30-30 bullet ballistics

huntandhook

huntandhook

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I recently inherited a pre '64 Winchester model 94. This is the first rifle I have ever owned other than a .22 Ruger I got when I was 16. Anyways I was wondering what advantages/disadvantages there are to the various bullet styles they chamber for this calibre. I bought a box of 170 gr flatnose and a box of 150 gr roundnose. What are the differences between the two? I might want to use this rifle for Island Black Bear or the occasional black-tail deer. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

H&H
 
Some rifles will shoot one weight or style of bullet more accurately,try them both in your rifle and see what it likes best then use that one.Both will kill a black bear or deer.
 
There's also another type of ammunition for 30-30, leverution??? lever+evolution= the name I'm thinking of!:redface: They are pointed for better long range performance (but have a rubber or polymer tip) and won't set off a chain reaction in the tube magazine. I've been meaning to try these. Food for thought.
 
You can try all these there are also silvertip ammo for this whicch has a harder nose. But as one of the other members mentioned each gun will perform different with different types of ammo. Trial by fire is the best solution. :)
 
Try both 150 grain and 170 grain offerings to see which your 94 shoots best. If your levergun shoots both well - that is, with groups 2 inches and under at 100 yards, go with the 170 grain bullets.

As to brand, Hornady 150 and 170 gr bullets, Speer 150 and 170 grain bullets, Nosler 170 gr partition flat nose, and Barnes 150 gr 30/30 TSX would be good to consider - most should be available as commercial factory loadings, but if not, you may want to try reloading to get the best out of your 94. There are other brands I haven't mentioned, but the ones I have are the ones I am familiar with.
 
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like others have said, see what shoots best. either should work well, they have had over 100 years to figure it out.
 
Thanks for all the replies and help. I am planning to try different loads and weights and bullet styles in my gun to see what shoots best. I have a friend that will reload for me ( I just need to shoot enough factory loads to get the brass) I 'm sure I can figure out a load that will shoot accurately enough for hunting. My biggest concern is regarding the bullet style that will give me the best chance at a clean kill. What is the difference in a round nose , flat nose or hollow point in terms of expansion, retained weight, and most importantly killing potential?
 
Shootshellz said:
For bear and deer I would choose the 170 grain load and skip the 150 grain load.
Click to expand...

That was another thing I was confused about. I looked at the ballistic specs on the two boxes of ammo I bought. They were a federal power shock 150 gr and power shock 170 gr. The 150gr was listed at 2390 fps while the 170gr was listed at 2200fps. This was expectable due to the difference in bullet weights. However, both loads have a retained energy of 1355fps and 1360 fps at 100 yds respectively. So it seems to me that the lighter bullet would be just as effective as the 170gr, with a flatter trajectory?
 
my advice...... 150gr for the blacktails and 170gr for the black bears. I hunt with a retired fellow here on the b.c. coast and for blacktail and coastal black bear that's what he's carried all his hunting life.
 
If it growls, then it takes 170 grain pills for a headache. If it prances, then 150 grain slippers will do the trick.
You dont want a 150 grainer breaking into pieces on a black bears shoulder
and realizing that you should have used a bigger bullet. The 170 gr bullet is tougher and can withstand more abuse on bone deflection. Just practice enough with both, and make sure you learn the drop for each weight and adjust when you and the bear are both looking at each other.
 
sgt.rock said:
If it growls, then it takes 170 grain pills for a headache. If it prances, then 150 grain slippers will do the trick.
You dont want a 150 grainer breaking into pieces on a black bears shoulder
and realizing that you should have used a bigger bullet. The 170 gr bullet is tougher and can withstand more abuse on bone deflection. Just practice enough with both, and make sure you learn the drop for each weight and adjust when you and the bear are both looking at each other.
Click to expand...

:D X 2

I always use the heavier loads when hunting
 
Winchester factory ammo is just fine too. The Silvertips are good as they can be loaded/unloaded many times without deforming the soft exposed lead tip.

My Marlin prefers 150gr reloads. If you're going to get a buddy to reload for you, brass is readily available and it's inexpensive - this way you don't have to buy more expensive factory ammo just to 'make brass'.

Congrats on your new acquisition!
 
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