Author Topic: Handi in .30-30 Winchester or .308 Winchester (Read 1001 times)

SD Handgunner · « **on:** January 02, 2012, 07:20:50 AM »

I am going to be picking up a NEF Handi Rifle in the not to distant future. This Handi Rifle will more than likely get the barrel shortened to 18 1/2", an Adjustable Length of Pull AR Style Buttstock and a 4x Scope. the main purpose of this Handi Rifle will be for my grand kids (two grand daughers and a grand son) to use for Deer Hunting (thus the adjustable length of pull buttstock as they are different ages and different sizes).
I have been loading .308 Winchester YOUTH Loads per the data found on the Hodgdon web site in their youth data section. The load in question uses 125gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips loaded with H-4895. I have 150 rounds of this ammo / load on hand for a .308 Remington Model 700 SPS Stainless for my wife, so with a little luck (or maybe a lot of luck) I have lots of ammo on hand provided it would shoot good in a .308 Handi Rifle. My oldest granddaughter used this Remington .308 with these youth loads to take her first deer this year, a one shot kill.
The other option would be to pick up a .30-30 Winchester Handi Rifle. Again I'd be using a Handload more than likely with 125gr. Nosler Ballsitc Tips.
You guys have way more experience than I do with Handi Rifles only having had a couple over the years (a .223 and a .243).
In you opinion which way should I jump, is one of these two cartridges typically more accurate in a Handi Rifle than the other?
Thanks
Larry

gendoc · « **Reply #1 on:** January 02, 2012, 07:26:54 AM »

tha 30/30 is good but tha .308 for your project in my opinion, would be your best bet !!!
thats jus me.........i cut'um all down to my like'n !!!!!!!!
i gotta 17" .308 survivor heavy barrel that is sweet and more accurate than i.
jus get that crown right... pretty ain't ever thing in tha muzzle end

she likes 165gr nosler bt's ifin i was ta go snipe'n

kevinsmith5 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 02, 2012, 07:31:07 AM »

If you plan on them using it just as a "starter" gun I'd say either. If you expect them to use it long term, .308. The .308 will grow as they do and can be used to work up to longer ranges. 30-30 is more limited.

canon6 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 02, 2012, 07:31:45 AM »

I have had both the 308 and the 30-30 in Handi's.They both are fine cartridges,but I really like rimmed cartridges in the handi,others will disagree, but I think my most accurate loads have been with rimmed.I use the 125 grain NBT ,in my 30-30 and have had very good luck with it.
I have a very bad right shoulder and cannot take recoil, so the 125's are a answer for me, in the 308 or the 30-30. HTH Doug

petemi · « **Reply #4 on:** January 02, 2012, 07:55:00 AM »

Having been an electrician for years, I once wire a house for a guy that wanted all the wall switches installed at 36" "so the kids could reach them". I pointed out the kids would grow, the switches would remain there. Same with the rifle. Go the .308. You're already loading reduced loads, and it'll have a lot more reach later if and when they want it. I too have both and am happy with them.

Pete

jeepmann1948 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 02, 2012, 08:14:59 AM »

Just my opinion but I agree with Gendoc and Pete. Even though they ain't from Texas they know their Handi's.

You can load the 308 down to 30-30 but you can't load the 30-30 to 308
Happy Trails
George

yukondog · « **Reply #6 on:** January 02, 2012, 08:16:30 AM »

I once had a handy in 30-30 and it shot great and got another one coming, if all you'll ever hunt at is around 150 yrds or less eather would be fine but you already load youth loads in the 308 so I would say stick with the 308 and use that extra money for more bullets and powder.

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #7 on:** January 02, 2012, 08:27:38 AM »

Thanks for all the replies guys. I guess maybe I just needed to have someone else tell me I was on the right track in thinking the .308 was my best option (well of the two options anyway).

Larry

gendoc · « **Reply #8 on:** January 02, 2012, 08:54:28 AM »

tha light was kinda hard to see larry, but i'm glad you see it now !!!

you will enjoy it.......guaranteed

Dinny · « **Reply #9 on:** January 02, 2012, 09:33:11 AM »

I'll keep my opinion simple.... Everyone should have a 30-30 Handi rifle.

Thanks, Dinny

quickdtoo · « **Reply #10 on:** January 02, 2012, 09:34:43 AM »

Quote from: -Dinny on January 02, 2012, 09:33:11 AM

I'll keep my opinion simple.... Everyone should have a 30-30 Handi rifle.

Thanks, Dinny

They're like 45-70s, ya need at least two...or three!!

Tim

gendoc · « **Reply #11 on:** January 02, 2012, 09:38:32 AM »

quote from tim....

They're like 45-70s, ya need at least two...or three!!

Tim

kinda like................close but no cigar !!!!!!!!!

cwlongshot · « **Reply #12 on:** January 02, 2012, 10:42:55 AM »

Quote from: SD Handgunner on January 02, 2012, 07:20:50 AM

I am going to be picking up a NEF Handi Rifle in the not to distant future. This Handi Rifle will more than likely get the barrel shortened to 18 1/2", an Adjustable Length of Pull AR Style Butt stock and a 4x Scope.
In you opinion which way should I jump, is one of these two cartridges typically more accurate in a Handi Rifle than the other?
Thanks
Larry

Good afternoon Larry,

I agree with above, as much as I prefer a rimed cartridge, the 308 is simply the better choice.

BUT and this is a BIG ONE!! Be VERY careful with this style butt stock. They are known to collapse under recoil. Personally I would not use one but if I did, it would not be on a caliber with any more recoil than a 22 HORNET! They are of lo quality. I would very much hate for anyone to get hurt shooting one, but allowing a budding new shooter to get hurt would be especially bad. I know as a parent and grand father its the biggest thing to be concerned with...safety.

As far as the most accurate, BOTH have been known to be excellent shooters. No real problems directly associated with either one.

CW

yukondog · « **Reply #13 on:** January 02, 2012, 11:56:32 AM »

Like CW said about the stock, I looked at one on a 45/410 and it was a piece of junk, at least the one and only one I have seen.

44 Man · « **Reply #14 on:** January 02, 2012, 12:57:05 PM »

Yes, since you handload buy the .308 and a youth stock, cut the barrel and be happy. They can always add the longer stock when needed. That answers that question but a 30-30 Handi is one of the most fun guns you will ever own. Try one!
As for Pete and those wall switches, it wouldn't have mattered anyway. The kids will always find a way to turn them on and as hard as you my try, they cannot be taught to turn them off until they are over 21.

44 Man

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #15 on:** January 03, 2012, 05:35:21 PM »

Thanks again for the replies guys. CW thanks for the info on the stock, I did not know that and had not looked at or handled one. Now I definately know what NOT to do.
Thanks again
Larry

Fred McIntire · « **Reply #16 on:** January 03, 2012, 07:40:46 PM »

I think you've gotten some really good advice. I'll agree with what has already been said.

demented · « **Reply #17 on:** January 03, 2012, 09:15:09 PM »

I have a 30-30 that I like, with 150gr Ballistic Tips and LVR powder, its an honest 200 yard deer rifle. BUT it certainly ain't no .308!

OldSchoolRanger · « **Reply #18 on:** January 04, 2012, 03:47:03 AM »

I like them both, but if it came down to choosing just one. It would have to be the 308, much more versatile, and large a selection of reloading components to choose from. Brass is also very easy to come by. You can load it up to max 308 levels, or you can load it down to 30-30 levels, you can even load flat nosed bullets ala 30-30 in the 308 if you want to.

Deerhunter#1 · « **Reply #19 on:** January 04, 2012, 01:16:56 PM »

I just got a .308 for the same reason. The nosler book lists imr4831 and the 150 bt at its start load to only push that bullets to 2500 ft second in a 103% filled case and it was its most accurate load. Just had concerns with the empty case and the h4895 to go that direction. I say get both I do and like them both.