30.30 VS 7.62 x 39

I love it when people start stating random muzzle velocities, and don't include what barrel length and action it was fired from.

There is an infinite number of possibilities to that, since every rifle shoots a bit differently even within the same brand/model. So yes people generalize some figures. And they are usually not that far off, not enough to make a real difference anyways.
 
There is an infinite number of possibilities to that, since every rifle shoots a bit differently even within the same brand/model. So yes people generalize some figures. And they are usually not that far off, not enough to make a real difference anyways.

These chamberings are pretty close, so any difference is a real difference.
 
What's acceptable to do then? I'm not sure what you mean..

Easy. Compare these two very similar chamberings in firearms with the same barrel length and action type.

In the end I think 30-30 would still have an edge, just not as much as some are saying it does.

What I mean is, these chamberings are quite close to each other, so even 100 fps is a large percentage change in the difference between them. A few inches of barrel and going from semi to manual action can make such a difference.
 
Last edited:
I know you all are comparing calibers, in relation to Deer hunting and as most have said both are similar with the 30. 30. having a clear edge, but for deer,,, obviously either one is quite adequate. As a side note I just got back from a road trip to NY city and of course on the way back, stopped in at the Kittery Trading post in Maine! Cool spot, there was a stuffed moose there,, huge massive animal, shot in 2007, by a 13 year old girl, with a 30. 30.!
 
"...the 30.30 VS the 7.62 x 39..." Apples and oranges. The only comparison is their respective velocities are close. However, when talking.30-30, it's about a 170 grain bullet vs a 123 or 125. Plus the rifles are in no way even close to equal in accuracy. Even the sights on a Win 94 are better than any sights on any milsurp 7.62 x 39.
"...2 shots vs. 1 shot..." You should only need one.
"...Aren't the V max's varmit bullets?..." Yep and as such are totally unsuitable for deer sized game.
 
Leverevolution ammo has changed everything. It has made the 30-30 twice the cartridge the x 39 is

"The Hornaday LeverEvolution ammo for the 30-30 claims the following velocity / energy from a 24" barrel with a 160 grain.
Muzzle 2400/2046
100 yards 2150/1643
200 yards 1916/1304
300 yards 1699/1025

So, it maintains 1000 ft/lbs at 300 yards. I am not aware of any 7.62x39 loads that can do that. "


Easy. Compare these two very similar chamberings in firearms with the same barrel length and action type.

In the end I think 30-30 would still have an edge, just not as much as some are saying it does.

What I mean is, these chamberings are quite close to each other, so even 100 fps is a large percentage change in the difference between them. A few inches of barrel and going from semi to manual action can make such a difference.
 
Last edited:
I agree, the Leverevolution ammo has added some potency, the only thing is that they use 24" test barrels. I know that there are .30-30's out there that have 24" barrels, but the vast majority are in the 20" range and will see lower velocities than Hornady lists. I think ammo manufacturers try to dupe us with magic numbers like that all too often instead of looking at the vast majority of guns chambered for the cartridge and using applicable test barrels. That being said, the Hornady ammo is still good stuff and it is my choice for hunting ammo for the time being.
 
So do they make these leverevolution magic bullets for in 7.62x39?

Nope. Hornady does make 7.62x39 with a 123 grain SST tipped bullet that should improve the ballistics a bit. I think to really make a difference with the 7.62x39, Hornady should develop a load with a 150 grain SST. That would significantly improve downrange performance. Especially if they utilize their superformance powders to improve the velocity a bit.
 
Nope. Hornady does make 7.62x39 with a 123 grain SST tipped bullet that should improve the ballistics a bit. I think to really make a difference with the 7.62x39, Hornady should develop a load with a 150 grain SST. That would significantly improve downrange performance. Especially if they utilize their superformance powders to improve the velocity a bit.
Thanks, yea just checked their website, it would be nice if they developed something with a bit more punch however for now I will use what we have, I want to use the sks's for more than just plinking at the range and do believe it is quite capable of a very humane kill at the distances we hunt around here! For me with iron sights I wouldn't try a shot past 100 yards,, old eyes! Anyone got any suggestions between prvi/s&b etc?
 
Nope. Hornady does make 7.62x39 with a 123 grain SST tipped bullet that should improve the ballistics a bit. I think to really make a difference with the 7.62x39, Hornady should develop a load with a 150 grain SST. That would significantly improve downrange performance. Especially if they utilize their superformance powders to improve the velocity a bit.

I would love to see them add this as well!! Hopefully with all of the new SKS users out there now, they will consider making some improved hunting rounds for the 7.62X39 soon!
 
So do they make these leverevolution magic bullets for in 7.62x39?

Not magic. The soft cushy tip just allows you to use pointy bullets in a tube magazine. That's the only significant difference. Traditional 30-30 ammo, for example, comes in flat or roundnose. When spitzer style bullets came along it the late 1800's they found you could get a chain detonation of the ammo in the tube magazine because the bullet points rest on the primer of the round ahead of it. This is why the Savage 1899 and Winchester 1895 were developed, so you could use the fancy new pointy bullets in a lever action.
The lever revolution ammo's big advantage over traditional rounds is simply aerodynamics. Less drag, therefore a flatter trajectory. Your 7.62x39 has a box magazine and already uses modern aerodynamic ammunition. Therefore, no advantage for SKS.
 
So do they make these leverevolution magic bullets for in 7.62x39?

The main innovation in leverevolution is the deformable tips. It lets you use a pointy bullet in a tubular magazine without the sharp tip firing off the bullet in front of it under recoil. It gives the 30-30 bullets an improved ballistic coefficient over the round-nose, so they retain more energy down range. Hornady does I think use some special sauce in the powder on these too, but that isn't the main attraction. It doesn't fundamentally change the cartridge or anything, just lets you maintain your velocity a little bit better.

These bullets are no help in 7.62x39; it has always used spitzer bullets. It does bring some parity between the two cartridges on the BC front, but that is about it. The high muzzle velocity is (mostly) due to Hornady measuring it out of a 24" barrel plus the fact that they historically report a little high anyway.
 
As far as suggestions for PRVI and S&B, etc., I have shot deer with the PRVI 123 grain soft points and it has been bang-flop. Seem to be very good loads.
 
I don't think that the x39 is strictly a 100 yard gun. I have gotten bang flops at well over 100 yards. Don't get me wrong, I still believe the .30-30 is a more versatile hunting cartridge and is making an incredible comeback (not that it was ever out of the game) with some of the new ammo out there. I just think the x39 would also benefit with some ammo innovation too.
 
Back
Top Bottom