.30-30 trapper barrel ballistics

[Snowman366]

Been using 170-grain jsp's for deer in my 20-inch barreled .30-30's for a very long time. Thinking of using a 16.5-inch barreled "trapper" model .30-30 this next deer season.

Being as the trapper's barrel's a bit shorter, I'm sure the velocity is a bit slower.  Do I need to step down to 150-grain .30-30 loads to be sure I get adequate expansion from the soft-points in the shorter barrel, instead of simply sticking with the heavier, slower 170's? Accuracy is superb with either bullet weight in my trapper.

Thanks...

[Snowshoe]

I like using 150's rather than the 170's. I find they expand more and drop the deer faster. That said my 1951 model 94 likes the 170's better, so that is what I use in it. In the short barreled Trapper the 150 might be a lot better than a 170, because of the expansion factor. I like the Winchester Silver Tip, or the Hornady bullet best.

[Snowman366]

Thanks, Br'er 'shoe...

The weather's been really wonderful the past few days, so I've been doing some accuracy-testing. Seems as though the 150-grain loads are a trifle more accurate on paper from my trapper-length .30-30 than the 170-grainers are. Not by much, certainly...but a little.

I know I'm not the first guy to say this, by a long shot, but a trapper-length levergun is a really handy companion.