tulsamal
Member
Or .454 in a Model 92. Shoot all the .45 Colts you want but still be able to shoot some really powerful loads if you have to.
http://gunblast.com/Paco_Legacy_454.htm
I really need to buy one of those for myself!
Gregg
30-30 vs. .357 lever gun
- Thread starter CalamityJane
- Start date
- Status
Or .454 in a Model 92. Shoot all the .45 Colts you want but still be able to shoot some really powerful loads if you have to.
http://gunblast.com/Paco_Legacy_454.htm
I really need to buy one of those for myself!
Gregg
Cosmoline
Member
I've been through this exact debate recently, trying to decide what direction to take with leverguns. .
As far as power, though, the .357 properly loaded out of a carbine is NOT a "plinker." Anyone who thinks this is badly misinformed. Esp. if you load with heavy bullets and use the "rifle or carbine" loads from the manuals you will see an enormous increase in FPS's out of the long barrel over the short guns. But for a hunting rifle, the .30-30 is superior. It has a slight (though not extreme) power advantage, but the real advantage is its basic bullets and factory loads have been tried and tested for 110 years now. That really counts for something. With the .357 hot loads, you have to be careful about selecting bullets that aren't going to fragment at the increased velocities. The cast bullet loads probably your safest bet, but they have their own limitations.
On the other hand, the .357 levergun is slightly superior to the .30-30 for home defense since it comes in a lighter package and won't give you as much blast and flash as a similar length .30-30 such as a Spikehorn. Plus it has more capacity for length. That said, either would be an *EXCELLENT* choice for home defense, far better than the high tech boys will ever be willing to admit
I ended up going with the .30-30, mostly because they're so darned cheap locally. The little .357 Marlins, OTOH, go for a mint and tend to vanish the second they hit the shelf.
As far as power, though, the .357 properly loaded out of a carbine is NOT a "plinker." Anyone who thinks this is badly misinformed. Esp. if you load with heavy bullets and use the "rifle or carbine" loads from the manuals you will see an enormous increase in FPS's out of the long barrel over the short guns. But for a hunting rifle, the .30-30 is superior. It has a slight (though not extreme) power advantage, but the real advantage is its basic bullets and factory loads have been tried and tested for 110 years now. That really counts for something. With the .357 hot loads, you have to be careful about selecting bullets that aren't going to fragment at the increased velocities. The cast bullet loads probably your safest bet, but they have their own limitations.
On the other hand, the .357 levergun is slightly superior to the .30-30 for home defense since it comes in a lighter package and won't give you as much blast and flash as a similar length .30-30 such as a Spikehorn. Plus it has more capacity for length. That said, either would be an *EXCELLENT* choice for home defense, far better than the high tech boys will ever be willing to admit
I ended up going with the .30-30, mostly because they're so darned cheap locally. The little .357 Marlins, OTOH, go for a mint and tend to vanish the second they hit the shelf.
Sulaco
Member
- Joined
- Mar 21, 2003
- Messages
- 784
I also prefer 30-30. It has more energy and there are lots of nice factory loads available. Plus the market is loaded with used 30-30's in great shape. I picked up a used "pre-safety" Marlin 336 and did some work on it. I have about $300.00 invested and it is one of my all-time favorite guns.
TimboKhan
Member
I have to say that I probably agree with everyone else on this one, as I have a 30-30, and I would really like a .357. The .357 seems like it would be a hoot to shoot in a lever gun.
.357mag vs .30-30win
If it is for self-defense against BG types and maybe feral dogs and such then the .357mag would do the job, thinking that this type of action takes place under 100yds. I did see some .30-30win ammo 125grain hollowpoints on midway's web site and thought that would probably be a good self-defense load also.
If it is for self-defense against BG types and maybe feral dogs and such then the .357mag would do the job, thinking that this type of action takes place under 100yds. I did see some .30-30win ammo 125grain hollowpoints on midway's web site and thought that would probably be a good self-defense load also.
I have both a Marlin 336C in .30-30 and an 1894C in .357 and agree with most of the other posters. For hunting deer, the .30-30 is the better choice IMO. The ammo is not expensive relative to other commercial hunting rounds. The .357 Mag levergun is great to have around home for varmint control, defense, or plain fun. Of course, I have fun shooting the .30-30 too. I'd be hard pressed to choose one over the other now that I have them both. I guess it will depend on which use is the higher priority for you. My advice is to get the .357 Mag as soon as you can, then buy a .30-30 when you have a little cash saved up -- you can often find used ones in good shape.
absolute0
Member
It seems finding a good used .357 Mag lever gun is a tough proposition just about anywhere. I've been looking for one for a couple years and finally just broke down and bought a new Marlin 'cuz I was able to get a break on the price.
People who have them seem to keep them - that speaks volumes to me
People who have them seem to keep them - that speaks volumes to me
ScottsGT
Member
Why do people always say it's a sin to mount a scope on a lever gun?? I installed one on my Marlin, not for long range, but for LOW LIGHT. At dusk when the deer come out, I cannot even see my front sight, but can still hunt legally. With a scope, I have no problem seeing.
Now for day hunts, I bought a Winchester .30-30 without a scope
I will admit, the classic lines of a lever gun are better without a scope, but mine is a practical tool for a specific job.
Now for day hunts, I bought a Winchester .30-30 without a scope
I will admit, the classic lines of a lever gun are better without a scope, but mine is a practical tool for a specific job.
achildofthesky
Member
Love those shorty lever guns.... 'prolly too much!
It all started about 6 months ago with a Marlin 1894 and Ruger Vaquero in 44 Mag. A great deal of fun to shoot both of them. Then with a hankering for a shorty 30-30, I placed an ad looking for such in the paper and a kind older gent offered me a Winchester Trapper 30-30 AE, pre safety, in truly excellent condition with a Burris Mini 2.5x for the sum of $250.00. He threw in 3 boxes of ammo and a strap. I nearly yanked it from his hands I was so sold on the gun.
That solved and the ad in the paper still, I soon received a call from a guy with an older well used Marlin 336 30-30, pre safety, that had a small crack in the stock, and after a bit of wheedeling it came home for the princly sum of $130.00. Bought a ramline stock for $40 on salefrom Midway. Beater rifle now with the 2.g scope on it.
In early march I pulled the trigger on a Co-Pilot from Jim at Wild West Guns. It will be built on a Marlin 1895 xlr all stainless 45/70 hogged out for their .457 and cut down to 16 1/4", with the take down system, big loop lever and carbon fiber stock. Gun for the chopper (I'm a helicopter pilot by trade) solved (soon).
Looking for a soft case at a local gun&pawn shop I spied a Marlin limited edition in 44 mag in stainless with a 16 1/4 barrel and laminated stock. $&#@, what a gem so home it comes with me. They also had the same gun in 357 mag. It sucked me back in to the shop with the original Marlin I got back in late '05, in tow. The fellow made me a fair decent trade on the 357 and it too came home too.
So look out, folks, those little lever guns can get addicting. The 357 is an absolute hoot to shoot and the sights (firesights) work well. A gal could go poor feeding a dumptruck worth of ammo through it in a few years... Now if I could just get that Puma '92 in 454 out of my mind....
Patty
"Everybody needs a pet with it's own pet..."
It all started about 6 months ago with a Marlin 1894 and Ruger Vaquero in 44 Mag. A great deal of fun to shoot both of them. Then with a hankering for a shorty 30-30, I placed an ad looking for such in the paper and a kind older gent offered me a Winchester Trapper 30-30 AE, pre safety, in truly excellent condition with a Burris Mini 2.5x for the sum of $250.00. He threw in 3 boxes of ammo and a strap. I nearly yanked it from his hands I was so sold on the gun.
That solved and the ad in the paper still, I soon received a call from a guy with an older well used Marlin 336 30-30, pre safety, that had a small crack in the stock, and after a bit of wheedeling it came home for the princly sum of $130.00. Bought a ramline stock for $40 on salefrom Midway. Beater rifle now with the 2.g scope on it.
In early march I pulled the trigger on a Co-Pilot from Jim at Wild West Guns. It will be built on a Marlin 1895 xlr all stainless 45/70 hogged out for their .457 and cut down to 16 1/4", with the take down system, big loop lever and carbon fiber stock. Gun for the chopper (I'm a helicopter pilot by trade) solved (soon).
Looking for a soft case at a local gun&pawn shop I spied a Marlin limited edition in 44 mag in stainless with a 16 1/4 barrel and laminated stock. $&#@, what a gem so home it comes with me. They also had the same gun in 357 mag. It sucked me back in to the shop with the original Marlin I got back in late '05, in tow. The fellow made me a fair decent trade on the 357 and it too came home too.
So look out, folks, those little lever guns can get addicting. The 357 is an absolute hoot to shoot and the sights (firesights) work well. A gal could go poor feeding a dumptruck worth of ammo through it in a few years... Now if I could just get that Puma '92 in 454 out of my mind....
Patty
"Everybody needs a pet with it's own pet..."
Attachments
achildofthesky
Member
That is Puddin the bobcat...
That is Puddin the bobcat. She came from Montana and is my pal. Had her since she was about a month old and she is pretty affectionate. More of a companion animal, she does stuff on her terms. When she wants petting and scratching, both of which she loves, she will climb all over you, other times she just likes to be left alone. Puddin weighs about 35# or so...
Patty
That is Puddin the bobcat. She came from Montana and is my pal. Had her since she was about a month old and she is pretty affectionate. More of a companion animal, she does stuff on her terms. When she wants petting and scratching, both of which she loves, she will climb all over you, other times she just likes to be left alone. Puddin weighs about 35# or so...
Patty
pcf
Member
30-30 wins in the balistics department, it's got the edge on power, range and trajectory. 125gr Sierra HP works great on smaller critters, and a 170gr round nose will work on Elk and Black bear.
The .357s pretty darn handy too. A hot loaded with 125gr hollowpoint makes a great pest and varmint round. Penetrates about 6 inches, lots of damage, minimal pelt damage from entry, none from exit. A 158gr JSP or 160-170gr hardcast will work fine on deer out to 100yds. And presumably on 2 legged critters.
Can't go wrong with either. Now is a great time of the year to buy a good used 30-30. Recommendations:
-WWG happy trigger (If you get a Marlin).
-Improved Iron sights (Ashleys are great if you plan on shooting inside of 150yds, Lyman 66 for anything farther).
-Dehorn inside edge of loading port, you thumb will thank you after a day at the range.
The .357s pretty darn handy too. A hot loaded with 125gr hollowpoint makes a great pest and varmint round. Penetrates about 6 inches, lots of damage, minimal pelt damage from entry, none from exit. A 158gr JSP or 160-170gr hardcast will work fine on deer out to 100yds. And presumably on 2 legged critters.
Can't go wrong with either. Now is a great time of the year to buy a good used 30-30. Recommendations:
-WWG happy trigger (If you get a Marlin).
-Improved Iron sights (Ashleys are great if you plan on shooting inside of 150yds, Lyman 66 for anything farther).
-Dehorn inside edge of loading port, you thumb will thank you after a day at the range.
bigger jon
Member
?
i have shot big pigs with the 30/30 and a few deer have also fallen to it as well,each time i have had to look for and run after the game all with terminal shot placement too, so i would recomend that you get something biger. i understand that a lever action is a fun way to hunt and it has been the only way i hunted for over 15 years but ive been using a 45/70 1886 lever gun since 1989 and nothing has even taken one step after being shot with it,i also have a blr in 357 is one of the funest to take out i wouldnt hesatate to use it on smal game and small deer, but other then that its just for fun..
this was my first trophie hog shot it form 75 yards first round hit him right behind the shoulder and thru both lungs and stoped just under the skin on the other side, 45 minuites later when we were comming back from looking for him he poped up at maybe 5 yards from us and stared tords us.all i had on me was a s&w mod 15 2in 38spc, because i ran the 30/30 dry when he took off on us.i shot him 6x in the eye befor he fell at our feet
this is a pic of the browning 1886 in 45/70 the BOSS in lever actions
i have shot big pigs with the 30/30 and a few deer have also fallen to it as well,each time i have had to look for and run after the game all with terminal shot placement too, so i would recomend that you get something biger. i understand that a lever action is a fun way to hunt and it has been the only way i hunted for over 15 years but ive been using a 45/70 1886 lever gun since 1989 and nothing has even taken one step after being shot with it,i also have a blr in 357 is one of the funest to take out i wouldnt hesatate to use it on smal game and small deer, but other then that its just for fun..
this was my first trophie hog shot it form 75 yards first round hit him right behind the shoulder and thru both lungs and stoped just under the skin on the other side, 45 minuites later when we were comming back from looking for him he poped up at maybe 5 yards from us and stared tords us.all i had on me was a s&w mod 15 2in 38spc, because i ran the 30/30 dry when he took off on us.i shot him 6x in the eye befor he fell at our feet
this is a pic of the browning 1886 in 45/70 the BOSS in lever actions
Cosmoline
Member
Your "puddin" would be a good entry here:
http://www.stuffonmycat.com/
A bobcat on a cat pretty much takes the cake.
The real question is--WHAT .30/30 specifically? What were the loads?
http://www.stuffonmycat.com/
A bobcat on a cat pretty much takes the cake.
The real question is--WHAT .30/30 specifically? What were the loads?
bigger jon
Member
with?
i used a winchester 30/30 1866 comerative,with a 28 in berral,i only shoot hand loads that would be a 170sp as hot as i could get em,
i used a winchester 30/30 1866 comerative,with a 28 in berral,i only shoot hand loads that would be a 170sp as hot as i could get em,
Pick up the .357 first then buy a .30-30 used. There seems to be a good supply of used .30-30's, more so than the .357's. I know one guy that picked up winchester 30-30 (Ranger model I think) for $200 in near mint condition. It came with a case, sling, cleaning kit and some ammo. Apparently the original owner bought it for his wife to hunt with. She did not like the rifle and it stayed in the case for X number of years, until he sold it.
Cosmoline
Member
That's interesting, I would have figured that load was enough for hog. But I guess there are hogs and then there are hogs. Just like with bear.
That 1886 is very nice. And not exactly cheap these days, sadly.
That 1886 is very nice. And not exactly cheap these days, sadly.
- Status