Elkamp has a very good point. Build your shooting skills on a bench for confidence is shooting your rifle, your rifles drop and limit of range with the weapon. After all the is found out go out and bust some rocks at different ranges. Find the best style of rest you prefer to use in the field wether it be a tree or limb, sitting, kneeling or prone.

Your rifle will do you well in years to come. Always take shots you know you will kill the animal with one shot. Broadside and quartering away is the most optimal kill opportunity's. Sometimes no matter who does the shooting a follow up shot will be neccessary. But its better to make sure you have done everything you could to be a ethical and proficient hunt when taking shots at game. And always be safe in the field with your rifle.

The 30-30 was one of my first biggame rifles and it did good by me. I took plenty of elk and deer with it while growing into manhood. I think its a wonderful first time rifle. Good luck to you and I hope you are very successful in the years to come.