30 Carbine Vrs. 357 Mag

KX500

I've decided to get a revolver that I can use for Deer in IL next year. Plan to convert a couiple of guns I never shoot into one I can hunt with, which brings up 3 questions.1) What is the approximate value of a Llama IX-C? This is the .45 ACP (19ll lookalike) with the 13 round clip. Fired 1 magazine through it - so basically new with box.2) What is the approximate value of a CZ model 52 rifle? 7.62 X 45 good cond.3) Compared to the 357 mag, is the 30 carbine OK for deer hunting? I like the Ruger Blackhawks and am considering one in 30 carbine. Ballistically, it looks like the 30 carbine should do a bit better than the 357 and be not real far from the 44 mag. I realize the 30 does it with a much lighter bullet, but what else am I missing? As I recall, my last experience with the 44 Mag wasn't really 'Fun'.

110

On the issue of the .30 carbine as a deer cartridge, I would not reccomend using it. The .357 is somewhat more suitible for deer, but I'd rather use a .41 mag or larger to effectively kill a deer up to 80 yards with a six inch barrel or longer. The .30 carbine is great for a varmit game cartridge at closer ranges. I have used a M-1 carbine to effectively take varmit animals, but I have heard that it lacks the stopping power to take a deer. I'm sure you could take a deer with the .30 carbine, but to take it cleanly with one shot at an access of 40 yards or greater would not be effective in my opinion. It's still is a great cartridge and is fun to shoot.

v35

While it is considered unsuitable and in some places illegal for deer,the 32-20 has taken many many deer since 1873. It's accuracy and low recoil make good shot placement easy and probably accounts for its' popularity. The 30 carbine, a takeoff on the .32WSL and 32-20, gives a 400fps speed increase over the old high speed version of the 32-20 to a slightly heavier bullet. When fired out of a long barreled pistol,the 30 Carbine should equal the velocity of the 32-20 high speed version shot from a rifle.The Hornady XTP .311,100gr bullet sized down to .308, has got to better the 32-20's best performance. In addition, it will be flatter shooting than the bigger bore pistol bullets.I have never read of the 30 Carbine's performance on deer sized animals with a proper expanding bullet and would like to hear of some actual events.

royc38

I have never shot a deer myself with a carbine but I know of some guys who have. The biggest thing I ever shot with a carbine was a 70-80 lb wild dog. I think the carbine is very underated. The way it dropped that dog I think it could have easily been a deer. The guys I know who have taken deer with the carbine usually are one shot drops. Average distance according to their stories were between 50-95 yards. So I don't know what it would do at longer ranges. I myself probably wouldn't take a shot past 100-120 yds max. For the record I would rather have my .308 but with my carbine I would try it on buck.

talon

Just looked at the IL pistol laws for Whitetails (for 2001 season): .30cal min, with shell not longer than 1.4", ME at least 500 fp, and no ball ammo.

v35

Royc38, That is the kind of performance I expected. With proper bullets it has to perform reasonably at least inside 100 yards.

gap1916

Balistly speking the .30 carbine in the rifle form is close to the .357. But thats where it ends. A 110 gr soft nose moving at 1800fps will kill a deer. Not my choice of deer gun. Many have taken deer at close range. ie under 100 yards. My 2 cents

v35

The 32-20 in its' original form travelled at a sizzling 1170 fps and was very popular for 35 years before the 1650 fps smokeless high velocity version came out.By dropping the bullet weight to the Hornady100 grain, you should be able to boost velocity 100fps and be in the realm of the 32-20 high speed loading. Light, but it should work with carefull placement.