30-30

[tjm160]

Thanks @West5575 England and Wales have a 1,700 ft lbs minimum and Scotland 2,450 fps. Marlin unfortunately don't offer the Trapper in 30-30. However, they do offer the Dark Series (with 16" barrel) and that's what I would go for.

Dark Series Model 336™

www.marlinfirearms.com

 

[West5575]

Thanks @West5575 England and Wales have a 1,700 ft lbs minimum and Scotland 2,450 fps. Marlin unfortunately don't offer the Trapper in 30-30. However, they do offer the Dark Series (with 16" barrel) and that's what I would go for.

Dark Series Model 336™

www.marlinfirearms.com

That’s a shame the trapper isn’t available there in 30-30. They do manufacture them and sell them here. That would be about perfect for you.

 

[tjm160]

Ahh apologies, they do the Trapper in 30-30, I confused with the Guide (3" longer barrel but blued action and nice wood furniture).

The Dark Series is 100g lighter than the Trapper with same barrel length so really just comes down to preference between the two.

 

[jonylandrover]

I use a 30-30, marlin 336. Its the micro groove rifling version making it 1 in 10 twist rather than 12. I have used all sorts of ammo in it over the years, its favourite factory load is ppu 150gr flat point. Will do just over an inch at 100 if you do your bit and let it cool between shots! Constant hold is key due to the forend being in contact with the barrel at multiple points. Used it exclusively on Roe in woods and its a pleasure to use. Had a 4x40 scope, fitted with hollow mounts so I can still use the irons too. Have shot roe with both out to 100. Hand loads, I found the LEVERevolution powder excellent! Sierra 150gr flat points. Worked up a load with some Hornady sst 150gr these are devastating loads and made the gun a mini 308! Obviously this makes the gun 1 in the tube 1 in the mag only! Copper, Hornady 140gr monflex working well for me so far, more testing to be done but i think it shows promising results to 200+! Its my go to rifle if the situation is right. Now im working up a copper load it will be used a lote more fingers crossed!

 

[tjm160]

Brilliant @jonylandrover that's another brilliant testimonial and great pointers, thank you!

 

[West5575]

My favorite loads were plain ole Corelokts. 150s and 170s both did well for me but my preference was 170. Generally companies load them to same velocities so point of aim is same with iron sights. I have never cared for the leverevolution loads in 30-30 or 45-70. They didn’t group well for me and I didn’t see the point. Also the Hornady bullet came apart in the deer I shot with it. The 170s do the best for me.

 

[tjm160]

Has anyone found a useable 30-30 copper bullet yet?

 

[Heym SR20]

Just a thought, with the smaller deer you only need 1,000 ft lbs of energy. Your 357 Magnum in a rifle can do up to 1,200 ft lbs. Perhaps get an authorisation for that to be used for Muntjac, CWD and Roe. From what I have read the 357 and 44 Magnum are often used in the US for woodland type deer stalking.

 

[tjm160]

Thanks @Heym SR20 great suggestion although isn't it only Muntjac and CWD in England/Wales that can be shot with 1,000 ft lbs (not Roe)? Although the estate is overrun with Muntjac and so are our focus at the moment, if Roe (and Fallow in season) present, I really need to cover all three, as the 6.5CM presently does.

I'm very much obliged though. This whole conversation is helping greatly with processing the idea and is seemingly confirming my initial thought that another Marlin in 30-30 as a replacement for the 6.5CM is the way to go. I shall be extremely sad to see the 6.5CM go, being my first rifle back in May last year, appreciating the utility of the calibre and losing a packet in the process. However, we can but play the hand we're dealt and the weight of it is now an unexpectedly key issue, especially finding the 800g lighter 30-06 so much more manageable.

 

[Heym SR20]

Thanks @Heym SR20 great suggestion although isn't it only Muntjac and CWD in England/Wales that can be shot with 1,000 ft lbs (not Roe)? Although the estate is overrun with Muntjac and so are our focus at the moment, if Roe (and Fallow in season) present, I really need to cover all three, as the 6.5CM presently does.

I'm very much obliged though. This whole conversation is helping greatly with processing the idea and is seemingly confirming my initial thought that another Marlin in 30-30 as a replacement for the 6.5CM is the way to go. I shall be extremely sad to see the 6.5CM go, being my first rifle back in May last year, appreciating the utility of the calibre and losing a packet in the process. However, we can but play the hand we're dealt and the weight of it is now an unexpectedly key issue, especially finding the 800g lighter 30-06 so much more manageable.

From memory in England min for Roe is .240 and 1,000 ft lbs.

I must admit my first choice would be to download the 30-06, and avoid all hassle of variations and financial losses etc.

I have a light 7x65R combination gun. Most factory RWS ammo was a 173gn bullet at 2750 fps - big thump both on target, and on the shoulder. Great on Boar and Reds but far too much for Roe.

I worked up a load with a 140gn bullet trundling along at 2600fps. Much less fuss. Worked incredibly well on all deer, especially on Roe with much less damage than the 243.

 

[tjm160]

That's correct for Scotland, Roe in England and Wales are 1,700 ft lbs. Also agree completely that downloading the 30-06 would be a very viable approach. However, I really don't want to mess with. It has a 150gr Virtus Merlin load which is fast, flat and extremely effective and will remain my 'on foot' rifle under all circumstances and for all species. One of my permissions also has a group of 14 Reds lefties let out of a nearby deer park which although proving extremely illusive, I need to get on when the opportunity presents. A 30-30 would be very specifically my compact woodland high seat and 'truck' rifle.

 

[Smellydog]

Has anyone found a useable 30-30 copper bullet yet?

I have played with a box of Hornady 140gn mono flex bullets but am not very confident to try them. Struggled to get an acceptable group also. @25 Sharps has had some success I believe??

A kind chap here sent me some Barnes 110gn bullets intended for another calibre but I've managed to get them to work all be it my rifle is a two shot with them

Only shot a fox with them so far.

 

[Reddish]

I purchased a new M94 Winchester carbine in 1985.....it was not a particularly good rifle quality wise but shot well enough with jacketed factory ammunition.The model 94 Winchester is currently being made in Japan by Miroku and there is no comparison they are much better quality rifles now.....probably about the nicest quality Winchester lever-actions that have ever been built-in my opinion.So if in the market for a new Winchester now is actually a really good time to be buying one.

 

[CAVHUNT]

A 30/30 will do all you want and be an easy carry when stalking. If putting a scope on one you might also consider adding a cheek riser on the stock so that when shouldering and aiming your face/eyes will allow you to aim via a scope in the one plane without having to lift your head up of the stock.

West 5575 said - Maybe you could find a trapper version

Yes...yes...yes. These Trappers have a 16 inch barrel and are very light and quick to shoulder/aim. My Winchester Trapper .30/30 with a rear peep always brings me much enjoyment. Perhaps don't overthink the MOA bit. A .30/30 anywhere into the chest of your smaller deer species will drop them...just choose your bullet type/construction wisely. Fallow amd Reds...no reason why not. Mine handles sambar at common sense ranges when stalking in thick country.