.357 mag v. 30-30?
OK, can we talk about these .357 lever guns a bit more?
I've been making noises for a long while about getting a Marlin 336 (probably A or C) in .30-30 as my main (really, only) centerfire rifle. (Yes, I'm a minimalist, looking for that optimal small toolkit.) It's main use would be deer.
In the last 24 hours, I've started considering a .357 handgun, probably something like a SW 686, SW 620 or a Ruger GP100. I'd prefer a 4" barrel, but am open to a 6". I'd like to use that revolver for both SD (in addition to the CCW 642 in .38) and possibly for short range deer hunting.
I've spent the evening reading threads on the .357, it's sufficiency for deer hunting, whether a 4" barrel would be sufficient (see
this thread, which I'm considering reviving, for some surprising comments about the adequacy of a 4" .357 for deer), etc.
I like the idea of having only limited types of ammo to deal with. Depending on the outcome of this research, for me, that could be 12 ga, .22 LR and .357/.38 spl. (I'm considering selling a K9 and replacing it with a .357 mag revolver.)
Realistically, even if I go with the .30-30, that's still not many types of ammo to deal with.
So, to my question: I can't find a reliable source of info anywhere comparing the ballistics of .357 mag out of an 1894C with the .30-30 from a 336.
I've read several comments in this and other threads to the effect of, "With appropriately hot rnds (e.g., Buffalo Bore), a .357 mag out of a carbine will rival a .30-30, at least inside 100 yds."
Could anyone offer up more information about that topic?
Why only to 100 yds? My suspicion is that the .30-30 is still going to be more effective on deer past 100 yds, at least to, say, 150. But I'm no ballistics expert.
Any links to good essays comparing those calibers, especially for deer, at modest ranges?
Opinions welcome.
Nem