Max. distance is debatable based on one's beliefs on energy left at a certain distance and drop of the bullet. The quick answer is 150-175 yards. I now use Hornady's LEVERevolution 30-30 ammunition. Studies shows good expansion. The LR 160gr. travels at 1,916fps at 200 yards compared to a Remington Soft point corelokt weighing only 150gr. that travels at only 1,605fps.

The bullet has better ballistic coefficient too, so it will have a flatter trajectory sustaining more energy.

I grew up using the 30-30. It's a great deer gun and I would guess more deer in North America has died from that caliber than any other. With the new LEVERevolution and from what I saw on the range, I would have no problems taking deer out to 225 yards very comfortably.

iSnipe