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

[Oceanbob]

Another option that might be a better option would a Shotgun. (Slug Gun).

They run like a rifle and you could also use it for geese, trap and self defense.

Some of these Rifled Slugs reach out 150 yards, no problem.

[RNE228]

If you are going to go there, then they should look at 308 lever guns too. Browning BAR, used Savage 99 etc. There are really nice lever guns out there besides the Win-94 style, that shoot a variety of catridges; 223, 243, 308, 30-06 etc. There are some pump rifles too...

308 outperforms 30-30 in pretty much every category.

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.

[NapalmCheese]

If you're looking for a bolt gun, then .308 is the way to go (between the two).

If you're looking for a lever gun, a .30-30 would be easier to get into (between the two).

IMO .308 is the better round between the two (in either lever or bolt action) simply for the choice of lead free bullets (more velocity from .308 means more reliable expansion).

[edgerly779]

Bolt action .308 will take almost all north american big game. Forget slug gun they belong with the dems in Illinois where that is all they can shoot. Get a good 3" mag pump shotgun and you will be set for most hunting.

[RNE228]

As mentioned above, you can get 308 in pump(Rem 760/7600) or lever rifle(new in Browning BAR, used in Savage 99, Win 88).

Bolt action .308 will take almost all north american big game. Forget slug gun they belong with the dems in Illinois where that is all they can shoot. Get a good 3" mag pump shotgun and you will be set for most hunting.

[TMB 1]

As mentioned above, you can get 308 in pump(Rem 760/7600) or lever rifle(new in Browning BAR, used in Savage 99, Win 88).

Yep, and if you have a pump 308 it would keep you in practice for your pump shotgun and vice versa.

[golfish]

just here to pout My dad bought a M94 30-30 for my grandpa back in the 80's. It sat up in the closet until he passed away and then my uncle took it. I don't think they ever bought a box of ammo for it let alone shoot it.

Isn't the 30-30 a better brush gun then the .308?

[RNE228]

Remingto 760/7600

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire/model-7600/model-7600.aspx

Another option that might be a better option would a Shotgun. (Slug Gun).

They run like a rifle and you could also use it for geese, trap and self defense.

Some of these Rifled Slugs reach out 150 yards, no problem.

[TMB 1]

just here to pout My dad bought a M94 30-30 for my grandpa back in the 80's. It sat up in the closet until he passed away and then my uncle took it. I don't think they ever bought a box of ammo for it let alone shoot it.

Isn't the 30-30 a better brush gun then the .308?

No, it's more the rifle the 30-30 is in and that it has enough power for deer at brush hunting distances. If you need more power 308 is better.

[Sikvenum93]

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....

Drool.... That is an amazing rifle. I want one!

[RNE228]

That is about right. But, there are carbine bolt guns like the Rem mdl-7 that are same size.

No, it's more the rifle the 30-30 is in and that it has enough power for deer at brush hunting distances. If you need more power 308 is better.

[toby]

Heres the deal, if you carry a 30-30 and perhaps you can only get within 200-300- yrds of any game animal you're most likely not going to take the shot unless you really know your rifle and cartridge very well. So it's comfortably a 50-150 yard rifle, that's where most game is taken by the average hunter anyway. The kicker is a 308 will do the same thing as the 30-30 yet it will also comfortably take game out to 4-5-600 yards when the shooter knows his rifle and cartridge as well the anatomy of the animals he is pursuing while also be confident in taking such shots at game animals. Here is where lots of experience is warranted. It's not hard to learn it just takes time. I would opt for the 308 with a 2x7 or 3x9 scope of good quality and be a happy gunner. I have not used my 30-30 in well............ I've never used it for hunting, that's over 40 years of it just sitting there.

[stich]

When I was really living in a cabin in the woods, I used my trusty 30-30 lever on everything from Coyotes to skunks in the chicken coupe.Thats back when $$$$ for ammo wasn't an issue, I just wanted the critters to be really, really dead. Overkill? Yup.
I know have a Savage .308 model14 (of course wood stock) that's like owning a Cadillac for me. Shucks, I even have a scope on it. LOL

[CSACANNONEER]

A 30-30 bolt gun with the right loads will preform well out to 400 yards or so. Of course, most hunters should not ethically take shots that far with any gun chambered in any cartridge.

I use my old '94s in 30-30 for deer hunting at 200 yards or less. They are great lightweight and short brush guns but, they are limited due to the need to use bullets designed for tube fed guns. My Savage 99 in .308 is heavier but, with it's rotary mag and being chambered for .308, I would feel comfortable taking shots up to about 600 yards with it. Again, most hunters don't have the XLR background I have and ethically shouldn't be using that rifle past 200 or so yards either.

BTW, when talking about all these long distance shots, I'll be honest, I have never taken a deer at over 150 yards and prefer to keep it that way unless I end up hunting terrain that dictates longer shots. Getting inside of 100 yards is not hard to do in much of California and, as I see it, getting close is part of the challenge and the ethical thing to do.

[toby]

Hard to do that, get close on Desert Mule Deer especially low Desert Mule Deer.