Low recoil factory loads for 30-30

Status
Not open for further replies.
K

kdave21

Member
Joined
Sep 18, 2007
Messages
350
Does anyone have some good recommendations of some good factory ammo with super light loads for 30-30?

I have a pre 1898 winchester that I was/am considering selling because I never shoot it (and never have) and am moving away from things I don't use (and just look at!) But then I thought to myself...why not shoot it? But then... I remembered that I once shot a 94 30-30 (newer version, same idea though) and did not find it particularly enjoyable to shoot. In fact I thought the recoil was rather unpleasant, at least that is how I am remembering it (it has been some time). I'm a bit surprised as I am not super sensitive to recoil, but then again, I have not shot a lot of centerfire rifles, with exception of AR's, M1's, etc so... maybe I am sensitive, I dont know...

I have seen this question posed before, but it always elicited a bunch of responses geared towards reloaders. I don't plan to reload at this time, so am looking for something from a manufacturer.

I am afraid I am going to regret selling it if I do, but then again, I have something else I would like the money for. Trying to find out if I will enjoy shooting it or not will be a major factor in my decision making process. (Originally I bought it only for historic purposes, but I dont think a few rounds should hurt it once in a while, it is in solid shape).
 
The managed recoil 30-30 is a very light load. Don't deer hunt with it. Paper targets and groundhogs are another story.

Sidenote: Shoot regular loads. They don't kick very much at all.
 
30-30 and excessive recoil somehow dont match up. I aint ever shot a 30-30 with much felt recoil at all, lever, bolt actions...stay away from the magnums.
 
Shotshell, I think you might be onto something. Im wondering now if I had the bad taste in my mouth due to the noise factor...knowing me I probably did some bonehead stunt and forgot my earmuffs that day.

Maybe I will try it one more time, making sure I have proper ear protection, and if it is still unpleasant, I can try out the managed recoil loads you recommended. Thanks

PS, Badlander, thanks for the thoughts on the pad. Its a good thought, although I would feel pretty dumb putting something like that on a a crescent buttplated rifle. Maybe I shouldnt feel dumb, just something about that doesnt seem right...
 
interesting you say that Texas, I have heard others say that to, which is why I am wondering how I could have thought that. I have shot shotguns plenty of times, and while I don't necessarily ENJOY shooting a 12 gauge for instance, its no big deal. My 20 gauge is a pleasure. Thats why Im wondering if it was the noise factor taking the fun out of it.
 
Is there anyone here who thinks there is any reason not to go out shooting a gun of this era? Mechanically it is solid. I would be careful with it in regards to handling, so I dont really see any issues that would hurt its condition/value.
 
If you have any doubts about the suitability of the gun for shooting, take it to a gunsmith and get his opinion.
 
Is the rifle barrel marked 30 WCF?

Get some regular earplugs and carry them in your glove box in case you forget your ear protection again. Cheap insurance.



NCsmitty
 
Son-in-law was given--free and clear!--a brand new 7mm Shooting Times Westerner custom rifle for elk-hunting to use in place of his old rifle. It had a muzzle brake on it to help with the recoil, but it blasted the muzzle noise right back at him and his hunting partners and made their ears ring and they almost swore off the rifle on the spot. They don't use hearing protection on their elk hunts, but I have convinced him that he'll need it if he keeps using that 7mm STW cannon. In fact, I gave him a pair of electronic muffs for Christmas so he can still hear what's going on around him until the pin hits the primer.

Noise is the PRIMARY factor in causing flinching and perceived recoil.
 
Last edited:
Recoil doesn't hurt but it does get to the point where I start to not not enjoy shooting. I also find the 30-30 seems to kick much more strongly than it should. For me, its kicking is on par with a 30-06 bolt action. after about 40-60 rounds at the range I've had enough. I don't worry about it hunting.

I want to take a certain carbine class that will run about 200 rounds a day. I want to use the 30-30 for this class.

I have ordered the Rem managed recoil rounds to try them out. From the numerous reviews I've read, the preceived recoil is supposed to feel like a 50 percent reduction the rounds arrive late Feb for testing. I'm excited about it. I really didn't find any other commercial sources selling reduced recoil rounds.
 
I've never had an issue with a 30-30 kicking too much, far less than a 12ga with slugs, I did take issue with the solid steel butt plate they used though.

A $10 sissy pad from Wal-Mart took care of that though.
 
I have tried the Rem Low Recoil loads in my Marlin Texan 30-30. They are excellent! I would prefer them for defense use due to reduced penetration. They use a 125 gr corelokt at about 2000 fps. I have no reason to use them for hunting.
 
The 30-30 is IMO one of the sweetest and lightest kicking rounds I have ever shot. My 14 year old granddaughter who is on the small side has no problem running a box or two of rounds out of a 94 Winchester. I have never shot any of the factory managed recoil loads but I have loaded some light cast bullet loads for small game hunting, they kick a little but nothing like factory 180's
 
I shot 30-30 out of my 1951 '94 Winchester loaded with Trail Boss powder, for cowboy type shooting loads.

With ear muffs on it was a silent load with some good smoke out the barrel.

Art
 
30-30 Recoil

In regards to the loudness thing, if you think it really might be a noise thing take ear plugs and ear muff and wear them both. It makes the loudest guns much more quiet and the "recoil" drops dramatically. I have gotten to where I use both all the time now, well, except with 22LR...
 
For me, its as much the "fit" of the rifle as anything. A short length of pull makes the gun uncomfortable to shoot. I'll put a recoil pad on a gun for summer shooting just to improve the fit when I'm not wearing extra cold weather layers.

I don't like to hit my nose on my hand and I don't like that nasty cut in my eyebrow from the scope! go ahead...laugh...I've got thick skin...I can take it. :D

Mark
 
Great thoughts and info. Now I'm itchin to get out and try it. Its been idly sitting in the safe for too long, time for it to earn its keep around here.
 
For me, its as much the "fit" of the rifle as anything. A short length of pull makes the gun uncomfortable to shoot.
Click to expand...

This.

Having shot alot of rifles, including some serious big bores, my Win 94 with Federal hunting loads sticks in my memory as the most unpleasant recoil. Shooting cast loads is not nearly as bad.

The skinny stock, short LOP, steel buttplate, and relatively sharp recoil impulse combine to make it just uncomfortable to shoot.

I'd rather shoot a friends gorgeous Brno M70 in .375 H&H all day than that Win 94.
 
My Winchester model 94 30-30 is up for sale right now as it kicks harder than it should with Hornady LeverEvo. Old straight stock with just enough drop that it punches my cheek bone when I'm down on the irons. Lot nicer with old Winchester Silver tips.

But, I have a Marlin 336 with a pistol grip stock that's a bit heavier, better stock fit for me and a scope so I don't have to plant my face that hard on the stock. All around a better combination for felt recoil. So I can say that recoil in 30-30 is definitely gun dependent. You put a couple of boxes of LeverEvo through that old Winchester and you feel pretty well rung out. I could probably shoot managed recoil loads all day with that rifle, but I have too many projects, so this one's going to a new home. I'll just live with the Marlin :)
 
Update: I took the 30-30 out for a shooting session a couple of weeks ago, and you guys were right, the recoil was not bad at all. I must not have had proper hearing protection the first time I shot one. It was fun shooting a gun that old. I wonder when the last time it was shot...
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

D
  • Locked
.308 recoil
Replies
24
Views
2K
maskedman504
M
C
  • Locked
Low recoil .30 cartridges
Replies
3
Views
493
knzn
K
B
  • Locked
Why the 6.5 Creedmoor and not the 30 tc?
2
Replies
44
Views
8K
Walkalong
Walkalong
mainecoon
  • Locked
recoil on .243 vs 30-06
Replies
22
Views
12K
cougar1717
cougar1717
B
  • Locked
Tell me about Recoil.
2
Replies
30
Views
2K
deadkenny
D
Back
Top