Winter daydreaming....

[jsm88011]

Saw an SB2 receiver on GB, with a stock, both new, for $110 and I could not resist.  So now the question is what to mount on it.  Here in northern Michigan you are talking about swamp and moraine upland, mostly forested with few shots stretching out over 100 yards, at least where we hunt.  I need something for whitetail and maybe an occasional hog.  I've got a .243 and was thinking of adding either a 30-30 or 7-08.  I wouldn't mind adding a 25-06 at some point but it's fairly close to a .243 so maybe not now.   What says the group?




BTW I think there are one or two additional units listed on GB.

[twoshooter]

Given your options, I would say 30/30. It is rimmed, the performance in a Handi will exceed lever guns, the ammo is the least expensive and easiest to find.

Since you already have a "light rifle" in the 243, there is a 444 barrel reasonable in the classifieds, if I did not already have one I would go for that. You can use that to 200yards and more with no sweat, good all the way up to Elk and for bear, easy to reload, rimmed case.

[Badnews Bob]

Of the choices you listed I would have a hard time picking between the 7mm-08 and the .30-30. I think the .30-30 would win.

If you could cut a rim in the 7-08 and use 307 brass necked down, you'd have a 7mmR. I'd like that a lot.

But the cats meow to me would be a .356/.358, I really like .35 cals. 

Do you have a Max yet? If not that would do well in the places you are talking about hunting.

[Jeff H]

Not just to jump on the bandwagon, but the 30-30 is one fine cartridge and, if you cast, it's still viable.  Your terrain sounds perfectly suited for it.

It's hard to come up with a poor load for it, it can use a wider assortment of different powders than any other case I can think of, it's economical to shoot and easy on  the shoulder. 

Oh, and it works on game.  My first center fire was a 30-30/20 ga 24V and I shot a lot of Sierra 110 gran HPs through that gun.  They are quite decisive on varmints and they always shot well.

I like the underdogs too though and many seem to think the 30-30 is an under-achiever. 

It's not and under-achiever, it's a sleeper.

I have been seriously considering getting another 30-30 myself with the lack of powder selection  these days.  I use H335 for the .223 and the 4350s for my 6.5 and 257.  I use W231, Unique and 2400 in pistol and I can use any of those in the 30-30 and not just for plinking.

[lefty_red]

I agree with Jeff, a 30/30 in a SS is a whole new animal of versatility.  I had a Savage 24 30/30 over 20ga, and used Wally World ammo and then reload the brass with "pointy" bullets for even better range. 


Lefty

[petemi]

I think I'm north of you in Michigan.  I won't slam the .30-30, I have two.  But, If I had what you have, there are two I would get.  The .357 Maximum and the .45-70.  The Maxi will do all the .30-30 will do plus a bit more and you can plink with cast .38s cheaper than you can buy .22LRs.  The .45-70 is just a must have.  There's nothing in Michigan that can walk away from it.  On top of it, they're both fun.

Pete

[45-70.gov]

357 max
357mag.......until   i max it

30-30......or 35 rem
45-70
444


in this order........but then  i like to cast my own

[jsm88011]

I appreciate the replies.  I recently got my hands on a 357, soon to be reamed.  So maybe  I think about a big bore. 


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[cudatruck]

get the .30-30 and have George ream to .30-40 then you'll have somethin a little different!

[jsm88011]

Hmmm.   30-30...  45-70... 444 Marlin...   Maybe I need TWO new barrels.  Get rid of temptation by caving, twice!  Maybe the tax man will kick me back a few crumbs, and then it's game on!


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