Max Performance .30-30

[Payback]

How’s the 30-30s do in the field this year?

 

[insanelupus]

Trying to hot rod performance in a .30-30 lever action is a lot like trying to soup up a 1988 Ford Escort. Sure, it can be done. But why?

The "performance envelope" on the .30-30 hasn't substantially changed in well over 100 years. It still does what it was designed to do. It kills critters at reasonable ranges with reasonable shot presentations.

Stay within those parameters with a 170 grain factory cup and core loading (or similar) and rock on.

 

[Payback]

Stay within those parameters with a 170 grain factory cup and core loading (or similar) and rock on.

Why do you think we need to stick with the 170 grain?

 

[insanelupus]

It is a popular loading, easy to find, and works well for most animals. No muss, no fuss, no drama, simply reliable performance regardless of the species (within the parameters of common sense, reasonable ranges, and reasonable shot presentations). It's the easy button for the .30-30 in a lever gun.

That's my suggestion. Because it works well, is reliable, and predictable in performance on a wide variety of species from coyote to moose. That also means accepting some limitations (trajectory chief among them) but for the cartridge and platform they are, in my opinion, reasonable and the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Bottom line, that loading is versatile and works quite well for its intended purpose, has done so for a long time, and proven effective by generations of hunters.

Again though, my opinion. I'm not mad at ya if you disagree.

 

[FredH]

It is a popular loading, easy to find, and works well for most animals. No muss, no fuss, no drama, simply reliable performance regardless of the species (within the parameters of common sense, reasonable ranges, and reasonable shot presentations). It's the easy button for the .30-30 in a lever gun.

That's my suggestion. Because it works well, is reliable, and predictable in performance on a wide variety of species from coyote to moose. That also means accepting some limitations (trajectory chief among them) but for the cartridge and platform they are, in my opinion, reasonable and the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Bottom line, that loading is versatile and works quite well for its intended purpose, has done so for a long time, and proven effective by generations of hunters.

Again though, my opinion. I'm not mad at ya if you disagree.

I have experienced the exact same results with various 150 gr. soft noses. I like both weights but probably the most common factory loads around in my area are 150 gr. Remington, Federal and Winchester. I don't prefer one over the other just that my rifle is sighted in with the 150 grain bullets.

 

[Ropin4gold]

My marlin 336 shooting the leverloutions wrecks hogs out to about 200 yards. That’s the farthest I’ve been able to shoot one. I love that combo.