A11en

Last year I bought a used Marlin 360cc .30-30 from a friend. I didn't "need" it, nor was it on my wish list, but it was in great shape and he only wanted $100. I shot a box of ammo with it (iron sights) and it was accurate for a .30-30. I recently put a scope on it, but haven't sighted it in. Bottom line is, Its just not a goto gun. I have a Ruger 10/22rifle, 22/45 pistol(.22)and .22-250 for small game and predators. I use a .30-06 and .300WSM for big game hunting. When hunting in close cover, I shoot a 12ga or use my .44mag handgun. My sons (8 & 11) have a .243 and .308 for deer hunting. I'm realizing now the only reason I bought the .30-30 was for the Nostagia.I will say its fun to shoot. My son is considering using it this year instead of his single action .243. But honestly, the .243 will out perform it in accuracy and energy.

Do any of you (with multiple guns) use your .30-30 for a specific game animal where you'd consider it your "goto" gun?

I don't have much experience with the 30-30. 20 years ago, I shot a possum with one, but thats it. How effective is it on medium to big game?

Thanks

matters

A 30-30 has probally taken as many deer as any caliber. With the new ammo, lever revelotion, I belive its called it should be even better. I have taken some deer with a 30-30 and had good luck with them. It's not my goto gun either. But it might be handly to have around to bet the brush,use on a rainy dayor keep as a truck gun.

liquidorange

i kinda know what you mean. i bought a 30-30 on sale at k-mart then sold it . i missed it so much that i got another one. i just like the different action on it compared to a bolt action and the compact-ness of it. mine was very accurate out to about 70 yards then it got squirrely. the new hornady pointed lever revolution ammo is supposed to stretch the range out to 200 yards and then some. since i have several different hunting guns what i do ismake a choice that year to shoot certain ones in the hunting season. this way a gun doesnt sit for years and its fun and a challenge each year.the 30-30 will be fine for deer and bear.

A11en

I was thinking about using it on hogs, but concerned it won't pass through the shoulder plate.

nchawkeye

For $100 I would have bought it as well...Put it up, you'll have grandkids one day...

Nothing wrong with a 30-30 and deer, I've seen several killed with it...If it were me, I'd leave the scope off, put a sling in it and have it for a scout/carry gun when you are in the woods trimming shooting lanes, planting food plots, etc...A light lever action is mighty handy and you can leave a cartridge out of the chamber for safety and jack one in if needed for other varmits...

Plus, you have a good backup rifle for those days its pouring and you don't want to take your nice bolt action out and get it wet...

Bocajnala

Just use it as a back up. I use mine while driving, and while still hunting in thick woods. IF you are able to pick up deer quickly through a scope in thick stuff, leave the scope on. if not, just use the open sights. I just use a 4x on mine. I have killed.....around seven or eight deer with it maybe. from 20ft. Out to 110 yards. Great gun. Hold on to it. sometime you will need it, and then you'll be glad you have it.

retrieverman

I have killed numerous deer and hogs with a 30-30, and at ranges from 0-150 yards, it will do anything my 270 or 308 will do. My preferred shot placement on hogs whether shooting a 30-30 or 9.3x62 is to aim for the head. I have never had to track a hog after a head shot.

Someone mentioned Hornady LeverEvolution ammo, and it is the best 30-30 ammo that I have ever used. My body count so far is 4 deer and 5 hogs.

I killed this boar at 150 yards with a single LeverEv to the head.

ranger56528

I used nothing but the 30-30 for 7yrs(75-82) in Northern Mn, iron sight's only,my shots were all under 150yrds but you cant beat it for heavy cover,also I know afew guys that hunt Elk and Moosewith thiers,but again they get up close and personal with them.....Even tho I have a -06 if I decide to gun hunt deer(archery last 24yrs)again I would go to the 30-30 for deer andas for Elk,Moose and maybe Bearit would be the 06.

121553

Everyone needs to have a 30-30. Its a rifle I usually always carry in my truck. Good rifle that throws a hunk of lead aucuractely up to 100 yrds without a scope. Its a very reliable rifle that can take a beating as opposed to your numero uno rifle.

Bobby

moosehunter30

i have a single shot 30-30 and a bolt andthats all i've used for big game so far and i've taken 5 deer and a moose with them. Most of the deer just hunched up and ran no more than 50 yrds. One dropped