Here I go playing devils advocate again....
As to the use of a Boat Tail design in a 30-30, I believe that one will find a useful increase in retained energy at 200 yards as compared to other designs, especially when the BC of the bullet is ABOVE .400. A 10% gain is a 10% gain.
Currently I drive the Hornady 150 SST at 2360 fps, but I am sure it is quite possible to get above 2400 in the Handi. At 2360, the trajectory of the SST is 2" high at 100, 2" low at 200. This is a point blank range of 200 yards staying inside a 4" circle, increase that to a 6" circle, and our point blank range approaches 250 yards. This takes our 30-30 out of the realm of woods rifle, and takes us into soybean fields and clearcuts. The Nolser 180 Partition at 2245 fps gives a 175 yard point blank range shooting into a 4" circle. (As a side note 1800 fps is the low end working velocity of the Nosler)
While perhaps not discussed often, point blank range is everything in a hunting rifle. While it may be obvious, the greater distance one can shoot and not begin to make sighting corrections for trajectory, the greater confidence a shooter will have in theri rifle and thier ability to hit at extended ranges. It also allows us to enter a variety of hunting conditions without thought of our preparedness for changes in terrain or cover.
Most factory 30-30 loads begin to fall out at 150 yards. Estimating a 6" to 8" hold over for a bullet that is beginning to enter its low extreme velocity performance window only adds to the questions in a shooters mind as they try to size up that once in a life time buck that just entered the field 220 yards away as daylight fades and it is quartering toward............
How many advantages do you want in your chamber?
