.308 vs. 30-30 bolt gun for deer?

[Sikvenum93]

I wanted a cheap bolt gun for deer hunting and practise and I was wondering which round would be better for deer? Which round is generally cheaper/easier to come by? What bolt guns are chambered for those rounds and are a good value?

[DennisCA]

I would go with the .308 - simply because it gives you more flexibility (range/cartridge weight selection)
The 30-30 is a fine cartridge (shot my 1st deer with it) but it has it limitations.
My Dad had one deer gun for years; a left-handed savage 110 in .308 and took a ton of deer with it!

[Jeff213]

if you want a bolt gun go .308. The rimless cartridge feeds better in bolt actions. .308 has more power for about the same size of cartridge. .308 ammo is cheaper. Off the top of my head I can't name a .30-30 bolt action although some probably do exist. You can get a used .308 bolt action for $300 plus ca extortion fees.

You can get a very nice lever action 30-30 (much faster than a bolt action for follow up shots with iron sights at closer ranges) for $450.

If you are dead set on a bolt gun get a .308, but I would look at lever action 30-30s as well, try each out and decide what you like.

[TMB 1]

Both are good for deer. The 308 has more power. If you want a 30-30 bolt action you would have to find a used Remington 788, Savage 340 or Stevens 325. What I've seen of ammo prices 30-30 is cheaper for hunting ammo. Here's the Steven 325, Savage 340 is same rifle. http://www.gunbroker.com/All/BI.aspx...ds=stevens+325

http://www.gunbroker.com/Bolt-Action-Rifles/BI.aspx?Keywords=savage+340

[1911man]

Deer gun

If you are hunting A-zone .243 IMHO.

[ScottyXbones]

They're both pretty much the same round, the 308 is the more modern version designed to shoot flatter, be lighter to carry, and give more options with loads.

[Jeff213]

Both are good for deer. The 308 has more power. If you want a 30-30 bolt action you would have to find a used Remington 788, Savage 340 or Stevens 325. What I've seen of ammo prices 30-30 is cheaper for hunting ammo. Here's the Steven 325, Savage 340 is same rifle. http://www.gunbroker.com/All/BI.aspx...ds=stevens+325

I don't think the price of the actual hunting ammo should really be a consideration. You may shoot 10 a year to check zero and hunt with. The practice ammo would be much cheaper with a .308.

[ElvenSoul]

Zastava Mini Mauser just over $400 with 16" or 18" barrel

[TMB 1]

I don't think the price of the actual hunting ammo should really be a consideration. You may shoot 10 a year to check zero and hunt with. The practice ammo would be much cheaper with a .308.

True 7.62x51 fmj or steel case 308 ammo is a little cheaper than 30-30 hunting ammo.

[09cs]

I have both, 30-30 seems more expensive

[toby]

They're both pretty much the same round, the 308 is the more modern version designed to shoot flatter, be lighter to carry, and give more options with loads.

WHUT?

[javithewrench]

I think the main difference between the two is for one you must dress like a cowboy and like an operator for the other

[MissiontoMars]

I think the main difference between the two is for one you must dress like a cowboy and like an operator for the other

haha...

[Sikvenum93]

Haha ok .308 it is

[Oceanbob]

Yeah, .308 is probably the best choice in a bolt hunting rifle. All around.

But...but....Lever Guns are more FUN!....and have faster follow up shots.

There is nothing wrong with a 30-30 Lever gun. A used one can be $300 bucks with options already installed.



Also, some are just darn good looking....