30-30 vs 308

[ImaCannin]

Hey..... I need help.....
What is the difference between a 30-30 and a 308? I found a Marlin lever action 308 today online and fell in love with it. None of the stores around here have it in stock, but they have a 30-30 lever action in stock. http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/images/ssi/41773.jpg

Will be using it for self defense deer hunting.

[Dogman]

The 30-30 has put many deer on the table from the day it came out. But there is NO comparison between the .308. The .308 is the better one as far as knock down power and range. As far as ammo availability seeing that the .308 is used by the military, it will not go away in our lifetime, and the 30-30 is also popular but a much older cartage.

I will say more deer has been killed by the 30-30 than the .308 in this country.

But for longer range and knockdown power I would go with the .308



30-30 has 1902 ft/lbs of energy at the muzzle The .308win has 2648 ft/lbs of energy.

Energy @ 500 ft. (ft.-lbs.) 316 for the 30-30 810 for the .308wins (More than double)


Others can chime in on this. I for one would go with the .308

[LuckyStrike]

Since .308 is a NATO round, you can buy surplus ammo for roughly half of that of 30-30. Plus if you do stockpile it, it can be used in a much wider range of other weapons than 30-30, such as the M14 and the FAL.

[hoarder]

The 30-30 is better suited for lever actions and the 308 better suited for bolt actions. Both are great cartridges.

If you do choose a 308 lever action, be sure to use "Green Tip" ammo. The pointy bullets in a tube magazine are dangerous.

[Dogman]

The 30-30 is better suited for lever actions and the 308 better suited for bolt actions. Both are great cartridges.

If you do choose a 308 lever action, be sure to use "Green Tip" ammo. The pointy bullets in a tube magazine are dangerous.

Yes! I forgot about that. Only use soft tipped or rounded tip ammo.

[tater]

I agree 100% with hoarder. If I was to get a lever action I would go 30-30 and get the full tube as well. Had me a 30-30 Winchester many moons ago, great deer gun within 100 yards. If you ever decide to scope one go with the Marlin the scope won't be in the way as the Marlin ejects out the side and the Winchester ejects out the top...

[Heimdhal]

Consider also the 30-30 is ballisticaly extremley similar to the 7.62x39. The 30-30 is a fine deer/medium game round and has been in use for a VERY long time.

However, it will tend to cost a little a little more than the nearly identical x39 round, which you can get in nearly as many varieties and of course military surplus.

Just a thought. You certainly wouldnt go wrong with the 30-30.

[tater]

Consider also the 30-30 is ballisticaly extremley similar to the 7.62x39. The 30-30 is a fine deer/medium game round and has been in use for a VERY long time.

However, it will tend to cost a little a little more than the nearly identical x39 round, which you can get in nearly as many varieties and of course military surplus.

Just a thought. You certainly wouldnt go wrong with the 30-30.

Agreed, however if she used it for self defense as she stated as one of her uses it might go a lot better for her if it went to court...heck she used John Wayne's gun not that evil commie assault rifle...of course the AK would be more useful in case of multiple zombies...

[ImaCannin]

Agreed, however if she used it for self defense as she stated as one of her uses it might go a lot better for her if it went to court...heck she used John Wayne's gun not that evil commie assault rifle...of course the AK would be more useful in case of multiple zombies...

I Have a multi zombie defence program!!! I need a lone zombie far away program. I use to like John Wayne until I found out he was a 33 degree mason.

This Marlin 308 uses a special cartridge " Hornady's ground breaking 308 Marlin Express" it wont use the Win 308,
http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/308MarlinExpress/308MX.asp

http://www.chuckhawks.com/308_marlin_first_look.htm

The new .308 Marlin takes advantage of Hornady's development of the LEVERevolution flex-tip spitzer bullet concept. This has been re-optimized specifically for the .308 Marlin, to give a flatter trajectory and greater retained velocity and energy down range. The new 160 grain .308 Marlin Evolution bullet has a longer ogive and a higher ballistic coefficient (BC .400) than last years .30-30 Evolution bullet. (The 160 grain .30-30 Evolution bullet has a BC of .330.)

Hornady ballistics tables for the new .308 Marlin call for a 160 grain bullet at a muzzle velocity (MV) of 2660 fps and muzzle energy (ME) of 2513 ft. lbs. Here are the down range velocity and energy numbers: 100 yards = 2430 fps/2111 ft. lbs.; 200 yards = 2226 fps/1761 ft. lbs.; 300 yards = 2026 fps/1457 ft. lbs.; 400 yards = 1836 fps/1197 ft. lbs

[ImaCannin]

http://media.midwayusa.com/productimages/440x330/primary/133/133951.jpg

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/133951/hornady-leverevolution-ammunition-308-marlin-express-160-grain-flex-tip-expanding-box-of-20

21.09 for 20

Technical Information:
Muzzle Velocity: 2660 fps
Muzzle Energy: 2513 ft. lbs.

[Dogman]

I Have a multi zombie defence program!!! I need a lone zombie far away program. I use to like John Wayne until I found out he was a 33 degree mason.

This Marlin 308 uses a special cartridge " Hornady's ground breaking 308 Marlin Express" it wont use the Win 308,
http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/308MarlinExpress/308MX.asp

http://www.chuckhawks.com/308_marlin_first_look.htm Yea, that is the soft tip!

Well even if John Wayne was a mason, bet there were many movies that he rapidly shot many bad guns in a row, using a 30-30.

You probably will serve yourself very well by going with the 30-30 tube fed. As far as zombies go if they are with in 100 yards you can pick them off as fast as you can aim and shoot.

[Heimdhal]

I Have a multi zombie defence program!!! I need a lone zombie far away program. I use to like John Wayne until I found out he was a 33 degree mason.

This Marlin 308 uses a special cartridge " Hornady's ground breaking 308 Marlin Express" it wont use the Win 308,
http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firearms/308MarlinExpress/308MX.asp

http://www.chuckhawks.com/308_marlin_first_look.htm

Keep in mind, by getting that lever action in that chambering you now have a gun in an uncommon chambering that may or may not be readily available in the future and is certain to be unobtanium if we go through another bout of ammo shortages, supply interruptions, etc.

Lever actions are not the most ideal platforms for longer distance shooting. If you are wanting something to reach out there, for purposes beyond just hunting deer, consider a bolt action in a more common caliber, like .308, 30-06, even 7.62x54r. All of those will have a mucher higher rate of availability, even in shortages, and have plenty of knock down power, accuracy and distance for most situations.

I dont want to come off like Im lecturing you or you're making a wrong choice, Im just trying to get you a more full picture of whats available for what I am perceiving as your purposes. :)

[ImaCannin]

Ok, this is what DH originally had me looking at, (until I saw the marlin lever action)
Savage 11 TH XP 308 NIKON

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/78128/Savage+11+TH+XP+308+NIKON

Its so ugly!!!! and I dont think I will be able to fondle it in the same way as the lever action.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/images/78121.jpg

[Dogman]

Ok, this is what DH originally had me looking at, (until I saw the marlin lever action)
Savage 11 TH XP 308 NIKON

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/78128/Savage+11+TH+XP+308+NIKON

Its so ugly!!!! and I dont think I will be able to fondle it in the same way as the lever action.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/images/78121.jpg

Savage makes some of the most accurate rifles out of the box!

Go with hubby and get over it! ;D

[hoarder]

Its so ugly!!!! and I dont think I will be able to fondle it in the same way as the lever action.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/images/78121.jpgWinchester lever actions are prettier than Marlin, I like to fondle mine. Marlins have less recoil, though. The rear sights on either are kinda poor for accurate shooting. If you're thinking about a scope, just go straight to the bolt action.

[Heimdhal]

Savage makes some of the most accurate rifles out of the box!

Go with hubby and get over it! ;D

I support this decision :)

[ImaCannin]

Thanks everyone for your input... I guess the ugly gun wins! I might be able to doll it up some with some pink flower stickers! http://rlv.zcache.com/big_smile_pink_flower_stickers-p217022790017693285envb3_400.jpg

[Glass]

Thanks everyone for your input... I guess the ugly gun wins! I might be able to doll it up some with some pink flower stickers! http://rlv.zcache.com/big_smile_pink_flower_stickers-p217022790017693285envb3_400.jpg

Maybe if it came with a nice laminated stock or something. A nice ash timber.

You could always get your own rifle stock in a colour of your choosing. Perhaps something in a strawberry camo?

[Glass]

http://www.rifle-stocks.com/Imperial_Laminate_10-17.jpg

I can't seem to add this image to my earlier post. Not quite all pink but looks quite nice to me.... even if it is pink. ;D

[ImaCannin]

I am still at it! I cant seem to get past the ugly black one!

What do you think of this baby? Its a Browning 308 lever action with takedown. It uses 308 win
3712


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2anlLquHQig

[EE_]

I can't offer any advice on the Browning BLR, but I like it!
I like how it takes down for easy compact carry.
Hopefully someone here will know more about it.
You seem to be wanting a lever action, by george you should have one!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mj4phDCXCfg

[ImaCannin]

Oh oh and I could be.................

The Rifle WOman!

[slowbell]

Oh oh and I could be.................

The Rifle WOman!

How about ImaRiflin' ? :)

[JDRock]

east of the mississippi, i would go with 30-30, west of the miss, when shooting ranges go 200yds +, i would go .308 and as lucky said, lots of surplus ammo to be found.

[BrewTech]

Bring your wallet! That Browning ain't gonna be cheap.

Impressive presentation. Perhaps I should trade up? I've got a bolt action .308 currently.

[slowbell]

Perhaps I should trade up? I've got a bolt action .308 currently.

No!! Your 308 is awesome, it's the only 308 I've shot, but that's a great gun.

[skid]

If you really like lever guns, you could go with the Marlin 45-70. Very nice gun, but perhaps too much kick for a young lady:) I shot a couple boxes of shells through one that didn't have a recoil pad and could feel it for sure. Extra good for zombies though....


http://www.gunblast.com/Marlin-1895SBL.htm

We did have a gal with us shooting and she didn't think it recoiled too bad, but then again she didn't shoot it more than a 1/2 dozen times or so. She liked the fact that it was a small rifle.

[ImaCannin]

If you really like lever guns, you could go with the Marlin 45-70. .

I did consider the 45-70, however, I like my shoulder attached to my body! I have heard they are much more than I can handle.

:)

[slowbell]

I did consider the 45-70, however, I like my shoulder attached to my body! I have heard they are much more than I can handle.

:)

The 45-70 does have a bit of a kick to it, but also really varies to what ammo you shoot. I like the hornady ammo the best. The Marlin 45-70 guide gun is fantastic though, I have the stainless model before they changed to the 6 round tube. My holds 4.

It's my pirate gun. We had a friend of the family killed by pirates a few years ago. If I sail in those waters, I want to send the biggest bullet their direction I can comfortably shoot. So far, that's the 45-70. Can punch a nice hole in a pirate with that, and then the boat too.

[midnight rambler]

Stay the hell away from recent manufacture Marlins aka 'Rem-lins' - i.e. Marlins made in the Remington plant since 'The Freedom Group' closed the New Haven Conn. Marlin plant.

[slowbell]

Stay the hell away from recent manufacture Marlins aka 'Rem-lins' - i.e. Marlins made in the Remington plant since 'The Freedom Group' closed the New Haven Conn. Marlin plant.

Midnight, do you know how I can tell if my 45-70 is a recent one?

[Dogman]

Midnight, do you know how I can tell if my 45-70 is a recent one? I would think "New Haven Conn" would be stamped on the gun along with the model and serial number, if it was a pr-buyout made one.

[ImaCannin]

Stay the hell away from recent manufacture Marlins aka 'Rem-lins' - i.e. Marlins made in the Remington plant since 'The Freedom Group' closed the New Haven Conn. Marlin plant.

So have you heard if there is any thing bad about the Brownings? I am still up in the air about what to get. I have a thing about abusing my shoulder and have been considering the 243 browning take down with a pistol grip. It is sweet, kind of like me! :o

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/images/43667.jpg

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/43668

[midnight rambler]

I suggest you research whatever particular rifle you're considering, however I know in the past that Browning has had a company in Japan make many of their guns and from all that I've seen these are VERY well made high quality guns. Don't recall the name of this Japanese company that Browning used, but I do recall it starts with a 'M'.


So have you heard if there is any thing bad about the Brownings? I am still up in the air about what to get. I have a thing about abusing my shoulder and have been considering the 243 browning take down with a pistol grip. It is sweet, kind of like me! :o

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/images/43667.jpg

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/43668

[midnight rambler]

Midnight, do you know how I can tell if my 45-70 is a recent one?

Two things you need to determine that:

1) Do a net search for the exact date of the closure of the New Haven plant and the subsequent startup of manufacturing in the Remington plant (I don't recall precisely, but I'm thinking it was around spring of '11);

2) Call Marlin with the serial # in hand and inquire when your gun was manufactured.

The thing to be most concerned about with Rem-lins is reliability/function - and the fact that it now takes MONTHS to get your Marlin back to you after sending it back for warranty work. If you haven't hand any function issues after shooting roughly 300 rounds thru it then I wouldn't be that concerned about it. Rem-lins are just something to avoid if you can.

[ImaCannin]

Japan
Citori, Cynergy, BLR Lightweight, BLR Lightweight '81, A-Bolt II, X-Bolt, BT-99, BL-22 Rifle, Auto-22 Rifle, T-Bolt, BPS (all), and Gold 10 ga. (production for these firearms have been at the Miroku factory in Japan starting with the BT-99 in the late 1960s. In 1970 the over and under Citori (made by Miroku) would gradually replace John M. Browning’s Superposed model as the the key product in the Browning line. In about 1973 the Browning Pump Shotgun (BPS) began production at the Miroku factory, and in 1976 the legendary Auto-5 shotgun would move from Belgium factories to Miroku, in Japan. The others followed as they were introduced.

EWH... Fukushima Guns!!!

[Dogman]

EWH... Fukushima Guns!!! Yea!

You would be able to shoot "Tracer" bullets with regular ammo.

And never fear, you will always be able to find your rifle in the dark! ;D

[Tumbleweed]

Hey..... I need help.....
What is the difference between a 30-30 and a 308? I found a Marlin lever action 308 today online and fell in love with it. None of the stores around here have it in stock, but they have a 30-30 lever action in stock. http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/images/ssi/41773.jpg

Will be using it for self defense deer hunting.

Well hells, bells Imacanin if you've fallin in love with this gun buy it. If you don't you'll always wish you would've.

[ImaCannin]

Well, I finally got my "dear" hunter rifle.
We went to several local stores looking for a lever action Browning. We found one and it was so stiff and clunky when you flicked the lever. I was depressed, thinking that all the Browning Lever action was like that.. We had one more store to go to. They had a Browning Lever Action 30-06. It felt really nice. Something must have been wrong with the lever action at the previous store, because this one did not feel bad at all. The store did not have any other lever actions. The sales man thru a Browning XBolt Mirco Hunter 7MM08 in my hand.... http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/images/035215m.jpg

This puppy was smooth as a babies butt. I was impressed. The first 308 I had picked up a few weeks ago, was a savage trophy hunter in the synthetic stock. The Browning made the Savage tuck its tail and run! No comparison. We left and came home and decided to buy the Lever action Brownings online. I had two places that I was comparing prices on the guns. I went with the one that said they could ship fastest. I put all my information in and clicked the next button, and the page that came up said that my shopping cart was empty. It was kind of weird that and creepy that I put all my info in and then it was gone. So I emailed the place and they said that no order came in . And that they only had oen lever action in stock anyway.. Their web site said they had 9- 308's and 1- 7mm08. Ok, so on to buds gun shop. I fax my gun dealers FFL number to them. Put all my information in their shopping cart and the shopping cart empties again! So I tell hubby..... Here is your sign! So we decided to wait on trying to purchase the lever actions. In the mean time, we start researching the Browning Xbolt. WHOLLY COW... what a gun!

The 7mm08 is designed for "smaller " people or women.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Yr5YCpfM8E

It has a built in kick butt Inflex recoil pad, feather trigger, 60 degree bolt (wont hit your scope like the savage) Slick action - just glides! Light weight at 6.2 lbs.

After researching last night, we decide to go back and get them in the a.m. We also found a rebate in the form of a soft shell jacket with the purchase of the xbolt. http://www.browning.com/products/promotions/detail.asp?Id=22&bg=x They said it was a 150.00 value? but not sure on that! Looks like maybe 40.00 coat. After getting the guns picked, the salesman showed us a scope. Bushnell - E3940, Elite Compact Riflescope, 3-9x 40mm, Multi-X Reticle Matte Finish(I know its not the best) was having a special.. The scope was 200.00, with 75.00 mail in rebate. I dont know much about scopes , so I figured it was cheap enough until I find out more about them. I can always put in on my 22 when I am ready to move up. http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-97257296864170_2224_207535159
I think I was walking on cloud 9!!! While we were waiting on them to put the scopes on, I found a very nice rifle bag for my girl gun!
http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/img/products/original/allen_powder_horn_gun_case_1264914_1_og.jpg

My 7mm08 was over 150.00 cheaper than any place I have found on line. The free jacket, and a 200.00 scope for 125.00 plus, the store gave a 5% discount on the rings, scope and rifle. I am so glad that my online sale did not go thru. At least if something goes wrong, I can go back to them and get help. Thank you for all your input! I will let you know how it feels when I finally get to shoot it.

[Dogman]

That is a good round, I was making my own back in the late 70's when I was into IHMSA silhouette handgun shooting. Had to make my own because store bought ammo in that caliber was rare and still was a semi "Wildcat" round that was called the 7mm-.308 cal and I had to make my own by taking .308 brass and resizing it. So I could shoot it in my then laser handgun, a Remington XP-100.

It has less recoil than the .308 and all of the advantages of the 7mm, you should like that gun and caliber. One suggestion, look into getting into reloading if you plan to do very much shooting. It was that caliber/cartage that got me into the hobby of reloading because I could not get store bought 7mm-.308 at the time.

Congratulations on your new toy!

[slowbell]

Two things you need to determine that:

1) Do a net search for the exact date of the closure of the New Haven plant and the subsequent startup of manufacturing in the Remington plant (I don't recall precisely, but I'm thinking it was around spring of '11);

2) Call Marlin with the serial # in hand and inquire when your gun was manufactured.

The thing to be most concerned about with Rem-lins is reliability/function - and the fact that it now takes MONTHS to get your Marlin back to you after sending it back for warranty work. If you haven't hand any function issues after shooting roughly 300 rounds thru it then I wouldn't be that concerned about it. Rem-lins are just something to avoid if you can.

Like Dogman suggested,
I would think "New Haven Conn" would be stamped on the gun along with the model and serial number, if it was a pr-buyout made one.

I pulled her out this morning to oil her. Like Dogman suggested, She's stamped on the barrel....The Marlin Firearms Co. North Haven. CT. USA. Cal. 45/70 Govt.

So, I just need to find out of the recent ones are stamped the same way, or at the actual location of the remington plant.

[BrewTech]

No!! Your 308 is awesome, it's the only 308 I've shot, but that's a great gun.

I wonder if milehi would give it such great reviews?
;)

[slowbell]

I wonder if milehi would give it such great reviews?
;)

She didn't like milehi, she bit him. It could have just been a love bite though. ;D

[milehi]

Maybe she was jealous of my Model 700 BDL in 30.06. I've had people ask if i'd been punched in the eye and I say "yes, but this is different."

[gunDriller]

http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/images/ssi/41773.jpg


it looks old fashioned & reliable.

i like machines that are old-fashioned & reliable !