Would a 30-30 be better to hunt white tail deer than a 30-6?

Question

I need to know an answer.. I am getting me one this week..

Answer 1

I read somewhere that more deer have been taken with a 30-30 than any other gun. I couldn't tell you where I heard that, but it just comes to memory.

The 30-06 will be far superior for longer shots and larger game if you ever plan on doing. That that being said, I like the 30-30 because it is a versatile round that gets the job done for me, but I usualy hunt a stand over a feed plot and i'm only shooting a max of 60 yards with an old winchester lever with iron sights. Been a great gun, and that round has been large enough to stop any deer or hog I've ever shot with it.

If I was to ever plannning on some type of hunting with long range shots, I'd trade in my 270WSM ( I HATE IT) and go with a 30-06

The 30-30 is also a lot easier on the old shoulder.

Answer 2

The .30-06 is a superior caliber. The .30-30, although it has taken a lot of deer and black bear, leaves something to be desired in the accuracy department. Not that it is inaccurate, its just not a tack-driver like most good .30-06s.

If you do get a .30-30 consider the Marlin which is easier to mount a scope on and with Winchester closing its doors the Marlin is probably your best choice. On the other hand, a good used Winchester has collector's interest now. Still, you'll find that the .30-06 is more versatile.

Best.

H

Answer 3

The question you are asking is like asking a person if they prefer blonds, brunettes, or redheads. People are going to spout off various facts and will give you different answers.

In the end, as long as a cartridge has enough power to kill the animals you are after, the rest is all personal preference.

As another poster mentioned, on paper, a 30-06 will do anything the 30-30 does, only better.

So which is the best one?

The 30-06 is pretty much the standard that all other cartridges are measured by. You can pretty much go anywhere in the world and find a box of 30-06 shells. The variety of bullet types and bullet weights available will allow you to hunt pretty much anything in North America and almost anything in the world. The recoil is moderate and there is a huge variety of weapons that it is chambered in. A nice bolt-action 30-06 will probably be all the gun you'd ever need in life. If you were going to buy one weapon ever, the 30-06 would be my second recommendation (the 35 Whelen would be my first...it is just a 30-06 necked up to 35 caliber instead of 30 caliber)

The 30-30 is pretty much as old as dirt. It tends to be chambered in light, short, lever action rifles. The recoil is low enough to be handled pretty much by anyone. As most lover actions use tubular magazines, pretty much all factory ammo uses flat points or round nose bullets, which lowers the potential of the cartridge (this changed with Hornady's new ammo...LeveRevolution I think it is called). With most ammo, range is limited to under 100 to 150 meters (you could push it a little farther, but bullet drop becomes a huge factor past 200 m)

So which is best?

If you are hunting in a thick brushy area, I'd opt for a 30-30. Like I said, the rifles tend to be short and light, which is nice in areas that are hard to get through

If you are new to shooting, I'd probably recommend the 30-30 due to its lighter recoil. The recoil of the 30-06 is very managable for most experienced shooters, but can be a little stiff for new shooters

If you are hunting in an area that is open, I'd opt for the 30-06. If you sight in the rifle for either 100m or 200m, you should be able to still hit an animal at 300m without much problem.

If you think you might hunt larger animals down the road, stick with the 30-06. Like I said, it can take down anything in North America

If you are new to shooting and opt for the 30-06, start with teh lightest bullets you can find. You don't want to become scared of the rifle or the recoil (that promotes bad shooting habits). They make some 125gr bullets that are pretty light on the recoil and will do some terriffic damage to whitetail sized game. Personally, I use 165 gr. bullets when I hunt deer with my 30-06.

Good Luck to you! Happy Hunting!

Answer 4

OK, here we go:

1. If you already own a 30-30, do not get an 30-06 for deer hunting
2. If you already have the 30-06, then use it for deer hunting
3. If you own neither gun, then choose the 30-30

30-30 and .270 Winchester are two of the greatest rounds for deer out of a highpowered rifle. 30-06 was a military shell adapted to hunting and it is unecessary to use on a white tail unless you are taking out deer at very long ranges. BUT, if you have one already don't spend money all over again to get another gun.

Answer 5

Comparing cartridges, there's nothing a 30-30 can do that can't be done by a 30-06, but there's lots a 30-06 can do that a 30-30 can't. On the other hand, a handy little rifle or carbine in 30-30 with an aperture sight can be very quick-handling in close cover. If you're putting a scope on it, go with the 30-06; if you're staying with iron in woods, the lever action can be a better choice.

Answer 6

Anything a 30-30 can do, a 30-06 can do better, as it is more powerful. A good argument can be made that a 30-30 is light and handy, but lightweight 30-06's can be had. It can also be argued that a 30-30 kicks less and is better for women or kids. However you can now buy reduced recoil, lower powered 30-06 ammo, so that doesn't really hold water. A 30-06 is hard to beat.

Answer 7

A 30-30 is a good brush and alot of hunters start with them. But if you are looking for a gun you will use for years I would recommend the 30-06. Good luck in the field hope you get a deer.

Answer 8

The best choice for your intended use is the 30-06, because you have a greater variety of bullet weights to choose from.* When you have a 30-06 you don't need any other rifle.* The best value $$ and use you will receive from the rifle you purchase is to be found in the 30-06.* The 30-06 will maximize & allow you greater distances to harvest the game you will be hunting.* Your best investment is the 30-06.*

Answer 9

I have both, and like many have said, the .30-30 is a brush gun, (what I use when I am in the thick timber; Northwoods of Wisconsin) and the .30-06 is a longer range, more versatile weapon. (What I use when sitting on the edge of my 20 acre field.) It depends on where you think you will be doing most of your shooting. Chances are you'll want the .30-30 to remain with open sights, it's easier to get target acquisition with open sights in the woods. Sighting in one on the other edge of the field is a lot easier with my .30-06 and scope. I personally would opt for the .30-06; but I've zapped deer with both. Can't really go wrong with either one. :)

Answer 10

I fairly have taken huge Mule deer with a 4" 357 using 158 grain JHP ammo. ranges have been extra proper than the variety defined for aims which shoot decrease back, at as much as 50 yards if I had a good relax for the iron attractions. I continuously take general lung photos, yet as quickly as at 30 yards i replaced into off somewhat from shadows below the vast timber at twilight making the attractions almost invisible, and the bullet smashed 2 shoulderblades, 2 ribs, and chewed up the backside of the backbone, almost making it out the different conceal of a 275 lb Mulie. there replaced into curiously no scarcity of means! provided that then, i take advantage of a crimson dot on a T/C 40 5 Colt with greater bullets hotloaded for brushbusting of unseen brush, for comparable circumstances. do not use a non-increasing bullet in 357 on deer-length interest. however that is okay in 40 4 or 40 5 high quality. Regards, Larry.