30-30

[tjm160]

Having added a syndicate involving mostly high seat and Muntjac, my Sako 90 30-06 is too much gun, Sako S20 6.5CM too heavy and long and the Sako A7 .243 setup for night time foxing and which I really don't wish to use in daytime (I much prefer conventional optics).

I'm consequently contemplating chopping the 6.5CM in for another Marlin in 30-30 (I have one in .38/.357 for gallery).

I note from the comparatively few threads that 30-30 doesn't seem a particularly popular calibre in the UK. I also understand that accuracy can be challenging with 3+ MOA considered about par and if I proceed, will home load.

The purpose is Roe and Muntjac (occasional Fallow) at short distance (max 150m but mostly woodland maximum 100m) mostly high seat, but also as a more truck friendly option, mobility not being the best these days and so tending to use more frequently.

Any thoughts and particularly direct experience of the calibre appreciated

 

[Heym SR20]

Rather going to all the expense of swapping to a 30-30 why not simply load up some light loads for the 30-06, a 140 to 150ish grain bullet at at about 2500 fps. Terminal effect would be similar to the 30-30.

An alternative might be to swap your 6.5cm for another much lighter weight 6.5. Have a look at the Benelli Lupos.

But I can see the appeal of a lever action in 30-30.

 

[Smellydog]

140 yards off the knee, no optic.

The target was shot off hand but I forget the distance, certainly more than 100yds, most likely 200. I called flyer. 3x scope.

The above was off hand also, 100 and 150.

All of my 3030 rifles, 5 over the years shot under 2" at 100 or I got rid of it. The Winchesters are pretty easy to get to shoot well if indeed they don't. The Marlin I had was awful and I never did work the issue out!

 

[Lever357]

As the .30-30 and especially in lever action form, has probably killed more deer in the USA than any other calibre, I don't see why it's not used more often in this country. You already have one lever action, you definitely need more!!!

 

[Smellydog]

As the .30-30 and especially in lever action form, has probably killed more deer in the USA than any other calibre, I don't see why it's not used more often in this country. You already have one lever action, you definitely need more!!!

I've had 5 3030, 1 357 and one 22.
I don't understand the hang up about using them in the field. Everyone thinks they have to be a sniper and lug 12lb of rifle about to shoot a deer quite possibly less than 100yds for most!

 

[tjm160]

Thanks gents, much appreciated and helpful counsel. When no other choice than to walk the 30-06 is lovely and lightweight and handles perfectly. Something more compact for high seat and Defender does appeal though and as much as I love the 6.5 (both specific rifle and calibre), I've sadly had to reluctantly accept it is really is too heavy for me now. Another Sako 90 would be lovely except for the cost and want of something more compact and a 125/150gr 30-30 moving around 2,400 FPS should surely greatly reduce meat damage.

Thanks @Smellydog 2MOA would be a very acceptable compromise for the compactness and convenience of a lever action. I handled a Henry and was originally planning until handling the Marlin which just felt so much more 'premium' in comparison. She's just back from Rimfire Magic and feeding and shooting massively better, so it's onto hand loads to try and get accuracy down from the present ~4MOA (.38/.357).

I'm not opposed to any brand and would indeed prefer an entirely traditional wooden stock but need moderated (hearing damage) and the new Marlin Dark Series although seriously 'fugly' shave a noticeable amount of weight and length although from an accuracy perspective, the 16" barrel is perhaps somewhat of a worry.

Dark Series Model 336™

 

[Smellydog]

357 is inheritantly accurate. Where most folk go wrong is when shooting lead with lousy lubed bullets and unseasoned barrels!
Like a 22 the bore needs a complete coating of bullet lube. In fact I wouldn't even start shooting without a coating of lube on a cleaned barrel then not clean it unless it's gotten leaded from lousy lube.

Not a huge fan of Marlin, every one raves about them because of scoping them but I've never had a problem with Winchesters and scopes. Especially the ae model's.
I'm not a fan of Marlin lock up. The Winchesters are easy to see if lock up is correct or not and if not easy to fix.

Ear defenders be it tissue paper or better protects ears better than a moderator even .

30/30 doubles brilliantly for small game also loaded approximately.

 

[tjm160]

Thanks SD, I hear you and appreciate your counsel.

That's also especially helpful information on .38/.357, thank you. It also reassures me that 2MOA should be readily achievable with 30-30 commensurate with the few articles I've found.

Unfortunately I need both moderator and ear defenders. Stalking it's just the cans, target and it's CENS in-ear and Sordin Pro's over the the top.

 

[Ratel]

I used a 30-30 Winchester for a year or two with a 4x 40 scope. Generally whilst travelling about feeding birds. Light easy to manage on a quad with front brackets. Shot a lot of Sika hinds with mine, taking opportunities as they came. Never used it much above 100yds. Never used it though when stalking on the hill.

 

[Bavarianbrit]

Having added a syndicate involving mostly high seat and Muntjac, my Sako 90 30-06 is too much gun, Sako S20 6.5CM too heavy and long and the Sako A7 .243 setup for night time foxing and which I really don't wish to use in daytime (I much prefer conventional optics).

I'm consequently contemplating chopping the 6.5CM in for another Marlin in 30-30 (I have one in .38/.357 for gallery).

I note from the comparatively few threads that 30-30 doesn't seem a particularly popular calibre in the UK. I also understand that accuracy can be challenging with 3+ MOA considered about par and if I proceed, will home load.

The purpose is Roe and Muntjac (occasional Fallow) at short distance (max 150m but mostly woodland maximum 100m) mostly high seat, but also as a more truck friendly option, mobility not being the best these days and so tending to use more frequently.

Any thoughts and particularly direct experience of the calibre appreciated

Open up the .357 mag chamber to .357 Rem Maximum (just run the .357 mag reamer deeper, ask a competent gunsmith) and you can have .35 Remington power plus you can still do the gallery stuff in .38/.357 mag with it. Saves buying another rifle.

 

[tjm160]

Thanks @Ratel that is mightily reassuring I'm on the right path, perhaps not for everyone, but also not completely off piste.

Hmmmm, @Bavarianbrit that is immensely interesting and attractive, thank you everso much. Off to do some further research.....

 

[tjm160]

Thanks again @Bavarianbrit I've spoken to my smith and as not something common, finding anyone to undertake would not be easy not least as needing particular gauges to measure the reaming (a foreign language to me so apologies if described wrongly). On top of invalidating warranty and apparently also presenting licencing challenges, given cost would also be a good half of a new rifle, their best recommendation is to simply buy a new rifle in the desired calibre.

 

[Will the chippy]

Put a qd mount on your 243 and switch between glass and digital.

 

[Claret_Dabbler]

A Ruger No1 in 30/30 would be sweet if such a thing could be found.

 

[Claret_Dabbler]

That’s the logical answer.

 

[tjm160]

Good call @Will the chippy my backup option or indeed will be pursued if decision goes against bothering with 30-30. The 6.5 is going regardless as sadly just too heavy for me and so if it does, it will free up the conventional optic for the .243 (A vector 3-18x50 - the Swaro in the image is now on the 30-06).

An over barrel mod (I have the slot for another 6.5 mod) would clearly reduce the length, but 800g of added weight over either the 30-06, .243 or a 30-30 is rather more problematic.

 

[Bavarianbrit]

Thanks @Ratel that is mightily reassuring I'm on the right path, perhaps not for everyone, but also not completely off piste.

Hmmmm, @Bavarianbrit that is immensely interesting and attractive, thank you everso much. Off to do some further research.....

I have a Contender carbine with one of those in a 14 inch barrel.

 

[Smellydog]

A Ruger No1 in 30/30 would be sweet if such a thing could be found.

Once saw a chap at a range with a sxs double in 3030 and Savage use to make a bolt action.

 

[kenbro]

Thanks again @Bavarianbrit I've spoken to my smith and as not something common, finding anyone to undertake would not be easy not least as needing particular gauges to measure the reaming (a foreign language to me so apologies if described wrongly). On top of invalidating warranty and apparently also presenting licencing challenges, given cost would also be a good half of a new rifle, their best recommendation is to simply buy a new rifle in the desired calibre.

Sounds like you went to a plumber, not a competent gunsmith.
KB.

 

[West5575]

For roe and muntjac in the woods the 357 sounds pretty good to me. Although yall prolly have some weird rules about that stuff.

I’m fairly well experienced with lever guns. 30-30 is my go to for still hunting in the woods. I don’t run it suppressed tho. 20in barrel plus can gets unwieldy for walking through the woods. To me that rifle is meant for still hunting and quick snap shots at deer pretty close in. My 30-30 is a JM stamped Marlin. Also have a 45-70. Maybe you could find a trapper version and the suppressor wouldn’t stick out too far.

Having said that and really enjoying my leverguns my solution to what you’re doing is a lightweight bolt in 308 with 16 in barrel and suppressor and load light bullets with pistol load data. That setup is easier to make accurate and better for stand hunting.

But like I said I love my marlins. If you have any specific questions about them ask away. They manufacture them about an hour from my house now.