as much felt recoil, or push it faster with about the same felt recoil.

the thing is that the 30-30 was loaded with powder suitable for very short barrels, (fast burning) and that quick snap of energy is why they kick the snot out of you.

reloading cures that.

georgehwbush · April 19, 2024, 03:24 PM

but yes indeed; most factory loads in win 94 30-30 do kick the snot out of you. especially if you do not hold the gun in tight against you.

that is one reason my first reply as to which classic 30-30 to make an ackly improvement to, my choice would be the marlin 336, and the ones i've had were pretty accurate anyway.

Jim Watson · April 19, 2024, 04:44 PM

Well, MY .30-30 is a Remington. It is strong, but as Ken Waters said about the Winchester 54, the brass isn't. Although the .30-30 has the superior rimmed design that chambers all the way in and there is not the extractor groove hanging out in space like a lot of rimless rounds.

snoeproe · April 19, 2024, 06:40 PM

The strongest lever action in 30/30 would most definitely be a savage 99. Problem is finding a model 99 in 30/30 cal which was not that common. The 300 savage performed much better with superior ballistics.

Rifletom · April 20, 2024, 10:43 AM

If you want strong and heavy for the 30-30 AI, perhaps the Henry Big Boy Steel would work. Just a thought.

1972RedNeck · April 20, 2024, 11:57 AM

Don’t necessarily want heavy, just strong.

Rifletom · April 20, 2024, 12:02 PM

The above Henry is 7 lb.

105kw · April 20, 2024, 12:14 PM

I like the Savage 99, but in 30-30, they ended production in 1942. So surviving Rifles are seen as collectable rather than shooters.
If you can find a shooter grade 99, I would really hesitate to have it converted. The first problem would be to find a Gunsmith that can work on one. The rotary mag is a bear to get back together.
I think a better bet in a used rifle is the Marlin 336. Prices are not bad for a straight shooter. They are a bit heavier the a 94, and most stocks are set up better for scope use with less drop in the butt. To me they are pleasenter to shoot.
The 30-30 AI should get you at least 150fps over factory, if not more.
Good luck, have fun.

5whiskey · April 20, 2024, 10:27 PM

The 94 action is strong enough to hold more than what a standard 30-30 puts out. Even though the locking bolt is at the rear of the action, that locking bolt is stout. I also doubt a 336 would get indigestion with 30-30 + 10% honestly.

I would not defile a Savage 99 with reaming the chamber to AI. For one, any usable donor rifle will cost a bit. Second off, keep that rifle collector grade if you do have it.

Braddock VC · April 25, 2024, 05:11 AM

PaulB, I agree,my 94 carbine is a bugger on steroids with federal 170 grn factory loads, I tamed it a wee bit by fitting a weaver side mount and scope but nowadays the factory ammo lies in my safe and I roll my own with cast boolits.
I have a BLR in 308 and load that with cast boolits as well, 177 grn gas checked and mule snotted loads that run about 2100 -2200 at the muzzle are the dogs danglies shoot fine groups at 100 yards too, after the first flyer!
https://thefiringline.com/forums/att...1&d=1714039735

April 18, 2024, 04:34 PM	#35
Paul B. Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 1999 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,807	"I don't have a 308 bolt action anymore but if I could find a 308 carbine I think I would load the case with 170gr 30-30 bullets pushed to around 2400fps for sort of a Super 30-30. And that would be how I ramped up the power in the 30-30 rifle. I already do loads like that in 30-06 cases and they are very pleasant to shoot." Back in the late 1960s, GUNS Magazine ran an article titled, "Jacketed Dynamite" on doing that very thing, 30-30 bullets in the .308 and 30-06. IIRC, he also mentioned the .300 Savage. From 1964 to 1968 before I left California for good and forever, I hunted the extreme Northwest part of the state and used loads like that in a 1903 Springfield I'd cut the barrel back to 18.5" for hunting in that thick stuff. They did a nice job smacking deer down hard. IIRC, I mostly used the 170 gr. Speer 30-30 bullet as they had a bit more streamlined shape. Shots to 100 yards were rare and it was thick enough that most shots were at a lesser distance but there were a few open spots where shots to 150 to 200 yards were possible. My loads were similar to the ones in the magazine article. Paul B. __________________ COMPROMISE IS NOT AN OPTION!

April 19, 2024, 03:11 PM	#40
Paul B. Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 1999 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,807	"A '94 carbine doesn't have to be "improved" to kick." Interesting. I have a couple of m94 carbines, one from 1911 and the other sometime in the mid 70s IIRC. At a close look, other than the carbine butt plate on the 1911 gun, they look pretty much the same. Guess it would depend on body configuration but the guns are noticeably different. Take the 1911 year rifle, look at a suitable target and snap the rifle to the shoulder as if jump shooting a deer or bear. The sights are perfectly lined up. I've taken a few deer with that rifle and like how it handles but it flat out kicks the snot out of me. The mid 70s rifle when I snap the rifle to my shoulder does not have the sights line up as on the 1911 gun. In order for me to get the rifle to do so I had to install a receiver sight after which the sights aligned up quite well. On closer look, the post 64 version has less drop at the stock which helps lessen the stock slap on my cheek. I've noticed this on several other post 64 M94s as well so I'm thinking that was one of changes made in 1964. Paul B. __________________ COMPROMISE IS NOT AN OPTION!

April 19, 2024, 03:21 PM	#41
georgehwbush Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2023 Location: down town USA Posts: 230	oddly enough Hodgdon's leverevolution will push the same pill in the same "M94" at the same speed without as much felt recoil, or push it faster with about the same felt recoil. the thing is that the 30-30 was loaded with powder suitable for very short barrels, (fast burning) and that quick snap of energy is why they kick the snot out of you. reloading cures that. __________________ "if you have a good shooting stance, you are not using cover correctly" father frog

April 19, 2024, 03:24 PM	#42
georgehwbush Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2023 Location: down town USA Posts: 230	but yes indeed; most factory loads in win 94 30-30 do kick the snot out of you. especially if you do not hold the gun in tight against you. that is one reason my first reply as to which classic 30-30 to make an ackly improvement to, my choice would be the marlin 336, and the ones i've had were pretty accurate anyway. __________________ "if you have a good shooting stance, you are not using cover correctly" father frog

April 20, 2024, 10:27 PM	#49
5whiskey Senior Member Join Date: October 23, 2005 Location: US Posts: 3,667	The 94 action is strong enough to hold more than what a standard 30-30 puts out. Even though the locking bolt is at the rear of the action, that locking bolt is stout. I also doubt a 336 would get indigestion with 30-30 + 10% honestly. I would not defile a Savage 99 with reaming the chamber to AI. For one, any usable donor rifle will cost a bit. Second off, keep that rifle collector grade if you do have it. __________________ Support the NRA-ILA Auction, ends 03/09/2018 https://thefiringline.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=593946

April 16, 2024, 06:03 PM	#27
gwpercle Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2012 Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana Posts: 1,755	The strongest would have to be a Ruger No. 1 ... it is a Lever action ...sort of ... and that rascal would be heck for stout ... you could load it just as hot as you wanted ! Gary

April 17, 2024, 04:57 AM	#29
jetinteriorguy Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2013 Posts: 3,202	Or, just get a Henry Long ranger in whatever flavor suits your needs.

April 17, 2024, 05:01 PM	#30
Kestrel4k Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2011 Location: The Willamette Valley, in Oregon Posts: 102	PO Ackley stated that he was able to shoot a 30-30AI chambered Win M94 /without/ the locking lugs (i.e. just the lever was holding the bolt closed), due to significantly lower bolt thrust from the AI case. Much lower bolt thrust gives a greater variety of performance options than some have stated above.

April 17, 2024, 06:15 PM	#31
deadcoyote Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2009 Location: northern CA Posts: 676	Not quite what you asked but I once owned a Steven’s model 325 in .30-30 with the “butter knife” bolt handle. That thing was super accurate and light and handy. Sold it to a friend for his kids first hunting rifle. Really kick myself about selling it. I can’t say if that action is stronger than a lever action.

April 17, 2024, 06:45 PM	#32
The Verminator Senior Member Join Date: April 19, 2013 Location: Minnesota Posts: 368	Stevens 325: This is the Model 340 Savage.........a great gun sold under several names. Speaking of the "AI" there's one on Gun Broker. Listed as a Savage 340, it's a "Revelation" brand (still the Savage 340) and in AI with reloading equipment.

April 18, 2024, 11:48 AM	#33
1972RedNeck Senior Member Join Date: December 8, 2015 Posts: 213	Yeah, but I want a classic lever action in 30-30 AI...

April 18, 2024, 06:50 PM	#36
Pumpkin Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2020 Location: Seguin Texas Posts: 459	My M70 Lightweight is loaded with Speer (discontinued ) 165gr rnsp under IMR 4064. Although not as thin jacketed as typical 30-30 bullets it still gives very decisive results on deer and hogs. Groups really well too.

April 19, 2024, 02:50 PM	#39
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,581	A '94 carbine doesn't have to be "improved" to kick. My neighbor the gunsmith had a Canadian Centennial with 26" octagon barrel that was a lot more fun to shoot.

April 19, 2024, 04:44 PM	#43
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,581	Well, MY .30-30 is a Remington. It is strong, but as Ken Waters said about the Winchester 54, the brass isn't. Although the .30-30 has the superior rimmed design that chambers all the way in and there is not the extractor groove hanging out in space like a lot of rimless rounds.

April 19, 2024, 06:40 PM	#44
snoeproe Member Join Date: December 10, 2023 Posts: 35	The strongest lever action in 30/30 would most definitely be a savage 99. Problem is finding a model 99 in 30/30 cal which was not that common. The 300 savage performed much better with superior ballistics.

April 20, 2024, 10:43 AM	#45
Rifletom Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2011 Location: So-Cal Posts: 789	If you want strong and heavy for the 30-30 AI, perhaps the Henry Big Boy Steel would work. Just a thought.

April 20, 2024, 11:57 AM	#46
1972RedNeck Senior Member Join Date: December 8, 2015 Posts: 213	Don’t necessarily want heavy, just strong.

April 20, 2024, 12:02 PM	#47
Rifletom Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2011 Location: So-Cal Posts: 789	The above Henry is 7 lb.

April 20, 2024, 12:14 PM	#48
105kw Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2017 Location: Columbia Basin Washington Posts: 419	I like the Savage 99, but in 30-30, they ended production in 1942. So surviving Rifles are seen as collectable rather than shooters. If you can find a shooter grade 99, I would really hesitate to have it converted. The first problem would be to find a Gunsmith that can work on one. The rotary mag is a bear to get back together. I think a better bet in a used rifle is the Marlin 336. Prices are not bad for a straight shooter. They are a bit heavier the a 94, and most stocks are set up better for scope use with less drop in the butt. To me they are pleasenter to shoot. The 30-30 AI should get you at least 150fps over factory, if not more. Good luck, have fun.