Weird comparo: .30-30 vs 7x57 under 200 yards.

[philthygeezer]

What are your thoughts? Are these classic cartridges pretty much the same game at short ranges? Lower recoil, comfy rifles and just enough to get the job done?

 

[rem338win]

No, the 7x57 has more horse power. 170gr vs 175gr the 7x57 would hit harder and penetrate significantly farther, giving you options.
That being said it it was deer broadside, the end result would be the same with both.

 

[1899]

I much prefer the 7x57. I shot a huge bull moose with one at about 200 yards using factory RWS ammo. A 175gr Partition out of a 7x57 will be moving as fast at 200 yards as a 170gr bullet out of the .30-30 at the muzzle. There really is no comparison - the 7x57 is a far superior big game round.

 

[ben hunchak]

I don't know if the 7X57 is "far superior" but shows better numbers for added distance over the 30/30, the 30/30 is usually available in shorter/lighter/handier rifles that are easier to carry/stow etc. The 7X57 is not loaded to it's full potential by the factory or in most reloading manuals, but can be loaded to rival the .270, .280, 7mm/08.

 

[lledwod]

The Mauser is closer to the .270 7mm-08 .308 class. My ruger 7x57 shoots 120 grn @ 3140, out of a 22" barrel, My 20" 7mm-08 won't match that. I havn't chronied heavier loads. I've hunted with both the 30-30 and the mauser and both are pretty under-rated these days!

 

[The Kurgan]

I don't know if the 7X57 is "far superior" but shows better numbers for added distance over the 30/30, the 30/30 is usually available in shorter/lighter/handier rifles that are easier to carry/stow etc. The 7X57 is not loaded to it's full potential by the factory or in most reloading manuals, but can be loaded to rival the .270, .280, 7mm/08.

The European factory ammo is quite hot. I like the Prvi and S&B stuff, alot!

 

[The Kurgan]

At 200 meters, the 7x57 has similar energy as the 30-06 and 308, using a similar grain bullet! There's no comparison to the 30-30. Short range, both cartridges will get the job done.

 

[BigUglyMan]

Easier to scope the 7x57 (generally - not many easily scoped 30-30s out there) and with an aging population and noobs that haven't grown up or put the time into learn how to use irons, this is important. Also more practical to use pointed bullets in the 7x57 than a tube fed lever (can be done but your 30-30 becomes a 2 round rifle - one up teh spout and one in the mag). More options for controlled expansion and premium .284 bullets thand 30-30 safe bullets (flat point or FTX).

As for shorter, handier rifles, I'll try to remember to post specs and pics of the Old Man's M98 7x57 and his M94. They're pretty comparable though I will admit that the 7x57 is a custom and that's a bit different froma post-64 M94 Carbine!

 

[Rory McCanuck]

I don't think either one is "just enough to get the job done".
Both will hit pretty hard out to 200 yards, after that, though,
the 7x57 pulls pretty far ahead.
For under 200 yards, its hard to beat an easy carrying lever gun,
but it you are going to shoot farther, go 7x57.

A guy would be pretty well set up with just those two guns.

 

[kayaker1]

No contest for me - 7x57

 

[Longwalker]

I currently have five 7x57's in my gun room, and sold the only 30-30 that I have owned. The 30-30 is best in the rifles that made it famous, short, light & handy lever actions. But I prefer bolts and single shots, and the 7x57mm performs better over all.

 

[tabs4u]

No contest there the 7x57 hands down unless the 30-30 chambered in some type of bolt we are talking about a lever gun with iron only good out to 100 and with a scope to 150 but a 7x57 in a good bolt gun and with modern reloads will run with a 7/08 or .280 any day.

 

[Kilo Charlie]

I am a HUUUUGE .30-30 fan, but it doesn't play in the same ballpark as the 7mm Mauser.

 

[Boomer]

If you had a choice between a handy little bolt gun in 7X57 or a .30/30, I bet the 7X57 would win. Most shooting problems can be solved with a 140 at 2900.

 

[Republic of Alberta]

The problem with the 30-30 is the velocity is always so close to the lower threshold of expansion, even with those really soft round nose or flat point bullets.

 

[The Kurgan]

Here's my "handy little brush gun" in 7x57 topped with a sweet vintage Nickel-Marburg 2.5x scope. She's light and points well.

 

[lledwod]

That is indeed pretty as well as handy Kurgan.
Here is the 30-30 and dall sheep (2009):

[/IMG]

And 7x57 with caribou (2008):

[/IMG]

 

[BigUglyMan]

That's it...I'm moving to the effing Yukon!

 

[Brutus]

22 Nov'05. Yes my old and often used picture. Deer taken at 250 yards, 30-30 150 grain factory Silvertip. One shot only needed. Williams FP peep and a Firesite bead up front.
(Lots of drop, high sight in, plenty of pre-season practice too)

 

[blasted_saber]

From Hornady, 200 yard zero. Shoot the right bullet and its not that much far off out to 200 yards.

Bullet
7 x 57 Mauser 139 gr. BTSP InterLock
30-30 Win 160 gr. FTX

Muzzle Vel/Energy
2680/2216
2400/2046

100 vel/En/
2455/1860 + 2.1
2150/1643 +3.0

200 Vel/En/ "0"
2241/1550
1916/1304