RE: CALIBER 30 CARBINE
 

In one word NO! The 30 Carbine is not suitable for whitetails.I put a 243 Win as a Min. caliber.The 30-30 Win at 125 yards max.
Ruger Redhawk

RE: CALIBER 30 CARBINE
 

I carried my dad's carbine in 30 caliber for the first year that I deer hunted. Never got a shot that first year, but do remember my dad and grandad telling me to wait for a VERY GOOD SHOT and not to hesitate to touch off more than one round if I could gain the visual aim point again.
In retrospect, the round is perfectly capable of taking SMALL deer with regularity, at short range, with quality SOFT bullets, and if in the hands of a marksman. So, I would not recommend the 30 carbine round for deer in general. Numerous other rounds that are far superior.
Very fun gun to shoot though, the m1 30 carbine.
Since my dad still has his carbine and many, many surplus rounds ((lots) of 30 carbine ammo, I've considered buying the Ruger Blackhawk model in this caliber. But NOT for use on deer (unless I was attacked of course)

RE: CALIBER 30 CARBINE
 

There are alot better options outthere than the 30cal carbine as far as rifles go. Capable yeah 100yds or less i'm sure with perfect broadside shots no problem.

But in a pistol round for hunting with shots around the 50yd mark the little cartridge packs a load. With about a 1000ftlbs of energy its actually comparable to a medium 44mag round. It out penetrates most 44mag and 41rem mag loads even with soft nosed bullets. This I've tested out myself.

Even though I've never shot a big game animal with one I would tend to believe even though it has the capabilty of penetration and decent ftlbs of energy. I think most handgun hunters would be dissapointed of the displacement of kinetic energy from the smaller dia bullet on impact with the animal. While it would kill the animal I tend to think the animals would run alot futher after being hit. At 50yds the energy would be about the same as a 25-06 at 500yds. You would want the bullet to be in the heart and lungs for sure. It has the power to do it.

RE: CALIBER 30 CARBINE
 

It's all in the shot placement

RE: CALIBER 30 CARBINE
 

At close range, yes. If I was looking into a carbine Id use a 44. My niece has taken many deer with hers.

RE: CALIBER 30 CARBINE
 

Doesnt Ruger make the Deer Field Carbine .44?

RE: CALIBER 30 CARBINE
 

Yes, they dropped it like a 'bad habit' after almost 40 years of service through WWII to Korea and through Vietnam, with many private purchases for it today still within the military.