30-30 what grain to use
#3
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location:
Posts: 3,516
RE: 30-30 what grain to use
I would use 125 gr. for varmints, any of the 150 gr. and 170 gr. for deer keeping your shots under 175 yds., and for elk sized game PMC 150 gr. Starfire HP or 170 gr. Nosler Partition keeping your shots under 125 yds. Good luck.
#5
RE: 30-30 what grain to use
I agree.... The Remington Core-Lokt 170gr is a great choice. Either that or the Winchester Silver Tip 170gr. Both are deadly on deer anywhere out to 100-150 yards. You have to experiment with a few boxes to see which "flavor" your 30-30 rifle likes.
Butch A.
Butch A.
#6
Join Date: May 2004
Location: SW Virginia
Posts: 776
RE: 30-30 what grain to use
It appears your rilfe is a Marlin 30-30, and I'm guessing you're talking about a bullet for
deer hunting application. As noted, best to try out a few different brands, and bullet weights to see what shoots best in your particular rifle. Look to the 150gr. or 170gr. for
deer hunting. My own preference is for the 170gr. as it has a little higher sectional density, and can generally be counted on for a little deeper penetration - maybe not a
whole lot of difference, but I'll take any advantage I can get.
An excellent load for me/my rifle (was also a Marlin 30-30) was the Remington 170gr.
Core-Lokt. Also, the Federal Premium 170gr. Nosler Partition load.
deer hunting application. As noted, best to try out a few different brands, and bullet weights to see what shoots best in your particular rifle. Look to the 150gr. or 170gr. for
deer hunting. My own preference is for the 170gr. as it has a little higher sectional density, and can generally be counted on for a little deeper penetration - maybe not a
whole lot of difference, but I'll take any advantage I can get.
An excellent load for me/my rifle (was also a Marlin 30-30) was the Remington 170gr.
Core-Lokt. Also, the Federal Premium 170gr. Nosler Partition load.
#7
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location:
Posts: 2,052
RE: 30-30 what grain to use
IMHO asking bullet weights for a 30-30 is akin to asking what octane fuel to put in a 4cyl engine. The differences (however small) wont be noticable in most cases. Sectional Density is likewise a moot piont with a "tutty tutty". The velocities and ranges concerned arent enough to merit their consideration.
Personally I would opt for the 170 simply because of the slightly deeper penetration its heavier weight would allow (at least in theory). I havent seen the exception yet, but if for some reason your gun printed 150s MUCH better than it did 170s I would then use the 150s.
Using a tirty tirty for "all around use" like varmints, target shooting and big game hunting is akin to using a 1 ton pickup for daily commutes, drag racing and road courses on the weekends!!!
There are MUCH better alternatives out there for such jobs.
RA
Personally I would opt for the 170 simply because of the slightly deeper penetration its heavier weight would allow (at least in theory). I havent seen the exception yet, but if for some reason your gun printed 150s MUCH better than it did 170s I would then use the 150s.
Using a tirty tirty for "all around use" like varmints, target shooting and big game hunting is akin to using a 1 ton pickup for daily commutes, drag racing and road courses on the weekends!!!
There are MUCH better alternatives out there for such jobs.
RA
#8
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 16
RE: 30-30 what grain to use
I USe the 150gr Nosler BAlistic tips when i had a 30/30 I Now just use a .243 for deer hunting, out to a range of 250 yards. Ive had them knock back 3 feet on inpact. A 100Gr sierra with 40 grains of IMR4350 has taken down deer, bore, and i have taken a Carabou out at 200 yards. Id never need a Big Cal gun, because the only thing i cant shoot with my low recoil .243 is a moose or a grizz. Plus having had 5 surgeries because of a broken back, I couldnt shoot one anyways lol.
Your 30/30 really doesnt have the velosity to hunt out more than 150 yards. and the drop is intense.
Harry
Your 30/30 really doesnt have the velosity to hunt out more than 150 yards. and the drop is intense.
Harry
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Ellerbe NC USA
Posts: 1,396
RE: 30-30 what grain to use
I use the 170 gr. corelok as well. It is a great gun for anything! Yotes, bobcats, and especially deer! The knockdown and penetration on a deer is amazing. I've never lost a deer using the 170's but did lose a few (that were found later) with the 150 gr. I wouldn't recommend it tho, for any small animal whose hide you are going to keep.