WELCOME Pugsnotdrugs!!
Like many of the guys, I too have both calibers. I FAR prefer the Maxi.
Now, The 30-30 is a good one and has many generations of hunters singing its praises. It started the smokeless powder calibers we enjoy today, at say about 1895. You cannot argue it’s a great deer caliber. Its been argued its killed more deer than all others combined. It has as many nay sayers calling it a great wounder. Hopefully, we all know that’s simply poor marksman ship or a poor hunter making the claims. It IS a poor choice for bullets above 170 Grains for a number of reasons. First its vel is lo and powder cap minimal for larger bullets. Its also a problem as all heavier bullets are designed for calibers generating higher vel and energy making calibers shooting them slower fine for targets but with FMJ performance on game. NOT ADVISEABLE. The 30-30 shoots a 150 Grain bullet at almost 2400 form the top loadings and 2200 from top 170 Grain loads.
Its capable of excellent accuracy. With proper bullets, and with in responsible distances, the 30-30 is an excellent choice for light big game..
The 357 Maximum is a new comer. It started life in the mid 1980's, say 1983 IIRC. Its stats are by and large from hand guns and many of those from vented revolver barrels. Fire it from a Contender and performance jumps, fire it from a carbine Contender or H&R barrel and performance soars. It shoots a 180 Grain bullet at near 2400 fps in top loadings. But it does so with a superior .357/.358 diameter and weight bullet. It’s an excellent choice for medium big game with in range limitations. It will shoot the 158 grains at better then 2500 fps. So while it beats the 30-30 in velocity its not head and shoulders above it. But the diameter increase is something many do not take into consideration. We have many people who see the big advantage the 35 + calibers have on game. Its something that is not easily measurable.
With in the same constraints as the 30-30 say 200 yards, Comparing the two on paper is pretty much two sides of the same coin. But when you look into the diameter differences, the 357 Maximum is superior.
Now the maxi is pretty much a hand loading proposition for these loadings as the factory support for this excellent cartridge is lacking to say the least. The 30-30 is a buy it almost anywhere caliber. The re-chamber of the magnum to maximum may seem a big or expensive ordeal. It is NOT, the reamer is available right here. It takes less then an hour and is EASILY “doable” by most anyone! Brass IS available and even a active shooter will have nearly a lifetime of brass with just a hundred cases or so. PLUS as Peter already mentioned, it will still shoot magnums as well as 38 Specials just as nice and can be. Something completely beyond the realm of the 30-30.
They are pretty closely matched. You would do well with either, I prefer the 357 Maximum.
Good luck,
CW
