30-30

[ASUAviator]

Sorry if this caliber has been discussed much but since I cant find a search I figure id ask.

 

I have my first WT hunt coming up in 36B and am unsure what caliber I want to go with. I am a lefty so awkwardly dealing with a righty bolt is out of the question for me. I have a Marlin 336C that I would feel comfortable taking a 2-300 yard shot with. I realize the terrain down there may make closing that gap difficult but I would consider myself young and able. The challenge in itself sound fun. Im curious if anyone has used a 30-30 for WT? Also looking for options/opinions on lefty bolt set ups since they are not very common.

 

Thanks in advance!

[Guest akaspecials]

I personsally wont use a 30-30 past 200 yards. Its drops a lot and loses energy. I have a love affair with the caliber though growing up with the caliber down south. Great for brush and jumping deer in close quarters. Not the best long range coues caliber though. But just pretend you're archery hunting. Most archers "start" the stalk at 200 yards.... so definitely doable if you know your shooting limits and limits of your gun.

 

Trying to "poke out" a long shot would be totally unethical though. Props for asking on your part though.

[10Turkeys]

I have hunted 36B for years and there are places down there where 300 yards is a close shot, but I have shot one that was about 60 yards. A thirty-thirty wouldn't be my first choice, but sometimes you have to go with what you have, and with proper shot placement that Marlin will put meat in the freezer like anything else.

[ASUAviator]

I would definitely not take an uncertain shot. It is no where close to the ideal set up for the hunt. But being a lefty I do not have $500+ to spend on a bolt. Fortunately my buddy will be there with his 7mm ultra mag, so if it comes down to it, ill take the shot with that. As much as I want to bag a deer, its just a bonus. So as difficult as it will be, trying to get in close sounds like a fun challenge.

[Flatlander]

The 30-30 has probably killed more deer than any other caliber on the planet. Know your limitations and have a great time.

[stanley]

Over the past couple of seasons I've taken to packing my old 30-30 again. For some reason, I feel like I want to shoot my next deer with it (muley or whitetail..... Carried it in Utah this past weekend on the general rifle hunt, but never got close enough to a buck for a shot.). I'll be on a coues hunt in 36C late next month, and I'll once again be trying to get close with my 30-30.

 

Like akaspecials mentions, if an archery hunter can stalk within bow range then why can't a rifle hunter stalk to 30-30 range? Go for it!

 

S.

 

[PRDATR]

Go for it. I personally would have no problem using it out to 200 yards. Heck, it has more energy at 200 than the 7.62x39 has at 150.

My shots at WT have been from 25 yards to 300.

[Viper]

I have that same rifle. I have taken two muleys and one WT, but the longest shot was about 80 yards. That was years ago before my first bolt rifle. It is a pleasure to carry, and definitely doable, within 200 yards. I much prefer my bolt .270 for longer shots. WT are small targets and very tough animals. In the country they live in, if you don't kill them on the spot, you may not find it. Carry it in case you have an opportunity to use it. If the shot is longer than 200 yards, use your buddies rifle.

[beerhugger]

Planning on using my Marlin 336C for my first ever deer hunt this weekend. I did have the opportunity to borrow a friend's .30-06, but decided to use my .30-30. It belonged to my father, so there's some nostalgia with using that rife. He purchased the rifle in the 60s and was never able to bag a deer and (I assume) he lost interest in hunting after Vietnam.

[ASUAviator]

Thanks for the input fellas. Has me feeling a lot better about my choice. It sure would feel good to get one with it!

 

Good luck on your hunt Beerhugger! Be sure to report back

[Flatlander79]

My first rifle was a 30-30 and it was pretty accurate up to 200 yards but after missing a deer and a elk with it went out and bought a .300 wsm bolt action. Since then have bagged a coues and 3 elk. I would say get u a bolt action when ever u can. Good luck

[billrquimby]

I've not used a .30-30 on deer or elk, but my father shot dozens of deer and four or five elk with his.

 

My first rifle was a .303 Savage, and I shot everything from coyotes, javelinas, mule deer and whitetails with it and never felt I needed something better until I drew my first elk tag and bought a .270.

 

This was in the mid-1950s, and it was rare to see a scope on a rifle.

 

Use your Marlin and enjoy it.

 

Bill Quimby