Hey guys, probably an oft seen question. 30-30 Lever vs 308 Bolt

[u/Intelligent-Stop7091]

Long story short, I’m in the market for a deer rifle. I’m in a position where I only can afford one. I’m hunting in the AR and OK type of woodland/meadows.

I’m aware 308 bolt is better for distance, and stopping power. However in the woodland areas, I’m also thinking 30-30 based on ability to follow up and maneuverability.

All in all, I’m torn between the two bc it’s a similar price point after glass is purchased. Help pls.

[u/SLW_STDY_SQZ]

Pick the gun you like better. The difference doesn't matter unless you are hunting somewhere where shots well over 150yds are the norm.

[u/Hardwire762]

308 bolt is more versatile. You’ll
Rarely need more than one shot and while not fast as a lever. You can get fast with a bolt.

[u/Piesfacist → u/Hardwire762]

Plus 308 is a better round than a 30-30.

[u/HomersDonut1440]

Primary thing to consider is range. Any shots past 150, .308 will make your life easier.

If you like the lever action, consider a browning BLR or savage model 99 in .308. Best of both worlds.

[u/Unable-Rhubarb3261 → u/HomersDonut1440]

the blr in 308 is a nasty little setup, friend of mine runs one and its stupid handy in thick woods. still punches out to 200+ no problem if a clearing opens up

if youre mostly in tight timber though a 30-30 is just classic for a reason, quick follow ups and the rifle weighs nothing to carry all day

either way youll have venison in the freezer

[u/HomersDonut1440 → u/Unable-Rhubarb3261]

The BLR is a cool gun. Recoil can be harsh, but that’s price you pay for decent power in a snack size package

[u/mpsteidle]

It youre definately not going to shoot over 200 yards then just get the 30-30.  Theyre extremely handy, the rapid follow up is nice, and most importantly theyre fun.

[u/GelgoogGuy]

I'd look for a 16-20" 308 bolt action over a lever, but I also am not a big fan of lever actions in general. You could also get a CVA Scout single shot if you want to save on weight.

[u/Oxytropidoceras]

What is the max range, average range, etc of shots you would take? If you're taking most of your shots within 100 yards, and not past 150 to 200, I'm partial to both lever guns and 30-30, so I would tell you to go that route. But if you're regularly shooting past 100 yards, you probably want .308 and a bolt gun.

[u/Rob_in_Tulsa]

If you miss your shot with a .308, you probably wouldn't have hit with the 30-30. If you miss with the 30-30, you probably would have made the shot with the .308.

[u/Drewzilla_p]

I've never had much luck with follow up shots. Generally the follow-up shot is on a running animal, and good luck with that. In fact, there's an old saying: one shot - one deer 2 shots - 2 deer maybe one 3 shots - no deer

Applies to skeet too.....

[u/Skyrick]

What you need is a Winchester 1895 in 30-06.

Yes it costs twice as much while being worse in every conceivable way, but the coolness factor is off the charts. You can reenact being a rough rider going up San Juan Hill (note no rough riders were armed with 1895’s) using the same ammo grandpappy used to kill commies in Korea (possibly literally if you buy surplus ammo from the CMP).

Sure you have to find a scope mount for a Winchester model 71 (which was discontinued decades ago), which will only work with 1 inch tubes (I thought this was America!), and mounts the scope to the side of the receiver (otherwise you can’t load it), but you will be the only guy at the range with your setup.

As for recoil, yes. Sure you can make it slightly less bad by using M2 ball loads, if you’re afraid. Otherwise use real loads and ride the lightning.

Note my advice might be worth what you paid for it.

[u/MediocreCheeseburger → u/Skyrick]

I think that might be the wrong chambering for rough riders cosplay.

[u/SimplyPars → u/MediocreCheeseburger]

They did make some 1895’s in 30-40 krag, but those are almost as rare as the 7.62x54r ones.

[u/MediocreCheeseburger → u/SimplyPars]

I've always wanted one of the russian contract ones.

[u/SimplyPars → u/MediocreCheeseburger]

Part of me has as well, but then I remember how terrible the action is on the 1895 and how pretty much all the bolt actions are faster due to it.

[u/Cobra__Commander]

Deer can't tell the difference.

308 will shoot flater with a longer max range. If you ever want to get into battle rifles, AR10, ect you can share ammo.

[u/cbeakes]

I love my marlin 336 for north east big woods hunting

[u/EntertainerOk4969]

Best of both worlds. Get a BLR or Henry Long Ranger. Also consider .243 if deer/hogs is the largest game you plan to go after with that rifle.

[u/4eyedbuzzard]

My thoughts are that if money is a concern now, it could be in the future as well. So, being unable to predict the future - of finances, possible hunts of different game, in different places - if I could only own one rifle and scope, it would be a .308 Win bolt rifle with a 20" barrel and 3-9 scope. It's the do everything meat gun for the lower 48. A 30-30 is a 200 yard deer gun. The .308 Win is good on pretty much anything on four legs in the lower 48, and can reach out to 400+ yards if a hunt takes you out west. I guess a case could be made for 6.5 CM as well, but old favorites die hard.

[u/Northinnh]

I love levers and Henry's Check out their long ranger Love mine in a 308

[u/Level-Artichoke-76]

Winchester featherweight 308. Only way I'm running a 3030 is with a scout mount and dot optic.

[u/SouthernLifeguard845]

Brush gun-30-30

[u/WombatAnnihilator]

30-30 is cooler.

[u/Wolf51555]

Whichever you will practice with more. Technical advantages and cartridge doesn’t matter if you cant hit the deer.

[u/PINSwaterman]

A lot of lever action rifles lack precision, which leads to large target grouping. Make sure to read lots of reviews about what specific rifles you're looking at.

[u/cockycrackers]

You wanna kill things or have fun killing things?