I didn't have the 30-30 but I had a 30 herret. Which is the 30-30 shortened about 1/2 inch then renecked. It had ballistics equal to the 30-30 with less powder and muzzle blast. I only loaded the 125 grain Nosler Ballistic tip but out to 200 yards it worked well on Mule deer. I also had the 35 herret and best of all the 35 Remington barrel. I loved hunting with the Ciontender. I also had a 44 Mag barrel, a357 Maximum barrel and a match 22 rimfire barrel. I had a 44 Mag and 223 Carbine barrels for the setup as well. I am now out of the Contender business and into the Encores.