30-30 vs 7-30 carbine info wanted

[Reloader]

I've been thinking about picking up another carbine barrel for my Contender but I am having some indecison as to which way to go as far as 30-30 vs 7-30.

I have a 14" 30-30 barrel so I am all set to reload for it.

My question is whether there is much to be gained performance wise by going with the 7-30?  

This would be used on Blacktail deer which are somewhat small as far as deer go.

I would appreciate any input from anyone having experience with either of these in a hunting situation.

 :drink4:

[flatlander]

IMO for the handloader using spirepoint bullets on deer sized game, there isn't enough real difference to worry about changing. You can get a ballistic tip bullet (for example) in 7mm as small as 120 grains and a 30 caliber in 125 grains. So chances are, you will have a dead deer out to approximately the same effective range. Trying to differentiate is an exercise in splitting hairs. I currently own a 7-30, but if I were in your situation, I'd stick with the 30-30 since you already have dies and brass. If you really want to switch, throw the 30-30 AI into the equation. If the performance turns out to be enough for you to really like it, you can always get the other barrel rechambered to match.