with my winchester ive had the bullet really start dropping off at 125-150 yards. as far as max range i would guess somewhere in the area of 500-700 yards. Ive shot deer at 250 already with my 30-30, just have to adjust for the longer distance.
My answer may not be what you are looking for. But it is the way I see it.
The 30-30 is like alot of other big Bore(although the 30-30 is not considered a bigbore) cartridges. Its effective distance on game is more a function of the shooter and not the cartridge.
I like shooting heavy lead bullets in the 30-30. The heavier the better. I am not concerned about the drop of the bullet. I am worried about what the bullet will do when it gets there.
Similar to the 45-70. Alot of shooters think the 45-70 is limited to 100 yards because of the drop. However as most of us know the 45-70 is good to much longer distances.
In a good accurate rifle I believe the 30-30 cartridge is effective on deer to at least 300 yards. However you really have to know your rifle, and you must be very proficient with your weapon to make these type shots.
For the average guy with open sights the rifle is good to 100 yards with no problem. With a scope that distance is extended to 150-175 yards.
Anything past this it takes practice. Personally I like a good tang sight, and I take the time to practice a good bit out to 300 yards. However I normally would not take a shot past 200-225. That is my effective range with open sights. Tom.
If you arent real gun and ammo savvy, keep your shots to 200 yards or less. Hogghead had good info, but based on his input and info he offers here on this site, I know him to be very knowledgable about the fine ins and outs of rifles, bullets, and how it all works.
If you are a casual shooter and dont get into the science of it all, keep your shots under 200 yards like I said. Being a casual shooter isnt intended as an insult.
Hogghead, you ever monkey with any 30-30's with the 26" octagon barrel? I was blown away earlier this year when I discovered how accurate they are. I shot a Cowboy Lever Action Silhouette match with one. I was VERY impressed.
I have shot the longer barreled 30-30's. But not in a lever action. I have shot them in an Encore and in a High Wall a friend owns. With a 26" barrel the 30-30 is actually a very good round. And I also prefer the rimmed case when shooting a single shot rifle. I like to headspace off the rim in single shot rifles.
I have an 1894 Marlin that is just begging for a 26" octagon barrel. But the cartridge is 44 magnum. I think the Marlin Cowboy rifles are sharp looking rifles. Especially in the 1894. I just wish they would do something with the exposed bolt on the 336(and the 1895). The covered bolt on the Marlin 1894 looks so much better IMO.
thanks for the info guys i had a .270 last year and had it sighted in for about 300 yards i hunt alot of wooded areas so decided to go with the 30-30....... but i had a buddy tell me they wont shoot acuratley pass 100 yards
I will shoot my 30-30 to 200 yards with no prob. Just know you limits of your shooting skill and the gun. Rember it has a rainbow flight so you have to now your bullet drop at longer ranges and aim for the drop.
thanks for the info guys i had a .270 last year and had it sighted in for about 300 yards i hunt alot of wooded areas so decided to go with the 30-30....... but i had a buddy tell me they wont shoot acuratley pass 100 yards
Thats hogwash about the 100 yard accuracy. On the other hand, accurate is a relative term. I prefer my rifles to shoot under a half a minute. Thats because I have become very fussy about getting the best performance out of my guns. However, my preferences are not realistic standards for PA whitetail rifles. The average rifle, with the average scope, and average factory ammo, is not nearly as accurate as many folks believe them to be. However, they are more than sufficient for deer hunting here in the woods.
The average 30-30 will drive a bullet through a deers vitals at 200 yards. Would i count on the gun to sink a bullet within an inch of your point of aim? Probably not. Some will however. BUT, there should be no reason a 30-30 with solid scope mounts wont hit the vitals with room to spare at 200 yards.
To sum it up. Accuracy is a relative. Would a 30-30 be accurate enough to place bets on at a 200 yard range, probably not. But, it should be plenty accurate to hit the vitals on a whitetail at that distance.
I've killed a buck at 200 yards with my Marlin 30-30. It went 25 yards and collapsed. It was plenty accurate enough for that shot. I also took a Turkey at 175 yards with the same gun.
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