30-30 or muzzleloader

[rotorhead]

what is a better gun to hunt with? I know the 30-30 is much easier but at 100yds and more is the 30-30 round better? I can potentially have a shot from 10yds to 125 yds. help.

[Retaks]

I would still go with the 30-30 just incase you need a follow up shot.

[RugerM77.270]

The 30-30 is the one you should go with. It will kill deer passed 100 yards. I shot a doe at 160 with mine and she didn't go 50 yds.

[IndyHunter83]

Either is a good choice for deer out past those ranges. The argument could be made for the 30-30 because you would have that second shot. But honestly, if you don't hit the deer with the first shot then nine times out of ten you're not going to kill it with a second shot. Personally, I've killed more deer with a muzzleloader than anything else. I'd probably take the muzzleloader.

[Catus Magnus]

Go with the 30-30, for the following reasons:

more effective, good deal more range with 30-30
no smoke - you can see which way the deer goes after the shot
no clean up req'd - this is an absolute MUST for muzzleloader, and a pain
no need to shoot 30-30 at end of day, or ponder how many days you want to carry that same load - moisture?
ammo is prob cheaper with 30-30, esp. if you're using pellets in ML/expensive bullets
follow-up shot possible with 30-30, for that deer you knock down and is regaining feet
30-30 is just plain classy!

[TUK101]

30-30 is just plain easier and unless you have already worked up a load for your muzzleloader and shot it a bit with that load, then you have work to do. A m/l requires lots of time consuming cleaning too. I know that with my traditional style m/l I am not comforatable yet at shooting past about 60-70 yards. m/l is a lot of fun though, there is just something about it.

[lovethebigguns]

ORIGINAL: Catus Magnus

more effective, good deal more range with 30-30

Catus,
I do agree with the you on the 30/30 being classy, I love mine. And I also agree about the non clean up factor and the follow up shot.

But I'm not sure about good deal more range. From my bench, my Model 94 30/30 has nothing on my T/C Encore 209X50 as far as range is concerned. I believe with the Leverevolution round, it pretty much levels the playing field between these two guns. Again as always, I'mno "expert" that just my opinion.

I truly love my lever guns, so I'd say Rotor, if I was in your shoes, I'd carry my 30/30 if I could.

[c j]

Go with the 30-30 and Hornady's LeveRevolution shells. If you can do your part, they'll do theirs.

[FA]

Yep, what everyone else said. Go with the 30-30.

[Paul L Mohr]

I would pick the 30-30 hands down. Let me see, one of the most proven deer cartridges on this continent or a muzzle loader shooting pistol bullets in a plastic sleeve to make them work. A tool made for the job, or a tool adapted to get the job done?

On paper the muzzle loader looks good, especially when you look at energy figures. With a 300 grn bullet it holds energy out to 200 yards better than the 150 grn 30-30 bullet because of the weight. However the drop is twice as much at that distance.

The other thing to consider is that at longer distances the 30-30 is probably going to have more consistent accuracy than most muzzle loaders. Muzzle loaders are a lot like modern shotgun slugs, they tend to loose stability past 150 yards or so and accuracy falls off. I bet most 30-30's with the right bullets can hold pretty decent groups at 200 yards with a scope and a decent shooter. With a muzzle loader it is going to take some work to get that kind of accuracy, if you can do it at all in some cases. And I doubt it will be as consistent because of the materials used and the loading method.

And then there is the ease of use, quick follow up shot and dependability issues to look at. Modern muzzle loaders are a lot more dependable than they used to be, but lets be honest they are not a centerfire rifle.

I honestly think a muzzle loader is cheaper to shoot though once you have everything for it. Unless you are handloading for the 30-30. It's waaaaaaay cheaper than a slug gun with sabots.

My opinions anyway.

Paul