Author Topic: .30-30 Handi Hunting (Read 623 times)

tommy_tsunami · « **on:** August 20, 2005, 06:24:58 PM »

I would like to add a .30-30 barrel to my handi-rifle arsenal. Does anyone in here use .30-30's for all their big game hunting? Whitetails? Muleys? Elk? Bear?

For those that use the .30-30, do you mostly use the standard open sights or scopes? If you use a scope, what power?

What are some of your success stories hunting with this caliber? What grain bullet?

Enough questions? :grin:

hellacatcher · « **Reply #1 on:** August 21, 2005, 01:02:41 AM »

I have just put a scope on mine but have not hunted with it, only have bore sighted it but very well may hunt with it. :-D

lik2hunt · « **Reply #2 on:** August 21, 2005, 02:28:28 AM »

My 30-30 is my favorite handi barrel. Notorius for accuracy and versatility in a Handi. Mine will print 1" groups and under now with a Swift Premier 3-9x40 and I was getting a consistent 2" and under with a cheap scope. Bullet choice for me so far has been the 150 gr. Winchesters, however I am now shooting some Federals that I picked up cheap at an estate sale. The Winnys shoot better tho. I will begin reloading for this one soon and that's the real beauty of the 30-30 in Handi, you can load and try virtually any 30 cal bullet that you want and do it safely due to the one shot factor, no tube to shove bullets into like the lever guns. Mag41vance has had some great success loading for his and so have some others.
I currently carry mine about 50% of the time for hogs out to 150 yards(haven't shot one with it yet) but feel confident it would do the job. I also WILL carry it during deer season this year. Vance's dad took a nice buck with his 30-30 last year around Christmas time. Get one you'll be very happy - low recoil - good hunting accuracy - fun to shoot.

JPH45 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 21, 2005, 05:18:14 AM »

The 30-30 has been used for over 100 years for exactly the kind of hunting you are asking about. In the face of many larger cartridges the 30-30 is still with us while quite a few of it's competitors are oddities now. The Handi allows for the use of spire pointed bullets which offer better trajectories and retained velocity and energy than the round nose bullets common to the 30-30. These days many would scoff at the 30-30, but good shots at reasonable ranges will fill your freezer reliably.

dirtdobber47 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 21, 2005, 05:49:35 AM »

I have a 30-30 with a 3x9x40 on it. I love it, I can't count how many deer and hogs I've taken with it. I reload 125 gr nosler ballistic tip with IMR 3031. You'll love it.

mt3030 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 21, 2005, 09:51:46 AM »

My SB2 30-30 Carbine does quite well on whitetail or mule deer. Had the barrel cut to 18 inches to be quick in the truck and brush. It was fitted with a Williams receiver and ramp sights, but now carries a Burris 2x7. It shot fine as stock, but just needed to cobble it to my needs.
Wally