I’m looking for some advice on the .30-30 Winchester and .35 Remington cartridges, particularly for deer hunting. I’ve heard plenty of opinions from various folks, but I want to gather some concrete comparisons between these two calibers.
Performance and Effectiveness for Hunting
Both the .30-30 and the .35 Remington are popular choices among hunters, but how do they really stack up against each other?
Ballistics: I’ve read that the .30-30 has a flatter trajectory compared to the .35 Remington, which might make it better for longer shots. But the .35 Remington offers more knockdown power at closer ranges. Can anyone share their experiences with this?
Recoil: I’ve also come across varying opinions on recoil. While the .30-30 is generally known to have lighter recoil, does the heavier .35 Remington provide a trade-off in terms of control and follow-up shots? It’s important to me to be able to handle the rifle accurately, especially in hunting scenarios.
Energy Levels
When it comes to energy delivery on impact, I’ve seen some conflicting statistics. What’s your take on how these two calibers perform when it comes to taking down deer?
Are the energy levels of the .35 Remington significantly better for the average hunting distances?
Have any of you had personal experiences where one cartridge outperformed the other in the field?
Personal Preferences and Recommendations
If you’ve used both of these cartridges, I’d love to hear your thoughts on which one you prefer for hunting and why.
Do you think the choice between the two can change based on the type of terrain you’re hunting in?
Any tips on choosing between them? Recommendations on rifles that chamber these rounds would also be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance for your advice! Looking to make a decision soon for the upcoming season.
When comparing .30-30 Winchester and .35 Remington, ballistics play a huge role. The .30-30 has a flatter trajectory and is known for its versatility, while the .35 Rem is powerful with more knockdown force, making it ideal for larger game at shorter distances.
That’s a great point, Michael. The .30-30 is effective up to about 200 yards, while the .35 Remington can maintain its energy better beyond that, which may be a key factor for hunters targeting specific game.
I’ve used both cartridges. The .30-30 has less recoil, which is great for a day of hunting. The .35 Remington is like a cannon! If you’re hunting in dense woods, consider the .35 for that extra punch if the opportunity arises.
Exactly, Ronald! For beginners, the .30-30 might provide a better experience, but the .35 Rem can really shine if you’re more experienced and know what to expect.
Ballistics-wise, the .30-30 delivers about 2,390 fps at the muzzle, while the .35 Rem is about 2,200 fps. However, the heavier bullet in the .35 means more energy on impact, which you can feel!
Both cartridges are widely available, but yes, .30-30 is generally easier to find in stores. Plus, it has a robust reloading community, which can help if you want to experiment with loads and bullet types.
Interesting stats, Stephen! I’ve always heard folks say the .30-30 is a classic round for deer. Does it really outshine the .35 Rem in terms of availability?
At 200 yards, the .30-30 starts to drop faster than the .35 Rem. By 300 yards, expect significant drop with .30-30. The .35 typically maintains its energy and trajectory a bit better for longer shots, which could be decisive in the field.
That’s a good question! The .35 will perform better, but your skills and knowing the drop will matter too. Maybe practice with both to see what you prefer!
I’ve hunted with both cartridges, and I find the .30-30 works great for deer in dense woods. The stopping power is solid, and the recoil is manageable for most shooters.
The .35 Rem has a bit more recoil, but it’s very effective for larger game. The extra stopping power can be a game changer when hunting bears or moose.
I have to agree with wanerson. For heavier game, .35 Rem is hard to beat! But for typical deer hunting, .30-30 suffices perfectly. It really depends on your target.
I’ve taken quite a few deer with my .30-30 over the years. It hits hard enough, and I’ve never had one go far after being shot. Just as reliable as my bolt-action rifles!