Just wondered how prevalent that is. Any of you use a 30-30?

Yes, thousands of people across America use the venerable dirty 30 for deer every year. I'm looking to get another one, myself.

I don't. Interestingly enough none of the 20 or so other guys that I hunt with regularly these days use a 30-30 Win. I know for a fact that several of us .... our first "deer rifle" was a Win. 94 or Marlin 336 in 30-30 Win. Thinking about it, I know of only two guys that still use a 30-30 Win.

Why did they stop using it?

Because a turty turty is kinda like ridin a moped or gettin it on with a fat chick... They are fun "in use" & get the job done but you just don't want any of your buds to find out about it!!!

I used mine for years and when in close quarters I still do.Why did I stop,got more money and wanted to shoot further.

30-30 is a great deer gun. Every body is SO caught up in the magnum calibers its ridiculous. They think that higher power rifles will make up for there inadequate range time or accuracy. 30-30's have been used for ever and are great beaters that get the job done. plus lever guns look sick anyway.

I use a 30-30 ackley improved barrel on my contender with 125gr nosler ballistic tips, does that count?

The 30-30 has proved its worth time & time again.No,don't have one.Many friends do.Want one.Get some 140 gr. GMX and let it rip.(Or consider the option) Enjoy!

I carry a .30-30 pretty much every year. I also carry a .44 mag lever, a .243, a 7.62X54 Nagant, and a .30-06. I've got deer with all except for the Nagant. And they were all just as dead. I enjoy carrying the levers, and am currently looking for a .357/.38 lever to carry. When I get serious about shooting a deer I usually have my .30-06. But just for an enjoyable day in the woods, I will typically grab a lever action.
-Jake