30-30 leverevolution vs 7mm-08

[Maddog69]

I will shortly be adding a second barrel to my stainless 45-70 for deer hunting.  What is everyone's thoughts on the 30-30 leverevolution vs the 7mm-08.  I know the 7mm-08 is better from a ballistics standpoint but does the 30-30 straight wall and proven accuacy in the handi rifle offset the 7mms advantage?

Robert

[Dinny]

I like my 30-30 alot!




Thanks, Dinny

[thejanitor]

I have both and do love the 30-30 but they do not compare. 7mm-08 will out distance the 30-30 in down range energy by a long ways. Can the 30-30 be a longer distance gun loaded with spire points yes, but not like the 7mm-08.
But if you know you will never shoot over 200 yds the 30-30 can do fine, but I would take shots almost twice that with the 7mm-08 if I practiced for it.
This is just my opinion, as I do know of people who claim to have killed deer at 400 yds with a 30-30, but I do not feel it is practical to push the limits that far. It just is not fair to the target animal.
Depends on your "long shot" distance. My 30-30 is a very accurate gun, tighter groups than my 7mm-08, but my 7mm-08 will hit closer to target at the longer shots just because of less bullet drop. I may have a 5 inch group at 400 yds with the 7-08 and a 3 inch group with the 30-30, but the holdover would be huge to keep the group on target.
Both guns will make you smile when you are over a dead deer for your picture. 
thejanitor

[Austin from NC]

30-30 vs 7mm-08 = 308  the best of both worlds, cheaper ammo and cheaper to reload
30-06 is even more versatile, because of the heavier bullets it can handle prairie dogs with light bullets up to and bigger than grizzlies with heavier bullets.
 
       Austin
       

[petemi]

I believe you're comparing apples to oranges.  Both are great, but very different.  Patty and I have two of each, 3 Handis and a levergun........But, if you can only have one, I agree with Austin.  Get the .308.  Mine isn't a Handi, but a Ruger.  I've killed deer with it from 10 feet to just over 300 yards. 

Pete

[Swampman]

In a Handi, the rimmed cartridge is always better IMO.

[petemi]

Swampy, you make a good point.

Pete

[jeepmann1948]

If you want a rimmed 7-08 , Just neck down 307 Win or 356 Win and cut a recess in the rear of the barrel. At least one member has done it  but I can't remember their name. You still use the 7-08 dies but replace the shell holder for a 307/356 Win. Just remember to start low on your reloading receipts.

[Dinny]

If you want a rimmed 7-08 , Just neck down 307 Win or 356 Win and cut a recess in the rear of the barrel. At least one member has done it  but I can't remember their name. You still use the 7-08 dies but replace the shell holder for a 307/356 Win. Just remember to start low on your reloading receipts.

Or there's always the 7-30 Waters, a little of both....   However, that would require a stub job on a Handi.




Thanks, Dinny

[shvlhead.45]

I have the .30-30 and it's a keeper.  With LeverEvolution ammo, mine is has a 200 yard zero and I don't doubt that it will kill deer to that distance.  The 7mm-08 is on my bucket list and I don't believe it gives up a thing to the .308. 
 
Now, I don't know what the matter with the old timers here is but their normal response is get both even if you get or the other and then add the other barrel later.  Since they didn't say it, I just did.  Have fun deciding.
 
v/r
shvlhead.45

[necchi]

  I know the 7mm-08 is better from a ballistics standpoint but does the 30-30 straight wall and proven accuracy in the handi rifle offset the 7mms advantage?

Short answer;
 If you load your own ammo, go for the 7-08. Factory ammo just won't cut it for the best accuracy from the short barreled gun.
 If you don't, do the 30-30. The lower velocity ammo available with the bigger pill for the most part will give you better groups.

[Maddog69]

I don't reload so this could be the deciding factor.  I didn't realize factory 7mm-08 didn't shoot with the best accuracy from a standard handi barrel.

Robert

[quickdtoo]

My 22" 7mm-08 Handi shoots the Fusion 140gr around an inch at 100yds, seems to me lot a fellas here have had  the same experience with Fusion and Rem 140gr ammo in their 7mm-08s.

Tim

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,174938.30.html

[Maddog69]

Thanks for the input Tim.  I just read several articles on the fusion ammo and will do some searching on this site for additional details.

Robert

[Singlebarrel]

My Browning X-Bolt Hunter in 7mm-08 loves 140 grain Remington Cor-loks.  I have a 30-30 handi and it shoots very well, but the 7mm-08 is really more versatile and the 7mm-08 recoil in a handi is much easier to take than that of a 308.  Right now I am working up loads for the 7mm-08 using the 140 grain Barnes Tipped TSX.  I think that is what is in the 140 grain Fusion.

From what I understand the new 140 grain 30-30 bullet extends the range significantly.  However, the 30-30 rifle you buy may not like them.  Then what?  I would go with the 7mm-08.

[quickdtoo]

Right now I am working up loads for the 7mm-08 using the 140 grain Barnes Tipped TSX.  I think that is what is in the 140 grain Fusion.

Fusion ammo comes with Fusion bullets, basically a plated bullet, probably the same as Speer DeepCurl since they're both owned by the same parent company, ATK. They're no where near as expensive as factory ammo with Barnes bullets, specially the TTSX. 

Tim

http://www.fusionammo.com/products/rifle.aspx

http://www.speer-bullets.com/products/rifle/hunting/deepcurl.aspx

[1marty]

I found the Lever Evolution 30-30 sort of harsh when it came to recoil. I know people swear by it but I found the 7-08 has softer recoil, better down range consistant accuracy and the stopping power is deadly.

[Singlebarrel]

You are right, Quick.  Barnes has the Vor-Tex.  Memory isn't so good any more.  They are expensive.

[Deerhunter#1]

Well the 30-30 handi with a 130 sp bullet pushed about 24-2500 ft per second isnt bad at the ranges most hunters will be shooting. It has less recoil than the 7mm-08 and dead is dead so who needs the extra recoil. at 1 high the 30-30 is about 3 inches low at 200. to me in PA that is a far shot. I got rid of my 7-08 and the 270 might be next. Although I did get a handi in 25-06 just in case I have to reach out but it still has less recoil and is flatter then the other two until you get over 400 yards.