What is the deal with 30-30? - Page 2

jimbob86 · October 9, 2020, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Found some Fusion ammo for around $33 a box.

Wow .... just wow ..... was just at Wallyworld in Nebraska City ..... 30-30WIN was less than half that $15 and change?) .... and plenty to be had. Picked up two boxes of 270WIN Remington Corlokt 130 grain for $17.94, so my nephew can get some practice in (and all my 270 brass is fireformed to my gun) before deer season....

ThomasT · October 9, 2020, 05:47 PM

I think the Fusion ammo is some of the high dollar stuff. My 30-30s all shot their best with plain ole Remington Green Box Core Lock ammo. And the 170gr always seemed to shoot the best.

I made my first 30-30 kill a couple of years ago and used the 170gr Remington bullet and was really impressed with the job it did on that deer. The range was only about 60 yards but that deer was down for the count with the bullet crossing the chest. I don't know the exact load but most likely the common 30grs of 3031 powder. Sort of a standard 30-30 load used for years.

My other favorite bullet is a 170gr Hornady interlock bullet. Those sure are accurate. I need to try some 170gr Sierra bullets in my guns.

Hawg · October 10, 2020, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbob86

Wow .... just wow ..... was just at Wallyworld in Nebraska City ..... 30-30WIN was less than half that $15 and change?) .... and plenty to be had. Picked up two boxes of 270WIN Remington Corlokt 130 grain for $17.94, so my nephew can get some practice in (and all my 270 brass is fireformed to my gun) before deer season....

+1, I've used Remington Core-Lokt for many years. It kills deer dead. I wouldn't waste the money on Fusion. Federal Power-Shok is good too.

Wishoot · October 10, 2020, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by USAF Ret

Any thoughts on 44 Mag for deer hunting? They had 2 at the LGS. I hear conflicts on range, but standard looks to be no more than 100 yards.

Mine works just fine, but as you said, I never shoot past 100 yards. I have a Win 94 AE. I The action isn't that smooth compared to older models, but it's plenty accurate with open sights. It usually wears a Weaver K4 when I'm in the stand.

I usually roll my own hunting loads, but Underwood makes some pretty spunky stuff that will take down pretty much everything.

stagpanther · October 10, 2020, 10:01 AM

44 mag is a great cartridge--I can whip them out faster and easier (using a carbide die) than any other cartridge and the brass lasts forever. A 240 gr bullet driven fast is more than enough for most game to at least 100 yds, in the woods of Maine a clear shot of even 50 yds is rare. My 2 Rossi 44 mag 92 carbines weigh all of 5 lbs each.

Grant 14 · October 10, 2020, 10:38 AM

Since you have already purchased a gun, this is just a side note. I have been a Winchester 94 fan for years (both 30-30 and my 25-35) but a few years ago I borrowed my brothers Savage 1899 in 30-30 and really fell in love with it. I still love my old Winchester, but the Savage is really a much nicer rifle. Of course, Savage has not sold a 99 in 30-30 for a half century or more, but dear rifles often have not been shot a lot over the years and may still be a 100 years old and nice and tight. My brothers rifle is functionally like brand new. I have an 1899 that wasnt fired for 60 years that I know about, and looks rough. I have been trying to fix it up, but the primers back out with factory ammo, so I may give up and call it a wall hanger.(darn). Unless you hunt wide open spaces, a 30-30 is a fine hunting cartridge. Just another opinion. Grant..

USAF Ret · October 10, 2020, 12:34 PM

Not much ammo to choose from on the interweb. Got what I could get. If I see more locally, I will definitely purchase.

Paul B. · October 10, 2020, 02:42 PM

Well, for a very long time I've considered the 30-30a fun gun cartridge. I killed my forst deer with the 30-30 when I was at the ripe old age of eleven. That was 71 years ago come next Labor day weekend. These days. most if not all shooting with the 30-30 is with my home cast bullets at targets for fun. They work just fine for deer hunting as well. It got to be all I used was cast in the 30-30 when I went hunting and no deer ever lived long enough to complain. When I moved to states where hunting required rifle that did better at longer ranges the 30-30 became a recreational tool more than for hunting.

When I'm feeling on the nostalgic side, I'll cast up a few bullets, use the old Lyman Tong Tool to make my ammo and head out to the desert to wander a bit and harass the jackrabbits and occasional coyote. Favorite bullet for the 30-30 is the Lyman #311291, about 175 gr. in my alloy. I took quite a few deer with that bullet.
Paul B.

stagpanther · October 10, 2020, 04:06 PM

That's awesome Paul--more happy shooting to you!

zoo · October 10, 2020, 04:45 PM

Most abundant ammo (and I mean a lot of it) currently at the three Walmarts in my area is 350 Legend for whatever that is worth. No 30-30.

stagpanther · October 10, 2020, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Most abundant ammo (and I mean a lot of it) currently at the three Walmarts in my area is 350 Legend for whatever that is worth. No 30-30.

They probably would have trouble giving the stuff away (350 L).

Sure Shot Mc Gee · October 10, 2020, 10:02 PM

30-30. Good cartridge for all size deer except moose.
For best results. Shoot 170 gr.

shurshot · October 11, 2020, 12:13 AM

"30-30. Good cartridge for all size deer except moose."

Multiple Train loads of dead moose in Maine and Canada over the past century or so would disagree.

Ricklin · October 11, 2020, 08:27 AM

It's hard to beat a Savage 1899. I had a 1922 vintage 30.30 1899 that was a takedown.
Sadly a former friend stole it. Love those old Savages, I've been keeping my eyes open, Savage made the 1899 in a lot of calibers.
The 30.30 is fairly hard to find. Most are found in .303

Grant 14 · October 11, 2020, 10:13 AM

At one point I had a very high grade 1899 Savage in 303 Savage, but it had a broken butt stock (common in 99s) and ammo was unobtainable so I traded it off. I dont know what year they discontinued the 30-30, but it was a long time ago. Grant.

Bake · October 11, 2020, 02:23 PM

Hey Paul,

I had the Lyman Ammo Maker Kit [it came with the 310 tool, all the dies, bullet mold, and all the other goodies] in 30-30 Win. After I ran out of Gas Checks, I tried "Paper Patching" my cast bullets (100% Lead or at least close to it).

My first Deer was a Mulely I shot in '63 in Northcentral Oregon, the rifle was a Mod. 94 [ I hated that rifle

and sold it

not long after that ] . . .

COSteve · October 11, 2020, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricklin

It's hard to beat a Savage 1899. I had a 1922 vintage 30.30 1899 that was a takedown.
Sadly a former friend stole it. Love those old Savages, I've been keeping my eyes open, Savage made the 1899 in a lot of calibers.
The 30.30 is fairly hard to find. Most are found in .303

True. However, out here it seems that the 300 Savage is almost as common as the .303. I have a 1949 Savage 99 EG in 300 Savage and performance wise, it's 2/3 the way up from 30-30 to .308 in terms of velocities using a 150grn bullet in all three. While it's fun to shoot it's not my favorite as the action is OK but the trigger is mediocre. My favorite hunting levergun is reserved for my 1959 Winchester 88 in .308. Beautiful lines, smooth action and surprisingly, I got one with a decent trigger which I understand is sort of rare in 88s.

USAF Ret · October 12, 2020, 08:11 AM

Wal-Mart had one box of Federal 150 grain soft point. An yeah, several boxes of .350 Legend.

Drm50 · October 12, 2020, 05:39 PM

30/30 is much more useful cartridge than 45, 44mg, ect. Not that they aren’t good short range deer guns. I’m in Ohio where we have to use straight case 38cal minimum. I have a 45/70 - 1895 and 44mg - 1894, both Marlins. I’m using a Ruger #3 in 375Win for my deer gun. I would sell all three if they allowed us 30/30s. I have used 30/30 & 35Rem to take many deer in eastern woods were I could have used any rifle. Most deer shot at -100yds but 200yds isn’t out of the question. Now I know I’m going to hear 200yd plus stories with the pistol cartridges. I once shot a groundhog about 200yds with a Ruger SBH 44mg. That was in late 60s. To do it again I would still be shooting today. 200yd not practical with 45/44 pistol cartridge.

COSteve · October 13, 2020, 04:23 PM

Drm50, you just need to practice more. I've got two 24" long leverguns, a Rossi in .357mag and a Uberti in .45 Colt in addition to my carbines in the same calibers.

I use both for shooting at bowling pins at 200 yds and I'll be 73 right after the election. Bowling pins are 15" high but only have a small, 2-3" high region in the 'belly' where they are 2 MOA targets at 200 yds so they are challenging, especially with tang and globe iron sights. But that makes them fun.

All it takes is practice, patience and a good target aperture in the tang sight. I shoot 99% of all my long gun practice shots at 200-300 yds to keep sharp and all of mine are zero'd at 200 yds. 'Aim small, miss small.' is a good motto as practicing at longer ranges forces you to pay attention to the fundamentals.

Further, while my Uberti's std pressure 45 Colt handloads don't have the 'oomph' to be consistent at 300 yds, my Rossi is frequently called upon to smack those pesky pins at 300 yds as well.

meaves · October 13, 2020, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockrivr1

44 mag may have been easy to find back before the gun rush, but now it's one of those unobtainable calibers and if you do find any it's for big dollars now.

Keep looking. I went into an Academy in Dallas recently and 44 mag and 30-06 were all that was on the shelves. There was a ton of 44.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sure Shot Mc Gee · October 13, 2020, 09:36 PM

Have a 1899 takedown in 30-30. Well used as the first shot tightens up its action to where it becomes quite 100 yrd accurate till its broke down again. Have a Williams Fool Proof peep on it. (no aperture) Only time it comes deer hunting with me. >MN green swamp deer drives. I need a small rifle that's quick to maneuver in Tag Elders. Sav 1899 T/d is about the best rifle for the (above) purpose. 170 gr Hornady Tipped reloads. Sometimes Gas/checked Range Lead used._ Sometimes 170 gr home cast #8 brindle hardness (paper Patched). No matter any cartridges I make for the little Savage will anchor em to the ground usually one shot.

stagpanther · October 14, 2020, 05:18 AM

If you consider reloading--44 mag is IMO the easiest to reload cartridge there is--get a lee anniversary press, hornady carbide dies, 8 lbs of H110 and a few hundred 240 gr xtp's and cases and you'll be set for a long time for both handguns and rifles.

stagpanther · October 14, 2020, 05:48 AM

You inspired me COSteve--I just ordered a Lyman tang sight for my Henry big boy 45-70.

Bayou · October 14, 2020, 11:23 AM

Haven't seen 30-30 on the shelves around here (SE LA) for a while. I suppose because it is such a common rifle round...

Bayou

October 10, 2020, 10:01 AM	#30
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,792	44 mag is a great cartridge--I can whip them out faster and easier (using a carbide die) than any other cartridge and the brass lasts forever. A 240 gr bullet driven fast is more than enough for most game to at least 100 yds, in the woods of Maine a clear shot of even 50 yds is rare. My 2 Rossi 44 mag 92 carbines weigh all of 5 lbs each. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!* Last edited by stagpanther; October 10, 2020 at 10:06 AM.

October 10, 2020, 02:42 PM	#33
Paul B. Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 1999 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,802	Well, for a very long time I've considered the 30-30a fun gun cartridge. I killed my forst deer with the 30-30 when I was at the ripe old age of eleven. That was 71 years ago come next Labor day weekend. These days. most if not all shooting with the 30-30 is with my home cast bullets at targets for fun. They work just fine for deer hunting as well. It got to be all I used was cast in the 30-30 when I went hunting and no deer ever lived long enough to complain. When I moved to states where hunting required rifle that did better at longer ranges the 30-30 became a recreational tool more than for hunting. When I'm feeling on the nostalgic side, I'll cast up a few bullets, use the old Lyman Tong Tool to make my ammo and head out to the desert to wander a bit and harass the jackrabbits and occasional coyote. Favorite bullet for the 30-30 is the Lyman #311291, about 175 gr. in my alloy. I took quite a few deer with that bullet. Paul B. __________________ COMPROMISE IS NOT AN OPTION!

October 10, 2020, 04:06 PM	#34
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,792	That's awesome Paul--more happy shooting to you! __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

October 11, 2020, 08:27 AM	#39
Ricklin Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2008 Location: SW Washington state Posts: 2,016	It's hard to beat a Savage 1899. I had a 1922 vintage 30.30 1899 that was a takedown. Sadly a former friend stole it. Love those old Savages, I've been keeping my eyes open, Savage made the 1899 in a lot of calibers. The 30.30 is fairly hard to find. Most are found in .303 __________________ ricklin Freedom is not free

October 11, 2020, 02:23 PM	#41
Bake Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2012 Location: San Joaquin Valley, Calif. Posts: 482	Hey Paul, I had the Lyman Ammo Maker Kit [it came with the 310 tool, all the dies, bullet mold, and all the other goodies] in 30-30 Win. After I ran out of Gas Checks, I tried "Paper Patching" my cast bullets (100% Lead or at least close to it). My first Deer was a Mulely I shot in '63 in Northcentral Oregon, the rifle was a Mod. 94 [ I hated that rifle and sold it not long after that ] . . . __________________ 1. The pattern board is your friend, use the Dam thing!!! 2. The maximum range of a firearm and/or cartridge, is usually measured in miles, and means nothing. 2a. The effective range of a firearm and/or cartridge, is usually (the ability of the shooter) measured in yards, and means everything. Last edited by Bake; October 13, 2020 at 10:18 PM.

October 9, 2020, 05:47 PM	#27
ThomasT Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 2,753	I think the Fusion ammo is some of the high dollar stuff. My 30-30s all shot their best with plain ole Remington Green Box Core Lock ammo. And the 170gr always seemed to shoot the best. I made my first 30-30 kill a couple of years ago and used the 170gr Remington bullet and was really impressed with the job it did on that deer. The range was only about 60 yards but that deer was down for the count with the bullet crossing the chest. I don't know the exact load but most likely the common 30grs of 3031 powder. Sort of a standard 30-30 load used for years. My other favorite bullet is a 170gr Hornady interlock bullet. Those sure are accurate. I need to try some 170gr Sierra bullets in my guns.

October 10, 2020, 10:38 AM	#31
Grant 14 Senior Member Join Date: February 10, 2018 Posts: 167	Since you have already purchased a gun, this is just a side note. I have been a Winchester 94 fan for years (both 30-30 and my 25-35) but a few years ago I borrowed my brothers Savage 1899 in 30-30 and really fell in love with it. I still love my old Winchester, but the Savage is really a much nicer rifle. Of course, Savage has not sold a 99 in 30-30 for a half century or more, but dear rifles often have not been shot a lot over the years and may still be a 100 years old and nice and tight. My brothers rifle is functionally like brand new. I have an 1899 that wasnt fired for 60 years that I know about, and looks rough. I have been trying to fix it up, but the primers back out with factory ammo, so I may give up and call it a wall hanger.(darn). Unless you hunt wide open spaces, a 30-30 is a fine hunting cartridge. Just another opinion. Grant..

October 10, 2020, 12:34 PM	#32
USAF Ret Senior Member Join Date: December 8, 2017 Posts: 809	Not much ammo to choose from on the interweb. Got what I could get. If I see more locally, I will definitely purchase.

October 10, 2020, 04:45 PM	#35
zoo member Join Date: October 2, 2019 Posts: 414	Most abundant ammo (and I mean a lot of it) currently at the three Walmarts in my area is 350 Legend for whatever that is worth. No 30-30.

October 10, 2020, 10:02 PM	#37
Sure Shot Mc Gee Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,876	30-30. Good cartridge for all size deer except moose. For best results. Shoot 170 gr.

October 11, 2020, 12:13 AM	#38
shurshot Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2006 Posts: 1,819	"*30-30. Good cartridge for all size deer except moose."* Multiple Train loads of dead moose in Maine and Canada over the past century or so would disagree.

October 11, 2020, 10:13 AM	#40
Grant 14 Senior Member Join Date: February 10, 2018 Posts: 167	At one point I had a very high grade 1899 Savage in 303 Savage, but it had a broken butt stock (common in 99s) and ammo was unobtainable so I traded it off. I dont know what year they discontinued the 30-30, but it was a long time ago. Grant.

October 12, 2020, 08:11 AM	#43
USAF Ret Senior Member Join Date: December 8, 2017 Posts: 809	Wal-Mart had one box of Federal 150 grain soft point. An yeah, several boxes of .350 Legend.

October 12, 2020, 05:39 PM	#44
Drm50 Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2014 Posts: 1,382	30/30 is much more useful cartridge than 45, 44mg, ect. Not that they aren’t good short range deer guns. I’m in Ohio where we have to use straight case 38cal minimum. I have a 45/70 - 1895 and 44mg - 1894, both Marlins. I’m using a Ruger #3 in 375Win for my deer gun. I would sell all three if they allowed us 30/30s. I have used 30/30 & 35Rem to take many deer in eastern woods were I could have used any rifle. Most deer shot at -100yds but 200yds isn’t out of the question. Now I know I’m going to hear 200yd plus stories with the pistol cartridges. I once shot a groundhog about 200yds with a Ruger SBH 44mg. That was in late 60s. To do it again I would still be shooting today. 200yd not practical with 45/44 pistol cartridge.

October 13, 2020, 04:23 PM	#45
COSteve Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2009 Posts: 1,344	Drm50, you just need to practice more. I've got two 24" long leverguns, a Rossi in .357mag and a Uberti in .45 Colt in addition to my carbines in the same calibers. I use both for shooting at bowling pins at 200 yds and I'll be 73 right after the election. Bowling pins are 15" high but only have a small, 2-3" high region in the 'belly' where they are 2 MOA targets at 200 yds so they are challenging, especially with tang and globe iron sights. But that makes them fun. All it takes is practice, patience and a good target aperture in the tang sight. I shoot 99% of all my long gun practice shots at 200-300 yds to keep sharp and all of mine are zero'd at 200 yds. 'Aim small, miss small.' is a good motto as practicing at longer ranges forces you to pay attention to the fundamentals. Further, while my Uberti's std pressure 45 Colt handloads don't have the 'oomph' to be consistent at 300 yds, my Rossi is frequently called upon to smack those pesky pins at 300 yds as well.

October 13, 2020, 09:36 PM	#47
Sure Shot Mc Gee Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,876	Have a 1899 takedown in 30-30. Well used as the first shot tightens up its action to where it becomes quite 100 yrd accurate till its broke down again. Have a Williams Fool Proof peep on it. (no aperture) Only time it comes deer hunting with me. >MN green swamp deer drives. I need a small rifle that's quick to maneuver in Tag Elders. Sav 1899 T/d is about the best rifle for the (above) purpose. 170 gr Hornady Tipped reloads. Sometimes Gas/checked Range Lead used._ Sometimes 170 gr home cast #8 brindle hardness (paper Patched). No matter any cartridges I make for the little Savage will anchor em to the ground usually one shot.

October 14, 2020, 05:18 AM	#48
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,792	If you consider reloading--44 mag is IMO the easiest to reload cartridge there is--get a lee anniversary press, hornady carbide dies, 8 lbs of H110 and a few hundred 240 gr xtp's and cases and you'll be set for a long time for both handguns and rifles. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

October 14, 2020, 05:48 AM	#49
stagpanther Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2014 Posts: 11,792	You inspired me COSteve--I just ordered a Lyman tang sight for my Henry big boy 45-70. __________________ "Everyone speaks gun."--Robert O'Neill *I am NOT an expert--I do not have any formal experience or certification in firearms use or testing; use any information I post at your own risk!*

October 14, 2020, 11:23 AM	#50
Bayou Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2016 Location: SE Louisiana Posts: 300	Haven't seen 30-30 on the shelves around here (SE LA) for a while. I suppose because it is such a common rifle round... Bayou __________________ Bayou NRA Life Member "Keep Calm and Reload"