.44 magnum vs. .30/30

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purpleviking

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I have a .44 magnum lever action rifle and a .30/30 lever action rifle. Was wondering if any of the ballistics experts out there could tell me or point me in the right direction about the difference between both calibers. How do they differ in range? Effectiveness? Muzzle energy? Stopping power? Thanks.
 
While the 30-30 isn't noted as a long range cartridge, it will outperform the .44Mag at any range you care to measure it at. It will also retain energy at a longer range than .44Mag. The difference won't be huge with proper selection of .44Mag loads, but if I were picking for range and stopping power, I'd pick the 30-30.
 
Forty four is excellent for short ranges, lets say inside 100 yards. It will shoot well further, but bullet drop becomes an increasing factor. The 30/30 is more accurate and will hold that accuracy much further than the 44 Magnum will. Both are good cartridges and from a lever gun very handy. Just look at them this way, 44 Magnum is a 100 yard gun and 30/30 as a 200 yard gun.

Robert
 
As far as ballkistic effectiveness is concerebed the two cartridges are about equal given the same bullet placement,
 
Thanks for the info. I really like both rifle. the .30-30 has a 20in. barrel and the .44 has a 16in. barrel. I spose both could be used for hunting, but, I don't know which would be better. But, considering the .30-30 has an edge with the range, I guess I'd use that.
 
Just looking at pure energy, the .30/30 will deliver between 1,300 ft lbs. and 2,000 ft. lbs at the muzzle in various factory loads and will keep a good portion of this at 100 yards. The .44 Rem. Mag. will deliver between 600 and 1,100 ft pounds at the muzzle, with lots of altitude and power loss down range. Out of a carbine with hot hand loads, I wouldn't be surprised if you could get a .44 mag to match the low-end .30/30 performance, at least at close range. And it will make a bigger hole.

On the other hand, I suspect you'll get better expansion with the faster and smaller .30/30 bullets, making up for its initially smaller size. The .44's main advantage, as I see it it, is its shorter length and consequently greater capacity. It may also be a little easier to work the lever. I have a .45 Colt carbine and an old .30/30 Marlin. The Marlin is more accurate, but I can deliver a lot more bullets a lot faster with the Winchester, and it's plenty accurate enough. Those 255 grain slugs make a nice "smack" sound, too ;-)
 
Winchester lists their 150 gr. offereings at around 2390fps at the muzzle and their 170gr. rounds at about 2200. That's quite a bit more muzzle energy than the .44mag. If you're looking to medium + sized game, I'd stick with the .30-30. However, if you're looking to take mid/small game within 100 yards, .44mag is not a bad choice.
 
While the 30/30 ballistics do out perform the .44 Mag in all areas, I like being able to shove 9 rounds of .44 into the tubular mag on my Marlin 1894P. Most 30/30's in this size would probably take only 4 or 5. I also like using the same ammo in my revolver as my short range hunting rifle. These points may or may not be a major concern, just my 2 cents.
Take Care
 
It's not all about energy!

Just because a 30/30 produces more energy than a 44 Magnum, that does not necessarily mean that the 30/30 has more power or take down capabilities. Out to about 150 yards the 44 Magnum has a higher TKO (Taylor Knockout) value than a 30/30 cartridge. Things like bullet weight and diameter definitely have to be factored in some way.

Robert
 
I have a Marlin 1894P 44 magnum. I have shot 255 gr LSWC bullets at over 1,700 fps and 240 gr LSWC bullets at nearly 2,200 fps (this was using 22 grains of 2400). The 240 gr bullet gives about 2,500 ft. lbs. of energy at the muzzle. These loads shoot very flat out to 100 yards. I would say you could go to 125 yards without much drop. These heavy, flat-pointed bullets retain more energy over distance than lighter bullets and they put more energy into the target.

I think the .30-30 has the edge past 125 yards, but up to that I don't see how it can beat a .44 magnum carbine.
 
>>I think the .30-30 has the edge past 125 yards, but up to that I don't see how it can beat a .44 magnum carbine. <<

Kentucky windage. If shots at fast movers are a good possibility I'd go with the 150gr 30-30. I do like the 44, but there is a bit of time between the bang and the thunk.


Tom
 
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