30/30 and elk ???
#11
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Kerrville, Tx. USA
Posts: 2,722
I have a friend that takes an elk 8 out of 10 years with either his 45-70 or his 30-30. He never shoots farther than 150 yards and he has never not recovered one he hit. He uses this in his 30-30:
http://www.hornady.com/store/30-30-W...EVERevolution/
http://www.hornady.com/store/30-30-W...EVERevolution/
#12
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Allegan, MI
Posts: 8,019
The 160 grain FTX in that link is the bullet in my post that shows 1078 ft/lbs at 200 yards in a handload and is what is used in the Leverevolution line Hornady puts out. The 1304 ft/lbs mentioned by Hornady is with their proprietary powder and evidentally it hasn't been duplicated by handloaders yet because what I posted is the best that any handloader has come up with as far as I know. The whole problem with the Hornady round will be finding it because Hornady has suspended production of most 30-30 ammo to produce more of their best selling products in other calibers. If he can find that ammo at a retailer, that would probably be the one to use if they don't go with the 30-06 that I suggested using. However, I agree with both of you that the shots on an elk should still be kept well under 200 yards.
Last edited by Topgun 3006; 07-28-2013 at 02:43 PM.
#13
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: VA.
Posts: 1,415
This can be debated all day.Having the kid shoot the '06 w/shooting stix will give the answer. Personally,a gun that fits the shooter is more important.The 30-30 is a proven round even on game larger than deer.If an elk is encountered,the stress of the moment may be enough for the kid to handle.Get a good bullet like the Hornady FTX 160 or maybe the barnes x 150 gr. and keep it within a 100 yards and everything should be fine.
Last edited by Game Stalker; 07-28-2013 at 03:07 PM.
#14
Typical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 595
a lot of good info here, thanks.
Had them out to shoot today, the kid shot both guns of a bench and did great. He had a great 6 round group with the 06. He also did good with the 30/30 and you can see that the gun just fits him better in a hunting situation. Well it will be up to them with which one to take I am just giving them the option. I will be sure to pass on the bullet suggestions to them.
Had them out to shoot today, the kid shot both guns of a bench and did great. He had a great 6 round group with the 06. He also did good with the 30/30 and you can see that the gun just fits him better in a hunting situation. Well it will be up to them with which one to take I am just giving them the option. I will be sure to pass on the bullet suggestions to them.
#15
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Allegan, MI
Posts: 8,019
a lot of good info here, thanks.
Had them out to shoot today, the kid shot both guns of a bench and did great. He had a great 6 round group with the 06. He also did good with the 30/30 and you can see that the gun just fits him better in a hunting situation. Well it will be up to them with which one to take I am just giving them the option. I will be sure to pass on the bullet suggestions to them.
Had them out to shoot today, the kid shot both guns of a bench and did great. He had a great 6 round group with the 06. He also did good with the 30/30 and you can see that the gun just fits him better in a hunting situation. Well it will be up to them with which one to take I am just giving them the option. I will be sure to pass on the bullet suggestions to them.
Last edited by Topgun 3006; 07-28-2013 at 05:08 PM.
#16
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Kerrville, Tx. USA
Posts: 2,722
Would have to agree. While the 30/30 is "adequate", the 30-06 is MUCH superior. And you can stretch his effective range by at least 100 yards. I would hate to tell him not to shot if the bull was standing broadside at 220 yards, but with the 30/30 he shouldn't
#18
The 160 grain FTX in that link is the bullet in my post that shows 1078 ft/lbs at 200 yards in a handload and is what is used in the Leverevolution line Hornady puts out. The 1304 ft/lbs mentioned by Hornady is with their proprietary powder and evidentally it hasn't been duplicated by handloaders yet because what I posted is the best that any handloader has come up with as far as I know. The whole problem with the Hornady round will be finding it because Hornady has suspended production of most 30-30 ammo to produce more of their best selling products in other calibers. If he can find that ammo at a retailer, that would probably be the one to use if they don't go with the 30-06 that I suggested using. However, I agree with both of you that the shots on an elk should still be kept well under 200 yards.
#19
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Allegan, MI
Posts: 8,019
Pete---They are supposedly offering it for reloaders, but it's like all the other reloading components right now that are really hard, if not impossible, to find. I don't believe I've read any posts on any sites where somebody has found and is using it.
#20
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Missouri
Posts: 156
A 30/06 obviously has more KE but a 30/30 will absolutely take an elk ethically. I had a friend kill a moose with a 30/30 in Alaska a few years back. Given the choice of a 30/30 and 30/06 side by side I would choose the 06 but at the same time would not hesitate to use the 30/30.