30-30 vs .243 in a lever action

[mark04]

Hi guys,

I'm keen on a lever action for some fun and doing some research.

There are the classics like 30-30 and then modern magazine fed levers in all the usual centerfire calibres.

I know 30-30 is hugely popular, but I picked this off the Chuck Hawks website.

Cartridge--------------------MV (fps)-----V @ 200 yds----ME (ft lb)----E @ 200 yds
.30-30 Win. (150 FP) -----2390---------1605----------------1902----------858
.243 Win. (80 Sp)----------3350---------2593----------------1993-----------1194

On paper, something like the .243 basically better in every way....

Recoil was the same basically.

Bit lost on why I'd go with a classic 30-30 instead of something more modern?

[Lorgar]

The heritage of 30-30 is a big part of the appeal for these things.

It's not all about edging another cartridge out on paper.

If everything was about shooting the most technically superior cartridge, we'd all be shooting 50 cals.

[Hardcast]

I see your point Mark,

Not sure how a flat nosed, 100 grner out of a 243 would go on a big boar at 100 yards.

Big heavy projectiles are like a train, they take a bit stopping.

Just for interest sake look up the figures on a 44/40, they're not particularly fast but man they hit hard, that's why the big old calibers like the 30/30
are popular for dropping pigs for over 100 years, and they are cheap to reload. Admittedly, a more modern 30 cal., in a rifle, will do the same job but to a greater distance.

Not sure how accurate the high powered levers and pumps are, with round or flat nosed projectiles, no use having a cartridge that should shoot out to
500 yds if the rifle won't allow it.

I'll be interested to hear from some of the other guys too.

[Seik]

Not sure how a flat nosed, 100 grner out of a 243 would go on a big boar at 100 yards.

That's intentionally making the .243 worse though.

From choosing a tipped .243 or a flat nose 30-30 as they actually are, still better off with .243?

[Hercl]

On paper yes, there will be plenty of modern tipped cartridges that will out perform all the 'classics' in this way or that.

For a 30-30 lever action though you're taking it a bit out of it's intended zone IMO.

If you're shooting 500m all day long, buying a classic calibre lever action is the wrong tool for the job.

If it's a scrub gun and/or your taking med size game at 50-150 meters, this is where the 30-30 lives.

At closer ranges the extra weight of the projectile will make all the difference, and in this example outstrip a .243 for damage.

[Hercl]

Forgot to say, shorter cartridges can also mean an extra round in the pipe.

Small benefit but why not...

[Hardcast]

That's intentionally making the .243 worse though.

From choosing a tipped .243 or a flat nose 30-30 as they actually are, still better off with .243?

Seik,

You can't shoot pointed projectiles in a lever or pump action, where a tube magazine is used.

Nose to primer. Boom banga bang bang.

Also if you were to be shooting pigs or goats or anything that has spent a lot of time lying around in mud, that mud
can dry out to be very thick and hard. Another problem for lighter projectiles.

Not saying a 243 won't kill pigs, but something a little heavier will, every time they're within distance.

[Seik]

You can't shoot pointed projectiles in a lever or pump action, where a tube magazine is used.

Yep I get that.

My point was in response to you saying about a flat-nosed .243. I just meant to say that you wouldn't shoot a flat nose .243 because you'd be deliberately gimping it.

A flat nose .243 compared to 30-30 seemed to be comparing some fictional .243 for the sake of the 30-30 winning the argument, if you know what I mean.

Point taken about the weight and distance though. I'm across it now.

[Igoe]

You can't shoot pointed projectiles in a lever or pump action, where a tube magazine is used.

Not entirely true. Hornady make the pointed LRX projectile projectile specifically for use in tube magazine rifles. It has a plastic tip to ensure it doesn't go boom in the magazine.

Another factor in 30-30 vs 243 argument is that some species (eg Sambar) can't be legally taken with the 243, but the 30-30 is legally ok, at least in Vic.

Ian

[Blackened]

Not entirely true. Hornady make the pointed LRX projectile projectile specifically for use in tube magazine rifles. It has a plastic tip to ensure it doesn't go boom in the magazine.

LEVERevolution is the one.

[Hardcast]

Sorry, never used the leverevolution projectiles.

Are they any good.

[Yelp]

They get a good write up.

Average 250 FPS more velocity and 40% more energy retained than traditional flat points they say.

They do 30-30, 44mag, 45-70 and all the usual levers too.

[bunnybuster]

This appears to be horses for courses, lever carbine, short-moderate range scrub gun, larger mag capacity, quick follow up shots at limited exposure targets, adequate ME for the job 30-30.

Bolt rifle, longer range, potentially more accurate slower repeat shots, flatter trajectory, adequate ME for the job 243.

Don't know of any MFR making 243 flat nose,100/105 A-Max is probably the best option.

BB

[ozfisher71]

The 30-30 is cheap to reload. I have used Hornady's Leverevolution ammunition and it really makes a difference, almost like using a more modern calibre.

If I was going to buy one rifle only and it was not going to be used for Sambar in Victoria it would not be a 30-30.

243w is a good all rounder but you may be wise to consider a 308w if you are looking at lever actions.

[Tiiger]

If I was going to buy one rifle only and it was not going to be used for Sambar in Victoria it would not be a 30-30.

.243 is not good for Rusa and Red in Vic either though is it?

[Tiiger]

Legally I mean, not in terms of being a capable cartridge.

[AusC]

No, legal for Fallow/Chital/Hog only in Victoria.

[von_klitzing]

If we look at the OP again he mentions it's for fun.

OP needs to specify what he wants to use it for? For pigs, as above, go with the 30-30. For targets look at the .243.

Or, if you want to shoot in some competitions like Classic Lever Action or Cowboy Lever Action Silhouette, I'd be looking at the 30-30 again.

Pick the right tool for the right job here.

I have a Rossi 92 in .44 Mag and I love to shoot it with open sights at the range, and it's my go to gun for the big pigs up here in the far north cane fields.

I also enjoy reloading for it and am slowly getting familiar with the art of casting bullets for it. All aspects of it are great fun. I have a .223 for short/mid range targets and am still learning about it.

Again, depends on your type of fun...

[Browning]

Get the best of both.. Get yourself a Browning BLR in either 243 or 308..

[Rob84]

I'd go the 243 with 100gr SP flat base as you won't be taking to many long shots

Past 200m so I wouldn't waste money on polymer tipped projectiles even if you reload.

I'd go a 243 or 308 In a browning blr than a 30/30.

[balter]

Past 200m so I wouldn't waste money on polymer tipped projectiles even if you reload.

What's the problem past 200m with polymer tips?

Heaps of people go on about Ballistic Tips and Accubonds for hunting at that range and longer?

[tom604]

Lever action guns are mostly used as scrub guns =25 mtr to 75 mtr, snap shots in thickish scub.

At that range most pigs would fall to the 243, I can't see the recoil being the same though.

I have a 30-30 and have fired my mates 243 (bolt not lever) and the 30 has more kick. if you are using it just for fun I would go the 30-30 just because of the bigger bang

[teedo]

What's the problem past 200m with polymer tips?

That didn't sound right to me either.

The tips help the bullet expand. I guess if they're going to slow there isn't enough energy to make them expand?

I can't say from personal experience but that must be further than 200m? Especially for a fast mover like the .243?