Author Topic: Question Regarding 44 mag vs 30-30 in a Lever (Read 1590 times)

mountainview · « **on:** May 10, 2004, 05:41:06 PM »

I am fighting a losing battle and on the verge of giving in to the temptation to fill in a gaping void in the gun cabinet with a lever rifle. My question is does anyone know or can comment on what, if any, difference is there in muzzle blast/decibel level between a 30-30 Marlin and 44 mag Win 94 in a 20" barrel using factory loads? Intent is to have short range whitetail rifle and something to use at the range.

After being in the proximity of a muzzle brake equipped firearm, I am highly cautious and sensitive to excessive muzzle blast.

Thanks.

MarkJ_Thompson · « **Reply #1 on:** May 10, 2004, 06:17:58 PM »

I would go with the .44MAG. I load my father's Marlin with 200's 240's or 300's and it is such a pleasure to shoot and you can get a companion 44 revolver.

Just want to shoot paper? Throw in some .44SPL!

MJT

dukkillr · « **Reply #2 on:** May 10, 2004, 06:18:31 PM »

Check this site, it has all sorts of info about comparing lever rounds:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/handgun_rifle_cartridges.htm

Questor · « **Reply #3 on:** May 11, 2004, 03:53:49 AM »

I'd pick a 35 Remington, myself. Sorry, I didn't mean to muddy the waters. Of the two, I think I'd prefer the 44 just because it's easier and cheaper to reload, and because I know it will work fine for a short-range rifle cartridge that's effective on deer and hogs. I'd use 300 grain bullets exclusively, or maybe the Nosler partition (just for hunting, of course.)

RIFLERANGER · « **Reply #4 on:** May 11, 2004, 06:38:36 AM »

They will both kill whitetail cleanly to 125 yards and maybe more if you hand load. The 30-30 will kill out a bit farther.
Both excellent choices for short range whitetail and even blackies or hogs.
The recoil of the 30-30 is definitely more than that of the 44Mag.
I have both but actually prefer the 336 in 44Mag. That is what I hunt with primarily.
Ranger

VictorLouis · « **Reply #5 on:** May 11, 2004, 03:37:11 PM »

Shot side-by-side the same day with my buddy's SBH in 4&3/4" length. The Trapper was pleasant, and the revolver was annoying. I don't know, but I suspect the .30/30 would have more of a sharp 'crack', vs. the 'boom' of the .44.

TennesseeNuc · « **Reply #6 on:** May 11, 2004, 03:50:55 PM »

mountainview,
They are both loud and either one will damage your hearing, if continually used without hearing protection.
Best,
TnNuc

mountainview · « **Reply #7 on:** May 11, 2004, 05:33:40 PM »

Thanks for the input. Gives me some insight to make an informed decision. Truth be known, I would just as soon get both a .44 and 3030 since I am of the opinion that getting 2 firearms is always better than just one, unfortunately the Mrs tends to have a different take.

The recommendation for a 35 Rem is something I have considered as well, good round that has a fair bit of nostalgia for me though only the Marlin 336C seems to be chambered for it (and happens to be a tad out of my price range unless I hit on a good used one).

Also a good point about the need for hearing protection. My note about the sensitivity to muzzle blast came after an incident where my left ear was in line with a short barreled Savage Striker .308 with a muzzle brake. I was next bench over at the range. I was wearing both muffs and plugs (always do so at any range) which kept damage to a mimimum but what is done is done and I am a bit paranoid about being within 10 yards of any firearm with a brake.

myronman3 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 14, 2004, 04:50:26 PM »

go with a 44. if using store bought ammo, you get 30 shots more per box. if you reload, it is easier to reload the 44 than the 30-30.

Buckeye · « **Reply #9 on:** May 15, 2004, 06:20:19 AM »

Most Whitetails are taken within 75 yd.s,its all depends where your huntin,with in the 75yd. range 44 mag. ,30/30, 41 mag. .357mag.,35 rem.,480 ruger, 454 casell, 45/70 gov.,444 marlin,450 marlin,45 colt,307 win.,.356 win.375 win. 38-55, would all do the job.
Some of these cartridges are very powerful and have more range but with in 75 yd.s all would do the job.( I like the .357 mag. for a pistol cartridge in a lever.)

Buckeye

JJ79 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 18, 2004, 04:27:50 AM »

Mountainview - Don't know if you are still following this thread or not (it has been almost a month since the last post) but if you are, I would go with the .44 mag!!!! Kicks pretty bad from the bench, but its nice to shoot from hunting positions, and the muzzle blast is very mild!!!! Not bad at all!!! Good luck with your purchase

mountainview · « **Reply #11 on:** June 18, 2004, 04:55:27 AM »

JJ79:

Been out of town on some business so I was not up to date until today when I checked in on the thread again. Got to thank all of you for the advice that was proffered. From a practical perspective, the 44 mag looks real attractive and I hope to mount a low power scope as the eyes don't focus as well as they used to and this rig would be the ticket for the brushy stuff I like to hunt. Getting into reloading is another priority. The 30-30 is a nostalgia thing with me since that was my very first rifle as a young un and I may still get one when a new slot opens up in the cabinet, then again I may just get a second gun cabinet :grin:

Thanks again for the advice.