Is there much value in buying a 30-30 if I already own a 45-70?

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Northern Shooter

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If I currently hunt deer, bear and moose with a 45-70 lever, is there much value, or any benefits to picking up a 30-30 for the same task? Other than just owning a 30-30 for nostalgia's sake, I don't see it presenting any ballistics advantages over my 45-70.

Both are mostly used as "brush guns" where shots are typically taken well under 200m, typically less than 100m.

I hunt with Hornady Leverrevolution 325grain 45-70 cartridges so I am using that in my comparison.

Muzzle Energy: 3,032 ft-lbs
100 yard energy: 2,158 ft-lbs
200 yard energy: 1,516 ft-lbs
300 yard energy: 1,083 ft-lbs

Hornady Leverevolution 160 grain 30-30

Muzzle Energy: 2,046 ft-lbs
100 yard energy: 1,643 ft-lbs
200 yard energy: 1,304 ft-lbs
300 yard energy: 1,025 ft-lbs

So looking at these numbers the 45-70 has the 30-30 beat to 300 yards but is dropping off at a quicker rate than 30-30 and i'm sure by 400 yards the 30-30 is producing more energy, however no one is hunting with either of these cartridges out to those distances.

What are the benefits (if any) of hunting with a 30-30 vs a 45-70 inside 200 yards? Cost per round is the only thing I'm seeing as 30-30 costs closer to $2/round vs $3/round for 45-70.
 
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30-30 shoots a little flatter compared to more traditional 45/70 loads. Remember that when the 30-30 was introduced people thought it was like a laser beam flat (not that anyone knew what a laser was then) :)

But for your purposes I don't see the need, unless 30-30 is more fun to practice with and ammo is less expensive and that is an actual consideration.
 
Raton57 said:
Real gun owners don't need reasons to own more guns. 30-30 s everyone should have one or 2 or three.
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That's the answer I came in expecting to hear. In an ideal world I would love to own firearms in every cartridge available, but financial constraints means that I need to fine tune the collection to get the most bang for my buck with cartridge selection.

I try and have minimal overlap between my various cartridges since feeding all of these centrefires options adds up.

I do however enjoy my lever guns and own a .357 as well for lighter duty and plinking. I'm toying with the idea of adding a third but wasn't sure which would give the most added benefit. I'm considering 30-30, .44 Mag etc.
 
I used to have 2 45-70's
a lever and a double rifle.
Sold them both for the heavy recoil.
Now i have 2 levers, a win 94 and a marlin 336 with a scope.
I don't miss my 45-70's at all.
 
I have a Winchester 30-30 carbine and just about enuf parts for a 30-30 long barreled rifle.
There's no doubt the 1895 Marlin in various carbines is most likely the best wilderness companion in Canadian forests.

However, I value my range time with my 458x2 wildcat.
So just for myself, I prefer a more in line stock, room for recoil reducer, optics friendly and very easy cleaning & maintenance.
FN Mauser action ticks all these boxes, for me.
If I had the inclination, I would also own a 45-70 Marlin trapper/carbine.
Right now, I just don't.
 
Gatehouse said:
30-30 shoots a little flatter compared to more traditional 45/70 loads. Remember that when the 30-30 was introduced people thought it was like a laser beam flat (not that anyone knew what a laser was then) :)

But for your purposes I don't see the need, unless 30-30 is more fun to practice with and ammo is less expensive and that is an actual consideration.
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I agree with every part of this. The 30-30 is usually a bit lighter to carry, too.

30-30 is an interesting cartridge, but if you want something that will give you real variety in your hunting, other cartridges have more to offer. If you're stuck on levers, I'd consider an 1892 action in your choice of revolver cartridges, for example. Or a BLR in 243. Or...
 
30-30 has a ballistic advantage for sure. Lighter recoil, lighter rifle (eg ‘94 vs ‘86), easier to find ammo in a pinch, cheaper ammo, less meat damage, etc etc. having said all that, I never use my 30-30, but use the 45-70 and 38-55 all the time. In the brush I find they perform better at close range (like under 50yds), which is where most shots are in my neck of the woods.
 
Northern Shooter said:
If I currently hunt deer, bear and moose with a 45-70 lever, is there much value, or any benefits to picking up a 30-30 for the same task? Other than just owning a 30-30 for nostalgia's sake, I don't see it presenting any ballistics advantages over my 45-70.

Both are mostly used as "brush guns" where shots are typically taken well under 200m, typically less than 100m.

I hunt with Hornady Leverrevolution 325grain 45-70 cartridges so I am using that in my comparison.

Muzzle Energy: 3,032 ft-lbs
100 yard energy: 2,158 ft-lbs
200 yard energy: 1,516 ft-lbs
300 yard energy: 1,083 ft-lbs

Hornady Leverevolution 160 grain 30-30

Muzzle Energy: 2,046 ft-lbs
100 yard energy: 1,643 ft-lbs
200 yard energy: 1,304 ft-lbs
300 yard energy: 1,025 ft-lbs

So looking at these numbers the 45-70 has the 30-30 beat to 300 yards but is dropping off at a quicker rate than 30-30 and i'm sure by 400 yards the 30-30 is producing more energy, however no one is hunting with either of these cartridges out to those distances.

What are the benefits (if any) of hunting with a 30-30 vs a 45-70 inside 200 yards? Cost per round is the only thing I'm seeing as 30-30 costs closer to $2/round vs $3/round for 45-70.
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I know someone who had some 3030 rifles . I was sleeping at the wheel and should have bought one off him . that was then this is now . he uses a 45.70 in 2 platforms . a Marlin and a Browning single shot. learn to reload . you can shoot stuff with the 4570 that you wouldn't even consider shooting with a 3030. if it has the Ballard rifling you can shoot big heavy cast bullets with gas checks on the bottom . If I had a choice between those 2 rifles I'd choose a 4570 and down load for deer and full charge for the other stuff. if you want a 3030 to have around go for it . but you said financial constraints somewhat prevent you from doin so then I'd stick with the 4570.

my buddy said he never has to worry about a deer running away shooting it with a 4570 . bang flop. wait till things get better or source things out and reload for the 4570 . good luck in your choice.
 
Canuck65 said:
30-30 has a ballistic advantage for sure. Lighter recoil, lighter rifle (eg ‘94 vs ‘86), easier to find ammo in a pinch, cheaper ammo, less meat damage, etc etc. having said all that, I never use my 30-30, but use the 45-70 and 38-55 all the time. In the brush I find they perform better at close range (like under 50yds), which is where most shots are in my neck of the woods.
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This has me thinking to consider the other cartridges that come in 336/1894's like like 38-55, 35 Remington or the new 360 Buckhammer.

I'm not familiar with the 38-55, it was the predecessor to the 30-30? The ballistics isn't looking like it's a heavy hitter.
 
Northern Shooter said:
...I'm not familiar with the 38-55, it was the predecessor to the 30-30? The ballistics isn't looking like it's a heavy hitter.
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Parent case for the 30-30, designed around 1875. For blackpowder of course.

If you're looking for ballistic advantage, why not consider a cartridge that was designed sometime within the last 100 years?
 
Because T-Rex hunting!! :eek:

Seriously, I love reloading for the 45-70!! There are just so many options for having some fun at the reloading bench and then the shooting bench at the gun club!

I have had and hunted many 336 rifles, but I keep thinking about being ambushed by a TRex!! :evil:

I’m over 60 now and yeah, the recoil is getting to be a bit much, but a cast lead 340 grain boooolit / Alox’ed up and launching at around 1200 fps sure is a pile of fun!!

Buy what works for you and your budget and your ego, and your manliness and your cool factor, and your carrying factor, and your fondle factor, and buy one just because!! Ha ha ha aha :evil:

Cheers , all!! :wave:
 
I would't get too hung up with energy numbers, especially with the 45-70. The numbers will lead you to believe it is a weak round, it is anything but...

Definitely get a 30-30 if you want one, but more importantly, get a simple reloading setup. It will pay for itself with the first 100 rounds loaded, but more importantly it opens up so many options, especially with the 45-70. You may not actually save money though, because you will shoot so much more!
 
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