30-30 with cheap 170 gr. bullets on feral hogs and deer

[rickt300]

I picked my old Marlin out of the closet and thought the old gun ought to get some use. I carried it some last weekend but didn't get a shot at anything. maybe next time I go to the lease. I bought 2 boxes of 170 gr. Federal soft noses and they shoot very nicely but seem a bit soft, over expanded some in my backstop.

[victorcharlie]

I think you'll be just fine......

[pastorp]

I agree, either the 150 or 170 gr. loads in the 30-30 will work just fine on game.  in this day when premium bullets are considered necessary by many hunters its refreshing to see a inexpensive hunting cartridge that just works & is reasonably priced.

Regards,

[rickt300]

This Marlin is stamped Revelation model 200 and is was made in 1966. It is a fine shooter. It has a period (old) Weaver 4x scope with a fine crosshair. Well id I get to go back wednesday I will at least use it to fill a doe tag.

[Defoe]

except for grizzlies, my choice would be a 30-30 170gr for all north american big game.
of course I like to get up close for head & neck shots.

[SHOOTALL]

gee , you can't kill deer with a 30-30 it's been common knowlege since the 50's. And if your bullet dosen't have a plastic tip and not called magnum it ain't even good for bunnies .
I don't even use 170 gr bullets , I have always used 150 Winchester or Remington. Best was the old Silver tip . Now it the PP or Corelok.
please don't let the deer know I use sub standard loads in a useless 30-30  gun . And then there is the 7X30 waters 120 gr bullets I also use that are useless also.
170 gr bullets should leave a nice hole on one side and a gaping hole on the other with deer . Hogs someone else will need to chime in.

[Mikey]

Perfect combination.

[yellowtail3]

Federal 170s will be plenty sufficient, and will kill the deer as dead as anything. I used them and they shot well and killed the deer well. I switched to LeverEvolutions in search for a tad more reach that I'm unlikely to actually need... and they group a little better in my rifle than the federals did.

[T.R.]

I toppled this big animal with my 30-30 shooting Winchester ammo.  Very pleased with bullet performance.
 
TR
 

 

 

[rickt300]

I could easily get the dies out and load some 30-30 rounds but they are almost too cheap to buy. Especially today on Black Friday.

[rickt300]

Years ago I sold a model 94 to a friend that moved to Wyoming. First thing he did with it was shoot an elk in the neck with it. He used the same Winchester factory ammo you did. I think I should have used the 30-30 a lot more than I have. Been stuck in the bolt rifle syndrome a long time.

[nomosendero]

T.R., that's fine tablefare !!

[yellowtail3]

Years ago I sold a model 94 to a friend that moved to Wyoming. First thing he did with it was shoot an elk in the neck with it. He used the same Winchester factory ammo you did. I think I should have used the 30-30 a lot more than I have. Been stuck in the bolt rifle syndrome a long time.

I went through a 30-06 and .270 before getting the Marlin, being convinced when I started out that the 30-30 was just a poor choice - I mean, looking at those ballistic charts, it was clearly inferior to just about everything. Why would anyone want one? But then a layoff where I'd sold everything but the muBut I like the Marlin & 30-30 cartridge... plenty sufficient for deer. Heck, I'll go bear, lion, or cape buff hunting with it, if someone invites me and pays the tab...