30/30 or .44

loanstarhunter · 12-03-2007, 10:11 AM

would you reccomend a 30/30 or a .44 mag for short range deer hunting?

RugerM77.270 · 12-03-2007, 10:16 AM

I like the 30-30. I have shot deer at 30 yards with it and 160 yards with it and they all go down fast. I know the 44 can shoot 10 or a 100 yards I just think the 30/30 is best. IMO

stalkingbear · 12-03-2007, 10:22 AM

I have had a bunch of the ol ruger .44 autoloader carbines and honestly believe that within 100 yards or less,it's the ultimate fast deer rifle-5 shots of .44mag power in a 6# rifle as fast as you can pull the trigger.

Retaks · 12-03-2007, 10:29 AM

Either one will work good under 100 yards. The 30-30 can reach out a little farther to 150 yards or so but i wouldnt try to push my shots mauch past the 200 yard mark.

Paul L Mohr · 12-03-2007, 11:35 AM

If I had my choice it would be the 30-30. But if I could shoot a centerfire I would get a .243 instead.

Paul

retrieverman · 12-03-2007, 11:45 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Paul L Mohr

If I had my choice it would be the 30-30. But if I could shoot a centerfire I would get a .243 instead.

I have killed deer and hogs with calibers ranging from 223 to 300 WSM, and I would never place a 243 ahead of a 30-30 for a short range deer round.

I would definitely pick a 30-30 over a 44 magnum for no other reason but that the 30-30 does have slight range advantage if it were ever needed.

JeffS · 12-03-2007, 12:02 PM

I would definitely go with the 30/30.

heeze gutshot shortee · 12-03-2007, 12:19 PM

loanstar...Id go 3030....

12-03-2007, 12:23 PM

I loath a 30-30 myself. I have spent countless hours tracking marginal shots with friends who use a 30-30. I don't know if its my friends luck,or the round. But I love hunting with a 44mag pistol, so a lever would be even better.

I currently have a 30-30, I keep saying I plan to hunt with, but its pretty well shoved to the back of the safe for several years.

HEAD0001 · 12-03-2007, 02:23 PM

Both cartridges are great short range deer rounds. I would give the 30-30 a slight performance edge. But not much. The larger Meplat of the 44 magnum is a great short distance asset. If I were only buying one then I would go with the 44 magnum. My reason for picking the 44 is easy, ammo is cheaper to buy, and cheaper to reload. This will allow you to practice more, for less money. Tom.