1:1 variation .223 for 30/30

[Rob-E]

I was supposed to take delivery of a tikka today in 223 that was granted to me for Muntjac as I shoot in an densely muntjac populated area with a fair amount of public access on it and thought it sensible to use something other than my .308.

However when the rifle arrived at the local RFD it was in worse condion that I expected and the barrel wasn’t even clean so it’s been returned.
Essex police have said I still need to do a variation as on the system it’s mine. Fair enough.

So my question is this, as I’m doing a 1:1 anyway is there any good reason not to change calibre to a 30/30? (In my local constabularies eyes) It’s a bigger round popular deer calibre and can still be used for the purpose of muntjac.

Through my research so far it’s not got as flat trajectory as .223 so won’t travel as far and loses its energy rapidly after 200yds, to me this means it’s a safer calibre for my needs, and is the argument I’m planning on using. Does that all sound logical?

Plus it has the added bonus that it comes in lever action

 

[gixer1]

I would shoot a lever action before you make that decision….

 

[Rob-E]

I’ve shot my mates .357 which I love, great fun.

 

[Namman]

I was supposed to take delivery of a tikka today in 223 that was granted to me for Muntjac as I shoot in an densely muntjac populated area with a fair amount of public access on it and thought it sensible to use something other than my .308.

However when the rifle arrived at the local RFD it was in worse condion that I expected and the barrel wasn’t even clean so it’s been returned.
Essex police have said I still need to do a variation as on the system it’s mine. Fair enough.

So my question is this, as I’m doing a 1:1 anyway is there any good reason not to change calibre to a 30/30? (In my local constabularies eyes) It’s a bigger round popular deer calibre and can still be used for the purpose of muntjac.

Through my research so far it’s not got as flat trajectory as .223 so won’t travel as far and loses its energy rapidly after 200yds, to me this means it’s a safer calibre for my needs, and is the argument I’m planning on using. Does that all sound logical?

Plus it has the added bonus that it comes in lever action

Why not put in for a .458.
It's not got such a flat trajectory as a .223 and also should by the same logic not travel as far and therefore safer !!!!!
I think some further research is needed!

 

[Rob-E]

.223 effective range 500-600yds
30-30 effective range 150-200yds

 

[Acm]

Not really comparable calibres, but if there’s an itch that needs scratching, get after it!

 

[Acm]

.223 effective range 500-600yds
30-30 effective range 150-200yds

Be careful trying to bullsh!t plod. Think about the ricochet risk, over penetration risk etc. If you just plain want one I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that, but saying you need it as it’s safer is like a 17 year old arguing an attic truck is safer to drive than an mx5!

 

[Bledd]

Personally, I’d stick with 223. Picked up my second 223 (on basis of economy of reloading and general performance) this week and glanced at factory round prices - federal 55gr £35 a box! Swore aloud, naturally- same stuff was £22/box last month, supposedly cheap. Becoming an awful joke - Powder, brass and bullet availability will soon be the biggest factors. Sad times

 

[Carlsuffolk]

Not exactly on topic, but I just got a Winchester xpr in 223 for fox and muntjac, £495 brand new, add a mod £750 all in and a brand spanker with no history to worry about

 

[Namman]

.223 effective range 500-600yds
30-30 effective range 150-200yds

Actually I wasn't being serious, but I do think you need to study external ballistics especially extreme range and effective range.
Good luck to you if you fancy a .30 30
but don't be under the illusion that it is inherently safer than a .223.

 

[njc110381]

If you want a .30-30, ask for one. It sounds like you can justify it. It's considerably less powerful than a .308 and a completely different style of rifle, so it's not like they can say that you don't need two rifles that are the same.

 

[Sash]

You have said that you “ shoot in an densely muntjac populated area with a fair amount of public access on it”.
For that, I would want to use a rifle that can be moderated, and that can be done well on a .223.

Not sure if if have ever seen a moderated under-lever 30-30.
But I am pretty sure I don’t want to!

As an aside, I would be pretty careful arguing about the relative “safety” of different centrefire calibres with an FEO. Some departments work purely on the basis of “bands” of calibre. And issues of chambering are often ignored. The idea that 30-30 is somehow inherently “safer” than .223 is a dangerous rabbit hole to go down IMHO: you still need a safe backstop and to use a lot of judgement for every shot.

 

[devon deer stalker]

My advice, ask the police, it's pointless asking on here, (every police force views things differently, although they shouldn't) what would you say if they said 'no', argue 'but the guys on the SD said it was fine'

 

[Bowland blades]

Just doing small species of deer in woodland 30-30 plainly has a lot to be said for it ! However 223 rem will be easier to feed and more versatile. No point discussing " will police " because the big issue is every forces has its own take on things and of course ( and quite correctly imo) who can and who cannot have what for what within its jurisdiction

 

[Smellydog]

If you ask the police they will automatically say no!
If you give the police a good reason you'll get it.
Safety wise, nothing in it really, still got to be careful.

I've had more leverguns in 30/30 than any other calibre except 22's, that says something.


80yds off hand.

 

[Rob-E]

Thank you for all your comments and advice.

This solves both! Lever action lower for an AR15.


For those that were wondering Marlin do a screw cut 30/30 the 336 Black. Although apparently only 1 was imported and they’re no longer made

 

[Smellydog]

Thank you for all your comments and advice.

This solves both! Lever action lower for an AR15.


For those that were wondering Marlin do a screw cut 30/30 the 336 Black. Although apparently only 1 was imported and they’re no longer made

 

[25 Sharps]

.223 effective range 500-600yds
30-30 effective range 150-200yds

.223 muzzle energy 1300-1400 ft-lb
30-30 muzzle energy 2000+ ft-lb

 

[25 Sharps]

I was supposed to take delivery of a tikka today in 223 that was granted to me for Muntjac as I shoot in an densely muntjac populated area with a fair amount of public access on it and thought it sensible to use something other than my .308.

However when the rifle arrived at the local RFD it was in worse condion that I expected and the barrel wasn’t even clean so it’s been returned.
Essex police have said I still need to do a variation as on the system it’s mine. Fair enough.

So my question is this, as I’m doing a 1:1 anyway is there any good reason not to change calibre to a 30/30? (In my local constabularies eyes) It’s a bigger round popular deer calibre and can still be used for the purpose of muntjac.

Through my research so far it’s not got as flat trajectory as .223 so won’t travel as far and loses its energy rapidly after 200yds, to me this means it’s a safer calibre for my needs, and is the argument I’m planning on using. Does that all sound logical?

Plus it has the added bonus that it comes in lever action

The argument that a .223 loses energy quicker and therefore is safer is one you should not mention, all that energy should be drilled into a backstop irrespective of the cartridge’s relative energy!

Your argument makes it sound like you are happy for bullets to fly off into the distance….

 

[Smellydog]

.223 muzzle energy 1300-1400 ft-lb
30-30 muzzle energy 2000+ ft-lb

Think that's a bit optimistic for the 30-30 mate