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30-30 is dust in the wind

SilverkingSilverking Member Posts: 331 ✭✭✭
edited May 2006 in General Discussion
I hate it too. It was the first deer rifle I ever had and the first rifle I ever killed a whitetail with.

But it is over. Too much better stuff out there and a cheaper SKS is a better all around gun.

Comments

  • spryorspryor Member Posts: 9,155
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Silverking
    I hate it too. It was the first deer rifle I ever had and the first rifle I ever killed a whitetail with.

    But it is over. Too much better stuff out there and a cheaper SKS is a better all around gun.


    But still nice having one, if for nothing more than nostalgia' sake.
  • DancesWithSheepDancesWithSheep Member Posts: 12,938 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Silverking
    Too much better stuff out there...

    Like what?
  • SilverkingSilverking Member Posts: 331 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by DancesWithSheep
    quote:Originally posted by Silverking
    Too much better stuff out there...

    Like what?


    .308
  • dclocodcloco Member Posts: 2,967
    edited November -1
    No so fast batman....

    Have you tried the LeveRolution ammo? Definitely put this old caliber to a 300 yard cartridge with open sights. Kind of amazing actually. (along with every other caliber built on alever/tube feed gun)
  • One shotOne shot Member Posts: 1,027
    edited November -1
    Silverking: Since when? Man, if that isn't a stretch of the imagination.
  • DancesWithSheepDancesWithSheep Member Posts: 12,938 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Silverking
    quote:Originally posted by DancesWithSheep
    quote:Originally posted by Silverking
    Too much better stuff out there...

    Like what?


    .308

    I think it is the fashion of hunters and not the cartridge that dictates what is "better stuff". All those millions of deer killed with the 30-30 or the 44-40 before that are laughing behind our backs. Out to 150 yards, "better stuff" is meaningless, else you can't hit crap anyway. Beyond 150 yards, I can think of cartridges older and better for the job that the .308 ( the .30-06 and even .300H&H come to mind). Perhaps what you mean to say is that there is "better stuff" for a scoped bolt action beyond 150 yards. That is certainly true, but it certainly does not mean the 30-30 is "dust in the wind".
  • Flyin_PaulieFlyin_Paulie Member Posts: 857 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If you are "horseback" the ol' lever action 94 in a scabbard would be my choice. Easy to carry and reliable.[:)]
  • fivefivesixfivefivesix Member Posts: 342 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I disagree with the SKS being a better choice. For a hunting application that requires sitting in a blind and the possibility of longer shots, I can see the SKS having an advantage there. But when it comes to stalking, which is the main reason I use my Winchester 94, the 94 is easier to handle in thick brush, faster to bring up to my shoulder and aim, and I have absolute faith that what I aim at will be hit, even if I am shooting through the brush. I'm just not sure I'll be trading in my 94 just yet.
  • COLTCOLT Member Posts: 12,637 ******
    edited November -1
    ...I'll take my 336 lever for easy to carry in the bush, and out to 100-125 yds....and maybe further when I get/try some of that pointy ammo...[:D]






    ani-texas-flag.gif
  • KSUmarksmanKSUmarksman Member Posts: 10,705 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    while there are many calibers which are more powerful and accurate at range, the 30-30 is hardly "dust in the wind"

    I like my 94 immensly, to quote Slim Pickens' character from 1941 "got me a winchester, goldurn level action, shoots like hellfire" [:D]
  • plains scoutplains scout Member Posts: 4,563
    edited November -1
    Distance and accurracy arguments aside -- I have never killed a deer with a 30-30 as I have never hunted with one, but millions of deer have found their way into freezers via the 30-30

    It is not the size or speed of the bullet -- it is all about knowing the cartride's limitations, your limitations and placing the shot where it belongs.

    A deer has never out run a bullet.

    The ft lbs. or energy is important at long distances. You have to deliver energy enough to take the animal down, but placing the shot is still the key.

    Easier to place a shot with a .308, 25-06, etc. but never sell a 30-30 short in the hands of a skilled hunter and an experienced 30-30 shooter. My brother killed many deer with a 30-30.

    SKS? Better? oh boy. There you go with that jungle mentality again.[}:)]
  • KYfatboyKYfatboy Member Posts: 859 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The 30 30 is still the king of the brush guns. They still feel good in the hand, and still will knock A deer in the dirt. Go for all the fancy calibers you want to, its your choice. I'll take the old marlin any day.
  • DancesWithSheepDancesWithSheep Member Posts: 12,938 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by plains scout
    SKS? Better? oh boy. There you go with that jungle mentality again.

    The think the 30-30 is better for deer, but the SKS is better for deer hunters. I could be Hmong, but I don't think so.
  • plains scoutplains scout Member Posts: 4,563
    edited November -1
    quote:I could be Hmong, but I don't think so

    Sometimes DWS you crack me up. Good un!

    [:D]
  • JesseLeeJesseLee Member Posts: 1,032 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I personally like my 94 and the ammo. Several years ago I found a pre-64 in a pawnshop for $129 dollars, I did not leave the store without it. I also picked up a second 94 from a police auction for for $33 dollars and have no reason to give either of them up. Even if I never shoot them again; they are great rifles and always will be.
  • jimkanejimkane Member Posts: 1,534 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:The think the 30-30 is better for deer,

    better for deer as in better for their health?? just kidding, I've never owned a 30-30 but I hear a lot of good about them
  • CA sucksCA sucks Member Posts: 4,310
    edited November -1
    first centerfire rifle i shot was a 30-30, but I really dont see the appeal of them.
    Seems to me the 7.62x39 is balistically superior, detachable mags are superior, and the accuracy of an SKS and a regular 30-30 lever are about the same.
    I would have to say the SKS would probably be better in every aspect.
    But then Id also throw in a SOCOM II(short, more accurate, more powerfull, has a compensator for faster follow up shots etc) as being better in every aspect.... but that is definetly more than you need for deer hunting. DWS joke is applicable in this instance
  • leeblackmanleeblackman Member Posts: 5,303 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by CA sucks
    detachable mags are superior, and the accuracy of an SKS and a regular 30-30 lever are about the same.

    Why would detachable mags be superior? The .30-30win lever action rifle isn't really a tactical rifle, so why would you even consider that as a factor. Your talking two completely different type of rifles, totally straying from the original point of the post, the .30-30 cartridge. I don't think a dear will care how fast you can relaod... And I don't know what kinda SKS you've been shooting, but I haven't seen one yet that will group better than my Winchester 94.

    The 7.62x39 just doesn't have the versatility the .30-30win has. There are so many factory cartridges and a huge range of reloading components for the .30-30win. Everything from .22cal sabots to 220gr RN. I just don't see how the 7.62x39 can be a superior cartridge. I think there is pretty much only two or three actual game loads commercially produced for it anyway.
  • leeblackmanleeblackman Member Posts: 5,303 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    DWS, you are so right, lol
  • Bert H.Bert H. Member Posts: 11,281 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by CA sucks
    first centerfire rifle i shot was a 30-30, but I really dont see the appeal of them.
    Seems to me the 7.62x39 is balistically superior, detachable mags are superior, and the accuracy of an SKS and a regular 30-30 lever are about the same.
    I would have to say the SKS would probably be better in every aspect.
    But then Id also throw in a SOCOM II(short, more accurate, more powerfull, has a compensator for faster follow up shots etc) as being better in every aspect.... but that is definetly more than you need for deer hunting. DWS joke is applicable in this instance


    Your statements above just prove how little you really know about either cartridge. The 30-30 Win is far superior to the 7.62x39 in every aspect. But since you won't believe me without the facts, here goes;

    30-30 Factory load: 170 grain jacketed soft point bullet, muzzle velocity = 2200 fps, muzzle energy = 1827 fpe

    7.62x39 Factory load: (Winchester) 123 grain jacketed bullet, muzzle velocity = 2365 fps, muzzle energy = 1527 (which is 300 fpe less than the 30-30 Win).

    At 100 yards, the 170 grain 30-30 retains considerably more velocity and energy than the lighter 123 grain 7.62x39 does.

    When the 30-30 Win is factory loaded with a 150 grain bullet, it generates 2390 fps and 1902 fpe.

    The 7.62x39 with a 150 grain bullet is only capable of generating 2100 fps and 1469 fpe.

    Now, to the casual observer, I would say that it is quite clear that the 30-30 Win is the far superior cartridge.

    As for the accuracy question, when have you ever seen an SKS shoot a sub 1" 3-shot group at 100 yards? My 1906 vintage Model 1894 Takedown Rifle does it with ease.

    JBPTJ-WinModel1894TD30WCF.jpg

    WACA Historian & Life Member

  • nyforesternyforester Member Posts: 2,575 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have been using a 336 Marlin chambered in .30-.30 for decades. It has been carried all over the northern woods of New York. For the last 20 years I have loaded it with Sierra 150 gr. spitzers. I only put one in the chamber and one in the tube (2 shooter). I have never needed more than 2. It has been very effective on deer and several black bear. Its all about being patient and shot placement.I also have several other larger rifles, but always take the Marlin out for several walks a year.
    Abort Cuomo
  • Warpig883Warpig883 Member Posts: 6,459
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by DancesWithSheep
    quote:Originally posted by Silverking
    quote:Originally posted by DancesWithSheep
    quote:Originally posted by Silverking
    Too much better stuff out there...

    Like what?


    .308

    I think it is the fashion of hunters and not the cartridge that dictates what is "better stuff". All those millions of deer killed with the 30-30 or the 44-40 before that are laughing behind our backs. Out to 150 yards, "better stuff" is meaningless, else you can't hit crap anyway. Beyond 150 yards, I can think of cartridges older and better for the job that the .308 ( the .30-06 and even .300H&H come to mind). Perhaps what you mean to say is that there is "better stuff" for a scoped bolt action beyond 150 yards. That is certainly true, but it certainly does not mean the 30-30 is "dust in the wind".



    The fashion of hunters based on what the magazine writers tell them.
  • Daddie_TomDaddie_Tom Member Posts: 824 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    More deer are taken in Michigan with a 30.30 than any other cartridge. Plus I have found 30.30 ammo in supermarkets,7-11 even at a clothing store.
  • bigdaddyjuniorbigdaddyjunior Member Posts: 11,233
    edited November -1
    First rifle I ever owned and learned to shoot well was the Marlin 30-30. First rifle round I ever loaded for was the 30-30. For a long time it was the only rifle I had. Had no trouble hitting 2 liter water bottles out to 175 yds with the iron sites. Probably could have done better but I can't see a 2 liter bottle past 175 yds. Nothing I ever shot with that gun ever complained about the stopping power of the 30-30.Besides lever guns being the coolest of hunting rifles and much more reliable than any semi auto in the woods and muck, I know it will never be obsolete because I will never stop using it.Plus they are faster than a bolt gun and generally much handier on the go without worrying about "did I push the safety?" "did I knock my scope out of whack rolling down that hill?"
  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    SilverKing you are 100% correct. You can send me that .30-30 you don't want anymore, because I like mine just fine.

    I also like Kansas, so I did appreciate your turn of phrase, even though your premise is silly.
  • nards444nards444 Member Posts: 3,994 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    In the great state of Michigan the 30-30 takes the most deer a year. I beleive Michigan has the most hunters in the nation or something at over a million. So dust in the wind, I think not. Most deer are killed at 50 yards anyway, so it dont matter what bullet your using at this range. What are you going to say next the 30-06 is gone as well? This guy is just trying to start a thread. And to CA Sucks. Do you actually have a SKS. I do i know its not as accurate as my marlin 30-30. And detachable mags, Unless you get something beyond the standard 10rd thats irrelevant. And reloading mags in the SKS is not as simpled as most guns either.


    Interesting note: On opening day in Michigan, Michigan has a armed force thats top 10 in the world.
  • scottm21166scottm21166 Member Posts: 20,723
    edited November -1
    the winchester is an assault weapon. If you make fun of it, expect to be assaulted[:D]
  • NighthawkNighthawk Member Posts: 12,022 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I still feel 100% confident that I could take either of mine and kill any Deer in the woods of Va. just as easy as I could my 7MM Mag or 30/06. Inside 200yrds its always worked for me, we dont have alot of places where you can shoot further than that unless your hunting fields. Ive never lost one to a 30-30 before.
  • anderskandersk Member Posts: 3,627 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    "Dust in the wind" ... I don't think so! A lot of us are still just fine with our old 30-30's. And for a little more punch and scope mounting, I'm sticking with my Winchester Model 94AE in .356 Calibre. I do wish the .356 ammo wasn't so pricy!
  • Daddie_TomDaddie_Tom Member Posts: 824 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    This is the same reaction we get at deer camp. The 30-30 will be around for a VERY long time. Also November 15th in Michigan is the only day you can hear the sunrise!!
  • mrseatlemrseatle Member Posts: 15,467 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I still get nervous putting those pointy rounds in end to end in the tube magazine. I know they're supposed to tilt up a little but you never know.
  • Daddie_TomDaddie_Tom Member Posts: 824 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I only buy round nose ammo just for that reason. But I have never heard of any mishaps. Has anyone else?
  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have not had a chance to shoot the leverrevs yet, but did run some though the tube and they work just fine.
  • 11BravoCrunchie11BravoCrunchie Member Posts: 33,423 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    As much as I love my $2600 modified Springfield M1A SOCOM 16 and my Savage 111C 30-06 bolt action, I honestly miss my Winchester 94. That was a very nice gun, but I traded it for my Savage. The Savage is a much better deer gun, but there's nothing like a 94 30-30 to teach people how to shoot a rifle. I plan on having kids someday, and I plan on teaching them about guns, and why they're good to have around. I wouldn't dream of putting a 30-06 in the hands of a kid in 6th or 7th grade and expect them to be able to want to fire more than 1 shot before being too injured by the recoil to not want anything to do with guns ever again.

    Trust me on this one...after about 4 months straight of only shooting an M16A2, I went home on leave and grabbed my 06 to throw a couple rounds downrange. The first shot would have knocked me off my feet if I hadn't been in the prone because I had grown accustom to the almost nonexistant recoil of my M16. Granted, I adjusted quickly, but my shoulder was still black and blue a week later. I think I fired about 20 150gr. rounds in less than a half hour that day. Probibly didn't help any that I used up my 12 ga turkey loads later that same day, but it was fun.

    Keep your 30-30s. It's a great brush gun. If you hunt somewhere that you need a longer reach, then grab your .308s or 30-06s, or if you're one of the new school bunch, your .300 Mag.
  • fivefivesixfivefivesix Member Posts: 342 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Just out of curiosity, how did the SA SOCOM 16 get thrown in to these comparisons? I can't imagine trying to stalk a deer in south Texas brush with that much weight on me. I only use my 308 for 200 yard shots and farther. However, if there is someone who uses their SOCOM 16 in the brush, I salute you, I would be too tired after hauling that thing around and getting torn up by mesquite and cactus.
  • 9mmsmith9mmsmith Member Posts: 62 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    30-30 is one of the most popular calibers there is, because it works. There have been more White Tails killed with it any other I would think. I bought my Son a Marlin for Christmas in 2004 and the youth season in Ky in 2005 with his first shot at a live target dropped a Deer at about 80 Yards. It was a Buck, only a spike but we were both proud!
  • plains scoutplains scout Member Posts: 4,563
    edited November -1
    quote: Its all about being patient and shot placement.

    Bingo!
  • hughbetchahughbetcha Member Posts: 7,801 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The SKS is too heavy to lug around the woods. Lever action carbines are light and fast handling. Why not make a lever action carbine in 7.62 X 39? Call it the 30-30 Russian. have to use round nose bullets
  • anderskandersk Member Posts: 3,627 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Actually, it sure seems to me that round nose bullets are not a problem for the distances that 30 - 30's were made to shoot. Or .356 cal for that matter ... so says the woods hunter![^]
  • select-fireselect-fire Member Posts: 69,523 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Zulu7
    As much as I love my $2600 modified Springfield M1A SOCOM 16 and my Savage 111C 30-06 bolt action, I honestly miss my Winchester 94. That was a very nice gun, but I traded it for my Savage. The Savage is a much better deer gun, but there's nothing like a 94 30-30 to teach people how to shoot a rifle. I plan on having kids someday, and I plan on teaching them about guns, and why they're good to have around. I wouldn't dream of putting a 30-06 in the hands of a kid in 6th or 7th grade and expect them to be able to want to fire more than 1 shot before being too injured by the recoil to not want anything to do with guns ever again.

    Trust me on this one...after about 4 months straight of only shooting an M16A2, I went home on leave and grabbed my 06 to throw a couple rounds downrange. The first shot would have knocked me off my feet if I hadn't been in the prone because I had grown accustom to the almost nonexistant recoil of my M16. Granted, I adjusted quickly, but my shoulder was still black and blue a week later. I think I fired about 20 150gr. rounds in less than a half hour that day. Probibly didn't help any that I used up my 12 ga turkey loads later that same day, but it was fun.

    Keep your 30-30s. It's a great brush gun. If you hunt somewhere that you need a longer reach, then grab your .308s or 30-06s, or if you're one of the new school bunch, your .300 Mag.


    Well I guess I am lucky... I have Never shot a 30/30 or owned one. I started on a Model 70 Heavy barrel Winchester at age 10 in a 30/06 with a Unertl scope. It killed everything I shot at. Man was it heavy to carry..I wish I had that ol' gun back today. Dad sold it before he died.
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