.30 - .30 (Too weak for deer?)

Is the .30 - .30 useless today?

[@joracer1]

Anyone that says a 30/30 is a bad round for deer, pretty much disqualifies them to make any other accurate statements. And at that point I'm calling them ignorant at best.

[@OBSZIDIAN548]

They are not a first choice for me...I have and love the nostalgia of the 30 30 but the biased give them more credit than due. It is adequate but anyone who has hunted enough wouldn't choose the 30 30 as their "go to" rifle are hunting under most unvariable conditions. In PA doing a drive or still hunting at modest ranges it is mediocre....outside of that its a nostalgia piece. I know the haters will eat me up and tell me otherwise. Nostalgia is great....efficiency is better. And please don't give me the "brush gun" argument...it's been debunked....a slower round doesn't mean does better in brush. The profile of most 30 30s make them maneuverable.....the reload is quick for follow ups but I will take a reliable bolt action in just about any capable caliber. I have had re loading issues with my 30 30 during hunts...nit a hater of the 30 30 but it absolutely takes a back seat these days....mainly for the action flaws

[@skimitar2.0]

Facts man, two years ago I took down a deer with a 30/30 by tracking it. He went down for 30 yards when I shot at 30 or 40 yards and I found him dead.

[@reggieneel4079]

Testify my good man! That bullet is more than plenty for someone who can shoot. The problem is fokes is the mentality...if they have more power then they dont have to shoot as well.

[@usa-rb5fi]

“Anyone who has hunted enough it would not be their go to.” That’s not entirely accurate. For many years all I had was a .30-30 for firearm season here, I didn’t have the money for another gun. Also I feel very confident with that caliber, now I also kept it in it’s parameters and hunted places where a 200+ yard shot was highly unlikely. Now I currently own a .270 besides the 30-30, but the choice on what I’m going to use depends on where I’m going to hunt at. Oh and my .30-30 is a bolt action also, which is nice.

[@twolak1972]

Yeah you gotta really be a Moron to think a 30/30 is weak for deer. You got idiots using 233,s for deer and some think the OLD RELIABLE ain't enough. LOL

[@mikerichards1264]

I have hunted with my Winchester model 94 chambered in 30-30 for almost 50 years. It has never failed me yet! Whitetail, elk, moose, and bear! It shoots 1/2 to 3/4 inch with Winchester 170 grain ammo and the Barnes 150 grain Vortex. Not one single game animal I shot has ever gotten away. The 30-30 is a magnificent cartridge if used by a steady hunter within 150-200 yards.

[@countryboyreviews]

Agreed Mike! Thanks for watching!

[@aaronsweeney1095]

I agree never have to chase animals with the 30-30. Where I have perfect shoots with bigger rounds and have had trouble finding blood to track. Ending in the odd one not being found till to late and coyotes have had there fill.

[@morganking4861]

Hey man, another GA boy here. I have a 1969 Glenfield and I have my own handloads with the Hornady 160 grain FTX bullets. It’s shooting 3/4” groups all day. To your comment about the 22-250. I’ve killed 5 with mine. Every single one hit the dirt where they stood. One being a 220 lb south GA 9 point. I was raised on the 06 and have had to track more deer with it than any other rifle I’ve ever used. I don’t know why when the chest cavities are always jelly. I’ve also killed more deer with buckshot than any rifle in my lifetime. I had a guy I know from up north argue that buck shit was a self defense load and wouldn’t kill a deer. Folks are just ignorant due to lack of real life experience. Buck shot is devastating on anything. Longest kill with 00 buck was 82 yards and running. I learned to tune out all the BS, brother. I pack a lifetime of hunting and killing deer with all sorts of calibers and gauges. I even love my little CZ 7.62X39. Yes, the “AK” round. We’ve killed five deer with that rifle. All one and done shots. Those of us that know, know. We don’t need the hype to tell us we’re wrong.

[@countryboyreviews]

Well said Morgan! I have killed 4 this year so far with my crossbow and have dropped over 50 with rifles of different calibers as well as buckshot and slugs! I definitely ignore the hype as well! Thanks for watching!

[@jamesoliva9531]

So called hunters who bash a proven round such as the 30-30 are only making excuses for their own inadequacies.

[@countryboyreviews]

I agree James Thanks for watching !

[@wilk128]

This is an article from Outdoor Life: 30-30 is better than ever. The 160-grain, flex-tipped projectile leaves the muzzle at about 2,400 fps, yielding 2,046 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. Velocity remains high-2,150 fps at 100 yards, 1,916 fps at 200 yards, and 1,619 fps at 300 yards-and so does the energy downrange. The bullet delivers 1,304 ft-lbs of energy at 200 yards. And at 300 yards, it still has 1,025 ft-lbs-plenty to kill any deer.

[@countryboyreviews]

Thanks for sharing that and for watching!

[@bw4851]

I have hunted with a 30/30 for 40 years and taken whitetail, mule deer, antelope, moose and hogs with it and never had an issue. It’s not the best choice for moose but it was all I had at the time and it worked.

[@countryboyreviews]

They do the job everytime in my opinion! Thanks for watching!

[@MrPr3shaff]

The first doe that I ever shot with my 30-30 dropped like a ton of bricks. The second deer was a button buck. He went about 25 yards. I think that they were twins. It was just minutes apart. The third deer was a 8 point. I shot him at about 125 yards. He went about 50 yards. I will continue to use the old outdated 30-30.

[@countryboyreviews]

Definitely gets the job done! Thanks for watching!

[@mot0rhe4d40]

Now if we could get those outdated ammo prices back. Miss those $8-$12 boxes of factory ammo.

[@davidpierce6387]

I've been using a Winchester 94 .30-30 on deer for 25 years now. I've lost count of how many I've taken with it. Longest shot I've taken with it was about 100 yds. Double lunged an 8 point buck. Found him about 20 yds from where he was shot. Most shots I've taken have been 50 yds and under and if they don't drop in their tracks they usually make it less 50 yds. I started shooting a bit forward of "the crease", almost mid shoulder and the last few have dropped in their tracks. I use 150 grain Winchester Power Points. I love my little rifle and don't want anything else.

[@countryboyreviews]

Definitely great rifles! Thanks for sharing that and for watching David!

[@jhorton1600]

The .30-30 with Winchester silvertips is an absolute deer slayer combination. I got my marlin 336 for my 16th birthday, almost 35 years ago. I always set my scope at 200 yards knowing that would be my absolute maximum shot. If memory serves, the drop at that range is 8 or 10 inches. Meaning at most the shot placement will be 8 to 10 high. A whitetail being 18" from spine to bottom allows you to aim half way up behind the shoulder no matter what the range. Point and click simple for a less experienced hunter.

[@countryboyreviews]

Great deer droppers for sure! Thanks for watching!

[@hillbilly224]

To weak? LOL... Trying to find a box of bullets is the problem.

[@bobclifton8021]

There was a time when every hardware store and gas station in the country carried 30-30's.

[@jaystephenson6184]

Love the 30, 30. Have taken many deer and many Elk.

[@countryboyreviews]

Thanks for watching Jay!

[@Hammerdak]

The biggest deer I’ve ever shot dropped after 10 yards from a 30-30. Field dressed it weighed 183 pounds. The 30-30 cartridge has more than likely killed more deer in the past 120 years than any other cartridge. For almost 70 years the 30-30 lever gun was the go to deer rifle throughout North America. Guys that rely on magnum calibres to kill 150 pound deer should spend more time at the range rather than relying on over gunning because they can’t aim.

[@mot0rhe4d40]

I have seen the under confident magnum users. More often though, the magnum users are the guys that aren't very good at tracking and want them anchored everytime. Even if it will cost them most of the front leg meat.

[@charlesmorris6476]

Only a novice someone who doesn’t know what they’re talking about would make such a statement about the 30-30 Win. Or someone who is just plain biased, we can all ignore such nonsense.

[@terrymcclendon8715]

I' truly love the 30 06 and the 7 mm rem mag but the 30 30 has a special place in my heart ! I have bow hunted for so long that a 30 30 is truly all I need 25 or 30 yards is my farthest shot ,great vid brother keep them coming

[@bobclifton8021]

Those who malign the 30-30 speak from an advance case of terminal ignorance! It has accounted for countless head of wild game since it's inception including both whitetail and mule deer. We have a lot of gun writers to thank for such idiotic ideas.

[@countryboyreviews]

Agreed Bob! Thanks for watching!

[@Brett235]

I remember in the 80's reading articles in field and stream about how "ineffective" the 30-30 was compared to modern or larger calibers. The cartridge was never meant to perform like a 308 or 300 magnum or 30-06 for that matter. Its a short range cartridge and with factory loadings it will take anything in North America out to 150-175 yards, whitetail you could push it out to 200-225 with the Hornady rounds. I would never put a gooseneck ball in the bed of my 2004 tundra and try to pull a d6 dozer, but it does pull my boat and 50 horse tractor well. As with anything we need to realize the tools limitations and stay within those parameters.

[@Me2Lancer]

Not long ago the 30-30 was known as the cartridge that had taken more deer than any other.

[@countryboyreviews]

Probably still has Rich! Thanks for watching!

[@mikethomas4598]

I'm thinking it's still the top killer.

[@maxmccain8950]

I’ve taken every species that walks in the lower 48. Out to 150 yards it’s a killing machine. That’s the farthest I take a shot with this caliber. Great video sir.

[@countryboyreviews]

Thanks for watching Max!

[@stubshaft1]

My first hunting rifle was given to me when I turned 8, it was a Winchester model 64 in 30/30. That was 57 years ago! I have harvested thousands of animals, hogs, goats, deer and feral sheep with the 30/30 using that rifle and a couple of model 94's. I was involved with hog eradication and harvested animals to sell the meat when I was younger. I have NEVER felt under-gunned while carrying it in the woods. It has always performed spectacularly and killed well beyond what the paper ballistics would have you believe. The screwballs nowadays are intent on reading ballistic charts and mesmerized by videos showing the effects of bullets in ballistic gel, and I ain't never seen ballistics kill an animal...

[@countryboyreviews]

Great guns for sure! Thanks for watching!

[@jerroldshelton9367]

When I was 11 years old, my parents gifted me with a Marlin 336 in .30-30. I've used it for 45 seasons now and am still using it today. If it didn't work, I wouldn't keep using it. And I don't just use it on whitetails. It's taken mule deer and blacktail deer, a couple of pronghorn antelope, seven elk, a caribou, and more pigs than I can count. It's the gift that keeps on giving.

[@bobd8553]

Whats your farthest shot?

[@jerroldshelton9367]

@@bobd8553 My farthest shots on game thus far have been a pair of 275 yard pokes. One was on a pig on California's Santa Rosa Island while shooting a Griffin and Howe Springfield with a Lyman Model 48 aperture sight in .30-'06. The other was on a massive mule deer on the desert slope of California's San Bernardino Mountains while shooting a No.1-B in .300 Weatherby. I intend to keep it that way. I'm more impressed by the "up close and personal" shots than the longer-ranging ones, like killing my first whitetail with a revolver at a distance of 15 yards. That's the one I'm personally most impressed with. The longest shot I've taken on game with my Marlin .30-30 was a 175 yard poke at a Wyoming "speed goat" using a handload with a 170 grain Speer Hot Core bullet. That's also the longest shot I've ever had to make on a pronghorn. That I usually don't have to shoot very far is a function of how I hunt, more than where I do my hunting. I deer hunt in some pretty open country, like the cedar breaks of Utah, for example, and even there, most of the deer I've shot have been inside of 50 yards.

[@bobd8553]

@@jerroldshelton9367 Nice! I also like to getingt as close as possible. This year I'm using 100gr Hot_core bullets in my .257 roberts. How did they preform for you? My shots are between 50-300yds.

[@jerroldshelton9367]

@@bobd8553 If you're shooting between 50 and 300, I reckon you've got the right tool for the job in the form of your .257 Roberts. I had an A-Bolt Medallion in .257 Roberts for four years or so. I shot 117-120 grain bullets out of it. The last elk I killed was killed with that rifle. Now, had I felt I had a reasonable expectation of seeing an elk to shoot at in the area I was in, I would have likely been carrying a .30-'06, instead. But I had a mule deer tag, too, and due to the weather, I figured that's what I'd see, so I took the A-Bolt out for stroll. I shot that elk at about 160 yards. As I was aiming on it, I figured it wouldn't notice 10 fewer grains of bullet weight of .020" less diameter compared to .270 Winchesters I'd used in the past. It didn't. It died just as dead as if I hit with a .270, or a .280, or a .30-'06, I never used Speer Hot Core bullets in the .257, but I used the 100 grain Hot Core A LOT in a Ruger M-77RL Ultralight in .250 Savage. Zero complaints. Lots of feral goats and non-native sheep (mouflon, etc) and pigs were whacked by me with that bullet.

[@bobd8553]

@@jerroldshelton9367 Great info and glad to get a field report 1st hand with the HOT_CORE. There is a gentleman on youtube, that killed a cow elk with the .257 bob and did just fine too.

[@easttexan2933]

the 30-30 cartridge is arguably the best 100yd deer cartridge that was ever made. End of discussion lol

[@countryboyreviews]

Agreed! Thanks for watching!

[@BigKeithDog]

I go with the 35 Remington myself and would make that same argument for it.

[@easttexan2933]

@@BigKeithDog And you be right too lol

[@EastCoastMan603]

30-30 Henry Lever (peep sight from Ranger Point Precision) - Core-Lokt. 170gr. Just got my Tags yesterday. Can’t wait !

[@countryboyreviews]

Nice rifle! Good luck!

[@dennisneill1610]

Great deer hunting rifle. For 100 to say 150 yards. Love’em! Where I hunt it works great for hogs too

[@countryboyreviews]

I agree definitely a great hunting rifle. Thanks for watching Dennis!

[@magicdaveable]

I have 5 30-30's. All have taken deer every season since 1963. I did harvest one white tail Doe with a .303 British. All one shot kills. Peace and please have a Happy New Year. MagicDave

[@reb1050]

Two weeks ago today. Nice 8 point buck, 180 lbs.. 150 steps, through the woods. All I could see was head and neck. Marlin 336, 30-30 with 1.5-4.5 scope. Remington 170 gr. Core Lokt. 1 shot, through the neck, dropped in it's tracks. Is the 30-30 too weak for deer? I would have to say NO!

[@countryboyreviews]

I would agree Reb!

[@wtfbehindyou1892]

Have you seen any reduction in quality with core lokt?

[@reb1050]

@@wtfbehindyou1892 I really haven't noticed. But then again, my Marlin 30-30 is the only firearm I use them in and it's, what I consider, my "truck gun". Although I carry it deer hunting at times, it doesn't get used much. I will check it's accuracy with a few rounds before each deer season and that's about it unless I am shooting at some form of wildlife. I will say this, though. I have killed a deer with it every year for the past 3 yrs. and none have ever taken a step after being hit. But then again, the ammo I used was from the original 2 boxes of ammo I purchased after buying the gun. It's had no more than 35 rounds fired out of it and that included sight ins.

[@wtfbehindyou1892]

@@reb1050 thanks for the reply last few deer my dad shot looked like it was hit with a cannon on exit. Lot of wasted meat but he also uses a 30-06.

[@reb1050]

@@wtfbehindyou1892 I used a 30-06 almost exclusively for 40 yrs. and never had that problem. However, I used 150 grain bullets in it. I did try going to a 7mm magnum for 1 year and killed 1 deer with it. Talk about wasted meat. It was an angled shot that went in behind the shoulder and damn near took it's right hind leg off. I went back to the 06 after that. I gave my 06 to my son when I went to the .308 as my primary deer rifle. Still use the 150 grain bullets in it. The 30-30 is my secondary rifle I use in thicker woods where most shots are usually less than 100 yds. even though it's capable of longer distances.

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

.30-30 has probably killed more deer than any other single cartridge in existence. Maybe even if you only count the last 30 or so years, but .30-06, .308, .270, and 7mm-08/magnum are probably up there these days.

[@TechBrosGamingChannel]

Me and my grandfather both use marlin 336 30-30s for the majority of our hunting, but he also likes using 30-06 occasionally. He’s killed quite a few deer, and so have I. But, he always has told me that he has never had a deer run more than 20-30 yards with his 30-30, while he’s had to spend quite a long time finding a few he’s shot with his 30-06. I can back that up as I’ve never had a deer run farther than eyeshot from me with my 30-30. They also have a distinct sound apart from many other guns that makes them special in my opinion.

[@Larry-tl6vw]

Well Said…!! I have taken many deer with my 30-30 , I love that little CARTRIDGE, I would hear guys bad mouthing it, I just laugh and keep hunting with it. I also have a 35 Rem and it’s another CARTRIDGE, that gets picked on, well I hunt with it too with great success, I have 308, 25-06, 35 Whelen, 223, 222, …..all work great…when you place the shot in the right place….Great video…!!

[@countryboyreviews]

Thanks Larry!

[@carlosmoya2261]

I Have The Exact Same 30-30 rifle. Another Great Video Sir 👍🏼. I’ve Hunted with The 30 -30 Never Had A Problem Dropping Deer.

[@countryboyreviews]

Thank you Carlos! And thanks for watching!

[@KeithTaylorPhoto]

I have shot and killed deer with a 30-30, a 30-06, and a 7 Rem Mag. I still own each of them, but dropped my first deer - in its tracks - with a 30-30. A Marlin 336 that I’m glad to say that I still own. Both my 7mag and 06 are beautiful rifles, but something about the 336 - it has some sort of mojo or soul to it that my 7Mag and 30-06 lack.

[@countryboyreviews]

Agreed Keith! Thanks for watching!

[@jimmydunn3775]

You are on the money with this comment and I have always felt the same!

[@randypolk7781]

I have lost lots of deer due to the weight and length of big guns. But the trusty 3030 has never let me down killed 2 deer at 250 yards all deer has dropped in there tracks no trailing them down. The man is right it has a mojo to it.

[@connorscott1801]

Hunting with my 30-30 my dad has handed me down to use as a little kid growing up. That gun has killed more deer than a disease! I have a 30-06 and love that but that 30-30 brings back some great memories!

[@must475fat631]

With over 50 years of hunting big game in California, Oregon, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming and Arkansas my rifle of choice was a Remington 788 chambered for .30-30 Winchester with a Leopold 1 to 5 variable scope. With this rifle I have harvested 63 deer, three antelope, three elk, three bear, three wild boar, and one moose using 170 grain Remington core lock soft point the (old sheep nose) bullets. Never shot at anything over 100 yd. I have never shot grizzly bear or mountain sheep but many of both have been taken in years past!

[@countryboyreviews]

Thanks for letting us know and for watching!

[@Rigohinojosa15]

I have a 30-30..that’s the only rifle I have. I’m using it, I’m too cheap to get another rifle right now.

[@midsouthexpress]

I inherited my dads Marlin 30-30 when he passed at the first of the year. It had not been shot in prob 25 years. I took it out to the range last weekend. The scope was still dead on target shot after shot. I'm proud to be able to use dads gun! When it fired off I could almost sense him smiling at me.

[@jack6136]

😂 I am so glad that no one told the Deer 🦌 or the.30-30 cartridge about this new development. The Deer in my freezer are going to be furious with this information! 🤣😂🦌

[@countryboyreviews]

Agreed! 😁 Thanks for watching!

[@marclewis5435]

I own three 30-30 rifles. Ones my grandpas Winchester centennial model 94( first gun I took a deer with), I have a marlin 336s and a savage model 340 bolt action 30-30. I love them for boar, bear and deer here in California.

[@countryboyreviews]

Great caliber for sure! Thanks for watching Marc!

[@montanamountainmen6104]

I've had a Winchester 94 30-30 for 30 years, I used to use Winchester 170 gr Silver Tips . It grouped very well with them, since they are now no longer loaded I reload Hornady 160 gr Flex Tips. They shoot well and for Eastern/ Western hunters after deer, bear, elk at realistic ranges 100-150 yards, not 1000 yards it will kill any animal very dead..

[@countryboyreviews]

I love those old 94's! Thanks for watching and sharing the info!

[@ranchodeluxe1]

Most folks think the 150 gr RN, which is all you usually find, is the ticket, but the 170 grain is really the one that anchors deer. My Savage 1899 in 30-30, with some ancient 170 gr Silvertips really smoked a nice 5 by 5 whitie at 88 yards with period Marbles peep sight, this last fall. I've found the .300 Savage with 150 gr to be flatter shooting with same lack of damage at same ranges, though.

[@stevefrompa7181]

My dad's 336 that all the kids used turns 70 this year and is coming out with me in a few days.

[@erickessen5237]

I have quiet a few rifles and handguns in my safe cause enjoy all kinds of guns and calibers , but there are 2 rifles I keep reaching for when I go in the outdoors to either work ; camp or hunt . Both are 94 AE 16" barrel Winchester trapper models . One is the 30-30 and the other is a 44 mag . I use the 44 mag paired with a Ruger Redhawk 5.5" barrel and when I carry a 45 LC revolver or 45 ACP 1911 handgun ; I use the 30-30. I am always going out on horseback and those trapper models are great saddle guns . Anything I ever cared to shoot or had to shoot to save my skin , fell cleanly to both of those calibers . No animals were ever lost either . I don't like making long shots and 150 yards is about as far as I ever shot at anything regardless of terrain . More often than not ; my shots came under 100 yards and many under 50 yards . If people can hunt and kill anything that lives in North America with a bow and arrow ; I see no reason for me to not be able to accomplish the same feats with those 2 rifles ! There was a time when if I didn't have a successful hunt ; my freezer would be empty cause I had to hunt to feed my family . We never once had to go hungry cause my rifles were too weak to get the job done in the last 63 years . LOL .

[@wolfpacak47]

my dad bought me my first rifle when I was about 14 I'm 52 now it's a marlin 336 gold trigger 1981 model looks just like yours love it I recently put a red dot on it I figure it will be perfect for the range better than a big scope that I don't need woods thick here in Ms .lotta ppl are like snipers with big calibers and scopes that's just not hunting to me no sport much in it.. to each his own I'll stick with the ole 336 in 30-30

[@ryeboy2u]

The Hornady LEVERevolution 160 grain has made the 30/30 into a reliable 220 to 250 yard cartridge from what I have read, although i have never used that particular cartridge in my Marlin 336W

[@countryboyreviews]

I have Jack and it definitely shoots flatter. Thanks for watching!

[@stevendonnalammar4422]

I haven't hunted for 25 years until 2021, never shot one when I was younger, I carried a 30-30 then. Now I have a 30-06, I shot 4 deer this year, all clean shots right behind the shoulder at close range, 10-25 yds. The 06 blew clean through so fast it caused little damage to the lungs, they all ran 30+ yards before they bled out enough to drop. My dad always said if you shoot them with an 06 they won't take another step. Not true! I want to try the ole 30-30 next year to see if a slower moving bullet will open better and cause more damage at the close range that I currently hunt.

[@countryboyreviews]

Let us know how it goes!

[@usa-rb5fi]

I’ve used both, and like op in the video deer are amazing even after being hit. In my experience with a few calibers. .30-30 has been a 66% DRT rate (used it the most although the one last year ran 375 yards. I blame the ammo.).30-06 they ran less than 50 yards. .270 I’ve only killed 2 with it. 1 DRT, other

[@Anschutz270]

I just picked up a Remlin 336 in 30-30. I don't currently have a hunting use for it (Interior AK) but it would be at home in the whitetail woods I grew up in with a max shot of maybe 75 yards.

[@usa-rb5fi]

People saying the .30-30 is inadequate don’t know what they’re talking about. The calibers I hear the most “horror stories” of wounding deer and not finding it is the .223 & .243, which are varmint calibers.

[@countryboyreviews]

Thanks for watching!

[@fdmackey3666]

When getting ready to go deer hunting my biggest problem is deciding which of my lever action rifles to take.....My all-time favorite Marlin 336 in .35 Remington or my tied at a very close second USA produced, pre-safety, non-angle eject, Winchester 94 in .30-30 or my trusty old "Waffle Top" Marlin 336 SC also in .30-30. If I'm pretty sure I'm going to be shooting at longer ranges, I break out my old Savage 99E in .308.

[@countryboyreviews]

Thanks for watching!

[@dirtyd2749]

My first deer was with a 30-30. Now I inherited it & planning on my boys getting their first deer with it

[@countryboyreviews]

Nice! Thanks for watching!

[@terrymcclendon2277]

the 30 30 is probably all you would ever need for woods hunting I have killed many big bucks with the 30 30 great vid and good hunting to you!!

[@countryboyreviews]

I agree Terry , Thanks for watching!

[@terrymcclendon2277]

@@countryboyreviews great vid honestly I would pick the 30 30 over the 243 Winchester any day . the 243 may have range over the 30 30 but doesn't have the frontal area , a 30 cal bullet wins every time , the 243 also doesn't have enough bullet weight for proper penetration and even in skilled hands is a wounder from hell !

[@bryanreavis2047]

30-30 has probably killed more deer than any other cartridge. If someone told me 30-30 is “too weak” for deer, im gonna automatically assume they can’t shoot. On that note that’s what I also assume when someone says you can’t kill deer with a .243 or 6.5 creedmoor.

[@mariobenavidez8981]

I hunt/guide hunts with my mossberg XPX and I have put down axis bucks/does down with it about 60 to 20 yards away plus it does great with wounded animals as well biggest animal it has got to hit was a red stag bull that had its front leg blown off. One shot behind the shoulder from about 30 yards and it put him down.

[@randyjohnson8262]

Shot several deer with 30-30. Only one passed through. Even at close range. Prefer 30-06. Leaves huge exit wound and easy recovery.

[@countryboyreviews]

Thanks for watching Randy!

[@toddjohnson271]

Ask all the freezer meat and wall mounts in history.

[@NW_Ranger]

The 30 WCF/30-30 is a great cartridge. If hand loaded it will provide a lot of versatility. It is very common in this day and age of hype and intense marketing for people to be fooled into believing that what ever used to be appropriate is no longer good enough. This fogging of the facts is how the manufacturers keep their potential customers interested in purchasing new stuff. From time to time I have crossed paths with other hunters out in the field while I was carrying my black powder, flintlock, muzzleloading, .62 cal firearm. This is a contemporary firearm (modern made) and in the traditions of state of the art technology from 260ish years ago. On occasion, I have had some of these other hunters try to tell me that my flintlock firearm is very inadequate for hunting. They will tell me that my flintlock just can’t match up to the “magnums” that they often carry. Sometimes I will take the time to re-educate these people… if they are pleasant. It is clear to me technology is often used to compensate for insufficient skills or to gain an advantage of some sort, be it real or imaginary. Just one last bit of information for those that care about historical accuracy. It is almost certain that the muzzleloading flintlock and then percussion firearms have actually taken way more deer of all types in North America. Don’t believe it, do some real research. If we go back and dig up the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries we will see the truth unfold. In all reality, if we go back even further, the atlatl and the bow and arrow have all firearms beat.

[@countryboyreviews]

Thanks for the information that was very educational! Thanks for watching!

[@jimeckenrode1271]

my son started hunting with a 7mm mag but more recently went to a Winchester 94 in 30-30. I have the Marlin in 30-30

[@countryboyreviews]

Love my .30 .30’s for sure ! Thanks for watching Jim!

[@joshgoodwin5283]

I took my 1st deer with a Winchester 94 in 30-30. There’s nothing wrong with them when you use them within their capabilities. Even today if I’m hunting in a wooded area and not expecting to shoot more than 150yds I’ll grab that old Winchester without hesitation.

[@jarrettdossey7300]

North Central Texas ~ The 30-30 and the 22-250 are my favorite two calibers. I own a wide range from plinking on the porch to dangerous game big bore and I believe if the 30-30 is indeed being criticized it’s gotta be by the creedmore generation. The marketing for those calibers has caused a frenzy and the people buying into it don’t know any better because they don’t have the experience. Cutting paper and cutting hide are two totally different things.

[@countryboyreviews]

I agree Jarrett! Thanks for watching!

[@charlesmorris6476]

Yes, ability to learn from experience. When I hear these young ballistic geniuses talk about the shock and awe of all these fangled high velocity large speedster, heavy duty rounds being the only calibers worthy of taking down deer or just about any animal from squirrels with 17 HMR -22 hornet to deer sized animals with a 338 or 300 win mag it just makes me smile😊 🤣🤪 There is absolutely no reason to carry a .30-06 into Midwestern woods, where shots are well under 100 yards, and most of the time under 50 yards, it’s like taking a sledgehammer to kill a fly.😂

[@robbiebaker2412]

Anyone who says a 30-30 is too weak for deer is either just plain ignorant or they have fallen for all the modern advertising hype. Maybe they just can't get closer than 300 yards to a deer and need to practice being actual hunters rather than just long range shooters? My go-to hunting rifle is my marlin 30-30. Most of my shots are 100 yards or less, but I've killed deer with it out to about 150. It's absolutely lethal at those ranges. If I were hunting open fields with 200+ yard shots I would certainly choose a .270 or similar rifle, but for 150 yards or less, the 30-30 is hard to beat

[@mikethomas4598]

I hunt in the Ozarks with a Ruger American Ranch in 7.62x39 which is LESS powerful than the 30/30 and I drop deer just find with it. It's the hunter not the gun.

[@charlesmorris6476]

Yes, I agree nine times out of 10. It’s the hunter. No matter what caliber you use or what type of bullet people are always going to make bad shots. It’s the nature of the hunt even an excellent shot under certain circumstances at certain times bad shots are made.

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

I'm pushing a bullet that casts out to about 190 grains with a large meplat to 2000 fps out of my model 94. This is equal to the original .300 Savage load that had a reputation for being very deadly on anything up to, and including Grizzlies. I'm not seeing any weakness, at least inside 150 yards.

[@countryboyreviews]

I agree! Thanks for watching!

[@ronaldmayle1823]

A 30-30 is a great round, depending on where you hunt. I don't think you would want to take one out west to hunt antelope. But being from West Va. where most shots are within 100 yards, the 30-30 has served me well.

[@countryboyreviews]

Agreed! Thanks for watching!

[@petercraft8634]

Bullet choice is far more important than calibre if you choose the right bullet for the game your shooting you will get the right result.

[@domgomthefather2809]

Started with a 32 special at twelve. Got a 30-30 for Christmas when i was 16. I now kill them all with a crossbow and sometimes a .223 if archery doesn't pan out. If you can put it where you need to, deer go in the freezer. Anyone who says you can't do it with a tried and tested round is probably just a bad shot.

[@countryboyreviews]

Agreed! Thanks for watching!

[@Highgear145]

No issues with my Marlin 30-30 I use mainly 170 grain rounds especially on hogs

[@montanamountainmen6104]

My grandfather had a Savage Model 6 22 LR. He bought it new in 1936 for $12.00 from Montgomery Wards. He killed whitetail, ducks, rabbits, Grey Squirrels , water moccasins you name it...I have that rifle , still shoots .

[@countryboyreviews]

Wow that sounds like a really cool rifle ! They just don't make them like they used to back then those rifles were built to last several lifetimes!

[@ravenRedwake]

4:53 yeah, and bullets do weird things when they hit stuff, so you might have been on target but it hit something that threw its trajectory off slightly so it keyholed the deer, or made it so it wasn’t a kill shot (or an immediate kill shot)

[@countryboyreviews]

Circumstances are definitely different sometimes Raven. Thanks for watching!

[@codaktakman7636]

As far as conventional soft point hunting ammo within 200yrds the 30-30 usually gets the job done very reliably more so than pointed projectiles

[@CanukRocker]

I Personally Would Never Hunt With A Small Caliber...I Own A 30-06 & I'm Embarrassed To Take Into A Deer / Moose Camp...I Personally Am A Big Fan Of The 338 Win Mag Cartridge...Im Nervous To Enter The Woods With A Small Caliber or Go Into A Camp With My 3006....My Father Used A 44 Rem Mag Ruger Carbine For Deer Back In The Day & I Remember Guys In His Camp Making Fun & Laughing At His 44 Mag Calling It A Crab Apple...My Dad ( God Rest His Soul ) Brought Home Venison Every Season With That 44 Mag....I Just Know Nobody In A Camp Will Make Fun Or Bully You Walking In With A 338 Win Mag...I Have Owned One & Loved It & Regret Getting Rid Of It...Just For The Record..Recoil Has Never Affected Me...I Have No Flinch...Im Even Embarrassed To Shoot My 3006 At The Range

[@lorettamills5707]

I hunt with a marlin 30-30 and Remington 30-06 and as you said 30-30 for the woods and 30-06 for the fields I've had deer fall and run off with both

[@countryboyreviews]

Both great rifles! Thanks for watching Loretta!

[@TezOutdoors]

New to hunting, been running with my compound bow, ima try a couple hunts with my Winchester 30-30 this year!

[@countryboyreviews]

Nice! Good luck and thanks for watching!

[@bikeguy6758]

Well over 50% of the whitetail I have killed, dropped like a ton of bricks using 30-30 leverevolution. I use a stevens model 325-c for whitetail and it gets the job done. The farthest I have has to track was maybe 75-100 yards and it was not hard to follow the dumping paint bucket worth of blood through the woods. Moved away from the soft point due to meat loss and chewing on lead a few times and liked the idea of the 160gr Hornady FTX used in the leverevolution. The bullets mushroom out and keep alot of the weight attached and punch right through a white tail almost in a straight line even when hitting ribs. I can not say how well they will punch through a shoulder blade being I always wait for broadside shots and have never not shot a deer in the chest but well over 50% have dropped like a ton of bricks using leverevolution 30-30 completely ripping apart anything in its path. Exit wounds being about the size of a dollar coin. I would be comfortable using my 30-30 on whitetail and mule deer out to 150 maybe 200 yards when I find a replacement scope for my fixed 4x weaver. And in all honesty, seeing the force one time the exiting bullet throuh a 150lb field dressed white tail at 100 ish yards impacting a damp swamp had still... If I can find a up to 9-12× scope that will fit on my rifle.. I would feel comfortable taking elk or moose out to 100 yard with 30-30 160gr leverevolution. If I can find a scope, I probably won't purchase a new rifle until some of the newer cartridges have been time tested a little bit. What I'm saying is, it works and is not completely useless even for game larger then deer in theory. Yes there is cartridges that work better and have more flexibility when it comes to bullet weight, range, and power. But it works very well as long as you can accurately place a shot.

[@countryboyreviews]

Thanks for the info! I’m going to have to try out some lever evolution ammo this year ! Thanks for watching!

[@jerryhundley5869]

I just bought a 325c last summer I have not hunted with it yet but plan to next year. Mine is not tapped for scope but I replaced the rear sight with a marbles bullseye peep. These are really nice guns I like mine alot.

[@jerryhundley5869]

I just bought a 325c last summer I have not hunted with it yet but plan to next year. Mine is not tapped for scope but I replaced the rear sight with a marbles bullseye peep. These are really nice guns I like mine alot.

[@lostpyper6973]

.30-30 at under 200 yards is fine. .30-30 at under 100 yards is great. I've seen it turn a deer heart into blown out burger meat (Hornady American Whitetail). I kind of like the idea that it doesn't have the hydrostatic shock effect that everyone seems obsessed with. All you need is a bullet that gets proper penetration, mushrooms and has high weight retention. Put that bullet into the heart\lung, and deer go down. I think hydrostatic shock just makes a larger bloodshot area of meat.

[@countryboyreviews]

I’m a meat eater as well good thoughts! Thanks for watching!

[@jasonohler9884]

I've hunted with everything between 30/30 to 8mm Mauser, my favorite is 30/40 Krag. 30/30 is a good deer rifle out to 300 yards, you might be able to stretch it out further but I can't. I saw a guy cut a Mule Deer Buck in half with a 300 Win Mag, so I won't hunt with that

[@countryboyreviews]

Always wanted to shoot a Krag. Nice guns ! Thanks for watching!

[@aaronsweeney1095]

90% of the deer I've ever shot in my lifetime where with a 30/30 Winchester model 94 in recent years have switched to Hornady leverevolution ammunition which increases the performance of my old gun and I would put it right up there with any of the 308 303 or 270 that I also use all of my kids have taken their first year with the 30-30 my father shot all the deer he shot his lifetime with that 3030 in this upcoming season my wife plans on shooting her first year with that same old 3030 that being said that old 30-30 has put more meat in my freezer than any other gun in my collection

[@countryboyreviews]

That is an Awesome gun! Thanks for watching!

[@williamray3101]

30.30. at 100 yds.28" ballistic jell. Remington coreloct. Big mushroom. Good place shot lights out. Deer or man.

[@blkmoon33]

I've hunted with my Winchester 94 since 1986. Taken a deer and elk here in North Idaho every year since. I laugh at all my friends when they complain about carrying their bolt actions. I do hunt in heavy brush and I don't take shots over 80 yards.

[@countryboyreviews]

Definitely a great deer rifle! Thanks for watching!

[@bbbbbbb1100]

The zone I’ve hunted in eastern Arkansas only allowed shotgun slug. Slugs got it done

[@countryboyreviews]

Gotta love a good slug gun! Thanks for watching!

[@challanboggs4964]

I have hunted with 308 and 06 but mainly my marlin 3030. But I too shot one with a 22.250 and it dropped like a boulder fell on it. 149 yards if I remember correctly.

[@countryboyreviews]

All great deer rifles. Thanks for watching Challan!

[@clintoutdoors3280]

Marlin 336 30-30 & Remington core lokt 170gr… that combo will kill anything that walks

[@countryboyreviews]

Great combo! Thanks for watching!

[@carlosaburto8307]

Father in law has always use 30-30 and he has more deer than brother in law, he is a hunter that travel all over even Alaska, you name a rifle he has it and still less kills than his dad, maybe people gets just to something and gets better whit time.

[@countryboyreviews]

Thanks for watching!

[@kartikeyaavp3598]

I love my 30-30 it was my grandad's and I've killed every animal I've aimed at I just got some new amunition from Stinal I can't wait to see how this year goes

[@countryboyreviews]

I wish you luck! Thanks for watching!

[@donio8194]

Do You plan make review about canik mete ?

[@countryboyreviews]

I will soon as I can get my hands on one. Thanks for watching !

[@davidfornkahl8374]

My dad had a Savage 340 bolt action 30/30 rifle. He was using 170 gr. Remington Corelokts from back in the early 70's. He hit a piece of 3/4" Re bar---- which is a steel rod. He used it as a target stand. The steel rod was behind bullseye. He shot at 50 yds and everything either flew or fell. We walked up and found the Rod sheared in two. My conclusion::::: A 30/30 is NO SLOUCH---- PERIOD!!!!

[@jhutto5544]

"It's old, it's antiquated", blahblahblah! There is such a thing as matching your rifle/cal to your style of hunting. If you sit in one of those 2 story tripod treehouses covering a big bean field out to several hundred yards then a 30-30 probably isn't the best tool for the job. Thats the realm of a long range flat shooter. If you're like me, hunting thick woodlands, that long range tack driver probably isn't the best choice. To my recollection, I've never shot a deer over 60-70 yds, mostly because you can't even see much further than that through the brush. There's not a damn thing wrong with the old 30-30 round. When used within its limitations, I would put it up against any other rifle/cal out there.

[@user-kb8tz5bj8e]

I have killed deer with 308 and 6.5 creedmore, but hands down my Marlin 336 30 30 is my favorite rifle to hunt deer in the woods. keeping it close just adds more excitement to my hunt and ive never lost a deer with a 30 30. I dont believe northern Indiana has deer too big for a 30 30. hunt safe hunt fun , take a kid hunting.

[@wtfbehindyou1892]

I've outright killed mule deer and whitetail deer with a 30-30. A few runners about 25 yards at best. Yet last year I hit two deer with my 7mm Weatherby which I love btw. One ran over 100 yards before it dropped with a through and through shot. The second deer I hit was only 75 yards and didn't completely penetrate. It ran about 50 yards. I know ammo especially factory bought can be iffy but it solidified my love of the 30-30. I shoot federal ammunition cause I can afford it and it works for me maybe I got a bad batch for my 7mm. I test my rounds in the field/paper not through a chronograph. Deer are tougher than people give em credit for imo. I once saw my pops shoot a deer with his 30-06 it ran a quarter mile without any of his guts. You could see them steaming in the snow. Craziest shit I've ever seen in the woods. Appreciate the video man I just subbed.

[@countryboyreviews]

Thanks for subscribing and for watching!

[@reggieneel4079]

Bud... I've hunted deer with just about every cal from a 357 mag with 500 foot lnd of energy to a .30-06 Springfield boasting 2900 foot lbs. I can honestly say all center rifle or handgun cartridges will kill a whitetail deer with proper shot placement. Now... will a .30-30 Winchester kill a whitetail? Yes. Inside the capabilities of the shooter. I have killed a great number of deer inside 200 yards with a single shot contender. But bullet placement is key! I have personally witnessed a 150 lb or so buck carry a .300 win mag 200 yards. Bullet was a little back and a little high but the deer was recovered. And I've also seen deer drop at the crack of a .223 hit between the eyeball and the ear hole and 357 mag thru the heart lung area at 50 yards +/- .The only thing that should matter is how well you can perform with the rifle or handgun. All and I do mean every single bullet will kill if shot placement is sufficient. So get a rifle that you feel comfortable shooting with a recoil that is manageable by you.. do some practicing and put the bullet where it needs to go at the range you feel comfortable shooting... . That's my 2 cents... not that you got your money's worth. - Ol Red

[@countryboyreviews]

Agreed! Thanks for watching!

[@tacman2893]

30-30 Win too weak?? Oh crap …. Hey mister buck …. Get up you ain’t dead I used a thirty thirty …. Mr 🦌 ? You hear me …. Oh shucks …he’s dead! Now what???

[@johnraygun9868]

people always have to bitch about something, I have all kinds of calibers, styles, served 21 years as a active duty combat medic, done counter drug missions in Central America, multiple deployments to Iraq into combat....I love all the fire arms I have fired, they can all do a great job in multiple areas, I just love variety and have nothing against any of them. Haters need to focus on themselves lol, love the video Sir I recently (3 years ago) purchased PCP rifles, no background check, they will deliver them to your doorstep with no signature along with silencers for them, over 3000psi pushing over 160 grain round capable of dropping damn near anything. My family have all purchased some now and way cheaper ammo. I have a Benjamin Bulldog .357, a full auto 25cal along with others, shits a blast

[@samtruesdale6348]

Shot a bull elk with a model 94, one shot in the lungs at about 75 yds.

[@adammorrison5742]

I've been using the same 3030 for 20 years or more aside from bow and muzzleloader kills it's stacked the most deer and a couple coyotes of all my guns I have a 308 and a 25-06 but where I'm at it's a lot of heavy brush and tight woods so the 3030 is my go too gimme my 3030 a 22 and a shotgun and I'll survive the apocalypse long as I can find ammo

[@shaunsian4784]

The thought that .30-30 is too weak for deer is stupid thought that no one should pay a mind to

[@ksw3155]

I use a 270win and occasionally had to track a couple and that's me doing my job and the rifle doing its. Moral it doesn't matter the caliber. 30-30 gets the job done! Are you a l.e.o?

[@countryboyreviews]

I agree ksw and 10-4 . Thanks for watching!

[@erichweil3953]

I’ve killed deer with 243,308,30-06, 30-30, 50 cal muzzleloader they all died dead. None have died more than dead. I love my 30/30

[@thompsonguillot516]

my brother killed a 8 point at 115 steps, they could not see my hunters orange from where he shot........my nephew killed a doe at 315 steps.......both 1 shot kills......everyone thinks the 3030 is a pop gun......but noone will stand at 200 yards, & let me shoot at them......LMAO!

[@jaylenhelton8616]

I hunt with Winchester model 94 30-30 and a 6.5 creedmore

[@countryboyreviews]

Both great options Jaylen! Thanks for watching!

[@B1gSm3lly]

I shot a 3 pointer with my 3030 opening morning of rifle season blasted right through the heart and both lungs and the deer went less than like 20 yards then dropped

[@countryboyreviews]

Awesome! Congrats on the Deer! Thanks for watching Ben!

[@Daniel-xq7ny]

I shot a deer with a 45-70 and he went 25 yards. Shot one with a 35 REM and he also ran 25 yards and dropped. And all my kills by bow or crossbow all went 25 yards and dropped! I can’t say anything more !

[@countryboyreviews]

Exactly ! Thanks for watching Daniel!

[@knight16]

The 30-30 is a great rifle! I killed my first deer with one, I now hunt with a 308 which is also a great rifle! There are a lot of great cartridges out there! so if you don't like one just use the one that fits you

[@hardtimes1267]

It's all about bulleit placement.

[@countryboyreviews]

Agreed! Thanks for watching!

[@rustykimble5945]

Done my share of 3030 bullying in my day. Bought one for 50 bucks from someone down on their luck about 30 yes ago. Took it hunting for shots and giggles. Got 3006, 300 wby, 243, you name it I got it. Guess what, I own 3 3030, and a 35 rem. They're my everyday, go to deer rifle. I kill alot of em. Throw away no meat. 1 shot. But I hunt in thick woods 75 yds is a long shot for me. I'm a believer. I use 170 grn bullets

[@countryboyreviews]

Thanks for sharing Rusty! I am a believer as well and also hunt similar woods so it works great around here too!

[@williamletchford2580]

I’ve taken more deer with a 3030 than anything else

[@mitchy3438]

If anyone says that a 30/30 isn’t effective, they are absolutely stupid. Have watched guys drop bull Moose with that round.

[@countryboyreviews]

I agree ! Thanks for watching!