ORIGINAL: stalkingbear
It's just me,and i know countless deer have been killed with the 30-30 at a lot of different distances,but imo the 30-30 is best used at fairly short distances. Yes,I know all the hype about the leverevolution ammo and rifle specifcally made for it,and I think it's GREAT-likely 1 of the best things ever to come out for the ol 30-30,HOWEVER,there comes a point of diminishing returns. Also I feel too many people will believe the advertizing without fully testing THEIR rifles at that range before attempting shots at game animals (deer) for trajectory and most importantly,accuracy at that range. Also the simple fact that the new marlins designed for leverelution ammo,both in 30-30 and .308 marlin express costs just as much as a good bolt action rifle. I really feel that if you're going to be taking shots out to 250 yards regularly,the game deserves the respect of using the most efficent/deadly equipment available-a good bolt action chambered for something like the 7mm08 (my choice),.260,.270,30-06,.280,.308,or similar. If you're the kind of person that will extensively test your setup at those ranges and can cofidently place shots,then by all means go for it.
Nah, it's not just you, stalkingbear. I echo your sentiments wholeheartedly. But again, I don't believe you need belted magnums to smoke a white tail with either. Your recommendations hit it pretty well. I second all the advice from the other posters who recommend trying different ammo in the gun to determine it's preference, and by all means crank a few rounds downrange at 200-250 yds. and see what ya got....... that should tell you something.