I realize that your question is about recoil but you might consider other aspects when making your decision. First off, I have shot both rounds from the same based rifle, that being a T/C with a 21 inch barrel. On average, the 30-30 might have a slight heavier recoil (maybe depending on individual loads) but it's overall a light recoiling round and nothing to really consider if choosing one caliber or the other.
Instead of considering recoil, you might consider performance, especially if you're going to reload these rounds. I assume you're considering shooting these from a single shot rifle, otherwise you wouldn't be comparing the 357 max to the 30-30. That being the case, if you reload 30-30's with pointed bullets, you will increase the performance of the round dramatically. So, overall, you should get much better accuracy and performance from loading the 30-30 with pointed bullets (not to be loaded in lever actions!) and it will certainly outperform the 357 max in that capacity. If you really want to load a straight walled cartridge and not worry about bottle necked rounds, or if you just want to purchase factory ammo similar to the 357, you might look into the 375 Winchester. If you're a re loader, the 375 Winchester or 38-55 would probably be a better choice than the 357 max as well.
I'm not sure what you're looking to do with the rounds but if your considering accuracy and performance, I think you'd be better off with the 30-30 or maybe reloading a 38-55. In the end, isn't accuracy and performance what we all are looking for when choosing a caliber to shoot?
DISCLAIMER: Bare with me I'm having a bit of fun...
Blackhawker..... I am stunned!! Not to take away from the greatness that is the 375, 38-55 and 30-30, but they are no 357Maxi!! I also fee compelled to state the obvious.... {Pause for suspense}... You are NOT a 357maxi owner/shooter as you haven't (yet) seen the light!!! Again being sarcastic, of coarse, so forgive me, but you've slanted the caliber I love, so I must respond!!
First off, as Pete already posted none of the others will work with three different bullets. The 357 MAXIMUM will safely fire the 357MAG AND the 38SPL calibers.
1) The 375Win is only good for the 375 Win. (NO ITS NOT OK to shoot the 38-55 in one. NO MATTER what you have read!!)
2) The 38-55 is only a 38-55.
3) The 30-30 is still a 30-30 and BTW... NO pointed bullet will transform this caliber into a 250 yard deer shooter!! Also, pointed bullets are no more or less accurate than any other design!! They DO retain velocity and energy better over distance. But none of these calibers are considered a long range proposition, so the benefits of pointed bullets are minimal.
Now I to really like the 375 Win, I have no less than four guns chambered for it. Its recoil is substantially above any of the others you mentioned. Its a great caliber, but the intent of the original post was a recoil comparison between the maxi and the 30-30. The 375 Win its OUT!!!
I also really like the 38-55. I have two of these and will not even venture into saying thing opposing what this caliber has done or can do. But again, the the intent of this post was recoil and the OP never mentioned the 38-55 so it to is OUT!!! Clouding the waters with other choices, no matter how good, must end here!!
{Sorry, I'm getting carried away...
}
Back to the numbers... The 30-30 is ADVERTISED to reach 2400 with a 150 gr bullet and 2200 with a 170. We all KNOW it wont even from a 24" barrel!! 2250 and 2050 are MUCH closer!!
The Maxi is basically a pistol round, so all the published data out there is from a 14" barrel or less. I have a chrono. I am a safe and accomplished re loader. My loads from a 21" H&R 158 will SURPASS the 30-30 figures, even with HEAVER BULLETS!!! The Hornady 158FP XTP and H4227 powder have reached just OVER 2400fps. The Hornady 180 SSP and 1680 powder have reached 2200 FPS. I have loaded the 170 GD too, but do not have chrono numbers. (At least I cannot find or remember what they where.
) But based on what the 180 did, its safe to assume it will surpass the 2200 of the 180. Lets not muddy the waters with anything about loading the 30-30 "up" as its loaded lighter than what modern steel can withstand. That's NOT an option here. Also lets forget about the afore mentioned pointed bullets, as both the maxi and 30-30 have flat/RN designs. Energy figures will also more or less be comparative. BUT the Maxi is a 35 caliber and the 30-30 a 30. So its larger frontal diameter will disrupt more flesh, making it a better, faster incapacating caliber. Its burning less powder at a higher pressure, its recoil will be faster, but less, than the slower, more powder in the 30-30 round.
Finally, your final point, my maxi is at least as accurate as my 30-30 and because of the lighter recoil and better performance on game, the 357Maxi gets the nod for me. Just like you say:
In the end, isn't accuracy and performance what we all are looking for when choosing a caliber to shoot?
I have to agree, well said!!
Yes its close.. but the 357 maxi will have less recoil and that, is the inquiry of the OP, of this thread.
CW