30-30 0r 44mag
- Thread starter mike t
- Start date
- Location
- Niagara Region, Ontario. For now
I prefer the 44 mag but I handload so possiblities are endless.
If I wasn't a reloader 30-30 would probably win.
Both will do the job just fine, but the 30-30 does give you some range over the .44 mag.
If I wasn't a reloader 30-30 would probably win.
Both will do the job just fine, but the 30-30 does give you some range over the .44 mag.
There is also the lead factor...
I like both, though figuring out your lead on running deer with the 44 is a bit more tricky than the 30-30, and takes some getting used to...The 30-30 has about 700fps on the 44 which doesn't sound like alot, but when you get a deer on the run @ 75 yds it does make a difference when it comes to lead...
I practice quite a bit on a running deer target @ 75 yds, and using the same aim point as the 30-30, the 44 hits some 3 inches back further...I find the lead required for a 44mag is identical to a 22 magnum. Good thing, because I used the 22mag for practice, because of the cost factor...
You are in a real bind because either would be a great choice. Nothing like hunting deer in the bush with a nice lever action. The .44 definitely chucks a bigger pill, but the .30-30 hammers it if you need to push the distance of your shot a bit once in a while. Either way, you will be good to go.
"The 30-30 has about 700fps on the 44 which doesn't sound like---"
Just a minute. A 44 magnum with full load, has over 300 fps more velocity when fired in a rifle, as compared to a revolver. This gives the rifle 44 a speed of 1800 fps, or very close to it.
You are going by the velocity of a 30-30 as being what they say it has been for the last 100 years, 2200 fps.
In reality, I'll be surprised if your 94 carbine gets an honest 2,000 fps. with 170 grain factory loads.
Just a minute. A 44 magnum with full load, has over 300 fps more velocity when fired in a rifle, as compared to a revolver. This gives the rifle 44 a speed of 1800 fps, or very close to it.
You are going by the velocity of a 30-30 as being what they say it has been for the last 100 years, 2200 fps.
In reality, I'll be surprised if your 94 carbine gets an honest 2,000 fps. with 170 grain factory loads.
I'm getting 2,220 ft/s out of my model 64!!
My ruger 44 @1710 fps,240 Honady with 25.0g of IMR 4227
44Mag-1760@muzzle,1380@100yds
30-30-2200@muzzle,1895@100yds.
The difference is big when it come to lead...6-8''@ 75yds on a deer at full run.I actually practiced on a running deer target alot, with lots of different cals..It is very hard to judge, and then you throw in different distances/running speed/bullet speed..6-8'' difference is alot!
30-30 @ 75yds this is about where I would hold lead on this buck...Not at a full run but still on the move! More lead for a 44...
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Had both. Both will do the deed on a deer. The 30-30's got a bit of an edge on range and speed. If shot potential is beyond 100 meters 30-30. Factory 30-30 is more available and cheap.
I also feel the 30-30 cycles a little smoother, especially if your comparing it to blunt 44 bullets.
The 44's cooler and makes a bigger hole.
I also feel the 30-30 cycles a little smoother, especially if your comparing it to blunt 44 bullets.
The 44's cooler and makes a bigger hole.
I'm having a little trouble with the logic of this one.
Let's see... in a 243, a 100 grain bullet is a well established and fantastic deer killer. It zips along at about 2,900 fps.
A 125 grain bullet (Federal factory load) in a 30-30 zips along at 2,570 with a tad more terminal energy than the 100 grainer and a heavy gong at 300 yards rings out loudly and swings from the impact.
To me it is a no brainer, the 30-30 is the better all around rifle. It will shoot those 100 and 125 grain pills accurately out to 300 yards (I know, I shoot them). The 150 grain bullets are getting up there in weight and one would be better suited to a 308. The 170's are akin to a 220 in a 30-06 or the 450's in a 45-70 (hard hitting at closer ranges, but more of a lobbing/guessing where it's gonna hit exercise at longer ranges).
Let's see... in a 243, a 100 grain bullet is a well established and fantastic deer killer. It zips along at about 2,900 fps.
A 125 grain bullet (Federal factory load) in a 30-30 zips along at 2,570 with a tad more terminal energy than the 100 grainer and a heavy gong at 300 yards rings out loudly and swings from the impact.
To me it is a no brainer, the 30-30 is the better all around rifle. It will shoot those 100 and 125 grain pills accurately out to 300 yards (I know, I shoot them). The 150 grain bullets are getting up there in weight and one would be better suited to a 308. The 170's are akin to a 220 in a 30-06 or the 450's in a 45-70 (hard hitting at closer ranges, but more of a lobbing/guessing where it's gonna hit exercise at longer ranges).
out of those rifle choices, I'd take the 94, I'm not a Marlin fan! either cal will do the job.
I can get 2100fps with my 30-30 cast 173gr gc loads. My 45LC is 1100fps. A 44 being much faster will definitely do the deed for you out to 100yds. The 30-30 is just the same with those ranges. Either or. Me I'd choose the pistol cartridge just because .
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Justin Black
Member
- Location
- Grande Prairie, Alberta
Both will work and the Deer will be dead regardless. But the .30-30 will give you some extra distance, and despite the fact that you say 100 yards max, long shots have a way of presenting themselves even in the thick stuff. I chase too chase woods Whitetails, and while most shots rarely exceed 50 yards, I have been presented with shots past 100 on more than one occasion. One time I even bagged a Doe at 210 (paced out after the shot, and shot was taken on a slight downhill along a small river). You just never know.
I'd do 30-30. I have both, but find that 30-30 has nice low recoil, pretty flat shooting within 100 meters, and has always done its job. The 44 mag packs a bigger punch at closer ranges, but I haven't found I needed it, and I find I prefer the 3030 at longer ranges, so don't really see the point. That said... I really like the 44 and am shooting it more and more. If we split hairs then I'd use the 3030, but you're pretty much set with either if you're comfortable with how it acts at various ranges.
