I always hear people's opinions about the 30-30. Some say that they wouldn't shoot over 100 yards with it, some say no more than 125 yards. Some say they have killed deer with it at 220 yards and would do it again if the shot was offered. And then there are some that claim that its not a powerfull enough round to even take deer with it.
Looking at ballistic charts of the 30-30. The trajectory and energyin footpounds, leads me to assume that the 30-30 can still be deadly for deer from 150 - 180 yards. I personally wouldn't hesitate to shoot at a deer 180 yards away if it was perfectly broadside and I had a good scope and a steady rest.
What do you guys think? How far would you shoot at a deer with a 30-30?
Just curious.
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IT CUTS LIKE HOTT BUTTER WITHOUT THE KNIFE.
I have taken deer about 100 yards with it. as long as it hits that heart or youdon't hit high, the deer will die.
But even at 100 yards, there's not much damage in the deer, and very small blood trails. If I had a choice of shooting a deer at 30 yards with a bow, or 200 yards with a 30-30, I would pick the bow hands down every time.
I know some are saying thats not a fair comparison. I am 100% sure I can connect with both, and have alot with a bow. But for some reason, when I get both lungs with a bow, they don't go more than 80 yards and lay down. But I have seen way too many times a high lung shot with a 30-30, and they go for ever.
Location: S.W. Pa.-- Heart in North Central Pa. mountains-
Posts: 2,508
RE: hearing mixed fealings about the 30-30
I think the general "rule of thumb" indicates you need 1000 lbs. of energy to cleanly kill a deer. At what yardage does the 30-30 fall below that figure? I guess that would be the number you're looking for..........
jusge for your self. Personally I wouldnt try more than 150yards. Only way i would attempt 200 would be on something worth the risk, but then if im goin after that im gonna take a bigger rifle =)
You can go to remington/winchester or any major ammo munufactor and get bullet drops for factory loads. then go the the range and try it out. I had just finished the search on my 300wsm, 223, and 30-30 like a hour ago and printed it out so it was easy for me to get you the info you need.
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Any day outside is a good day. Sometimes you have to stand up for whats rite, even if your the only one.
I always use the 170 grain Flat point. If you hit the vitals at 200 yards, they are not going to go far. With the new lever action ballistic tips, that will increase to 300 yards.
As the 30-30 has a rainbow type trajectory, you have to put some time in shooting it a 200 yards if you expect to get good vital hits. However if you put in the time, the 30-30 will deliever the meat to the table.
All of you guys bring up very good points in my opinion....and I also have thought the same things.
This is one of the reasons that makes me wonder why people will take very long shots with yet another famous 30 caliber ( 300 win mag)
In other words, if a 30-30 has slightly less than enough energy to kill deer at 200 yards. It would seem that a 300 win mag would have far far less energy than what is needed to kill elk at 700 yards.
I just wonder if the guys that wont take 150 yard shots at deer with a 30-30would take 700 yard shots at an elk with their 300 win mags ?
Alot of hunters that I know personally always nock the 30-30 and 30-06. I wonder why some people think that their magnums are limitless to the distance that they can take game at. (I know one guy that claims he would shoot a deer at 1.5 miles away with his 7mm ultra mag.) In my opinion he is stupid thinking that there would be enough energy left to even kill a deer at 1.5 miles away.
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IT CUTS LIKE HOTT BUTTER WITHOUT THE KNIFE.
I won't shoot pass 150 yds with my 30-30.Not because of the energy factor but because my 30-30 is equiped with a williams peep sight.I can hit a milk jug everytime out to that range.After that the bead covers to much of the target. If I used a scope I would shoot out to 200 yds.
Now that everbody has stated their opinion, how far has everbody shot a deer with the 30-30.My farest was 80yds.
All of you guys bring up very good points in my opinion....and I also have thought the same things.
This is one of the reasons that makes me wonder why people will take very long shots with yet another famous 30 caliber ( 300 win mag)
In other words, if a 30-30 has slightly less than enough energy to kill deer at 200 yards. It would seem that a 300 win mag would have far far less energy than what is needed to kill elk at 700 yards.
I just wonder if the guys that wont take 150 yard shots at deer with a 30-30would take 700 yard shots at an elk with their 300 win mags ?
Alot of hunters that I know personally always nock the 30-30 and 30-06. I wonder why some people think that their magnums are limitless to the distance that they can take game at. (I know one guy that claims he would shoot a deer at 1.5 miles away with his 7mm ultra mag.) In my opinion he is stupid thinking that there would be enough energy left to even kill a deer at 1.5 miles away.
I never ever heard of someone I know shooting big game at 700 yards. With a 300win or not.
The guys claiming 1.5 miles is full of it. I think 1000 yard benchrest record is like 10" circle 10 shots from a 300RUM on a very, very solid rest.
hearing mixed fealings about the 30-30
Thats what? 2640 yards.
