Author Topic: which cartridge is superior and why? (Read 727 times)

msdh · « **on:** July 21, 2004, 06:08:41 PM »

I am purchasing a new G2 for whitetails. I used to own a older Contender super 14 in .357 maximum. I started using muzzleloaders exclusively and sold it after a few years of non use, It is the first gun I deeply regret selling. I miss it! I shot 4 deer with it at ranges 50 to 85 yards with 180 grain hollowpoints and it performed well. My question is this. is the 30-30 or 44 mag superior to the MAX for deer out to 150 yards? Id probably go with the 12 inch tube but haven't decided yet.

PaulS · « **Reply #1 on:** July 21, 2004, 08:44:07 PM »

Good question!

I don't think you could have picked 3 closer rounds for performance in the short barrel (12 inch).
I have two guns chambered in 357 Maximum one in 14" and the other a 24" carbine. On paper it is just a tad better than the 30-30 at 100 yards (180 grain bullet) which is a tad better than the 44 (240 grain bullet) at the same difference mostly due to velocity loss due to the pistol bullet.

Results at impact may change the equation considerably. I believe that big holes are better than little ones - especially when velocities are on the low end from short barrels. I would vote for the 357 which has better velocity than the other two and a bullet that is between the other two in diameter. I would limit my shots to 125 yards but that is because I limit my point-blank range to a range where the bullet stays within 1" of line of site.

PaulS

Graycg · « **Reply #2 on:** July 22, 2004, 02:21:33 AM »

Hands down the Max is the best of the three you mention for 150 yards or less, all are good, but with the right bullet, the Max is best balance of bullet diameter, weight and trajectory. If the ranges get much longer, I'd get beyond any of these and look at the 7-30 waters.

good luck with whatever choice you make.

v.r.
graycg

K2 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 23, 2004, 01:52:32 PM »

All will get the job done on whitetails. If you still have the dies for the max and not the others then get another max. Other than that it is up to you. Slight reloading advantage to the straight walls in that you can use carbide dies, don't know if that matters to you either.

Quote from: msdh

I am purchasing a new G2 for whitetails. I used to own a older Contender super 14 in .357 maximum. I started using muzzleloaders exclusively and sold it after a few years of non use, It is the first gun I deeply regret selling. I miss it! I shot 4 deer with it at ranges 50 to 85 yards with 180 grain hollowpoints and it performed well. My question is this. is the 30-30 or 44 mag superior to the MAX for deer out to 150 yards? Id probably go with the 12 inch tube but haven't decided yet.

msdh · « **Reply #4 on:** July 24, 2004, 10:01:54 AM »

Guys thnks for your great input. Ive narrowed it down to the MAX or the .44. Both are easy to reload for. Am leaning a little toward the .44 because Ive seen what 240 grain .44 bullets will do to a deer. Also Ill bet you could really make a 200 gr jhp really smoke out of a 12 inch barrel to flatten the trajectory a bit. If I dont like it I'll just buy another barrel either way. Thats the beauty of a T/C.