My question is simple. I own a Winchester 94 Trapper model in .44 Rem Mag. It works great on the boars I've hunted with it and I'm generally happy with the little rifle. I've been looking around at the Marlins and Winchester and wondering if I should get a model chambered in 30-30 or 45-70. Would any of these chambering give me enhanced performance over my .44? The deer in my area are generally pretty small and the woods never present a shot over a hundred yards. I will get a new rifle shortly, the question is do I need a 30-30 or 45-70 when I have a .44? Or should I put the money into something else?
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My lever gun question
- Thread starter dgf
- Start date
Mike Irwin
Staff
Enhanced performance?
Well, that term can encompass a couple of different things...
If you're talking about enhanced ballistic performance, the answer is a resounding yes.
Both the .45-70 and .30-30 will produce energies several times greater than that of the .44 Mag., flatter trajectories, longer-range, and better hitting power on deer.
If you mean better ability to kill critters, generally the answer would be yes, but that's a variable thing due to a LOT of different tangible and intangible aspects.
Sorry if the answer is kind of vague.
Well, that term can encompass a couple of different things...
If you're talking about enhanced ballistic performance, the answer is a resounding yes.
Both the .45-70 and .30-30 will produce energies several times greater than that of the .44 Mag., flatter trajectories, longer-range, and better hitting power on deer.
If you mean better ability to kill critters, generally the answer would be yes, but that's a variable thing due to a LOT of different tangible and intangible aspects.
Sorry if the answer is kind of vague.
For deer within 100 yards the 30/30 would be great. If you feel the ambition to go after anything larger the the 45/70 would be the ticket in a lever gun. Not to mention, if you don't reload the 30/30 is much cheaper to reload and easier to find. That being said, the only two rifles I currently own are a Ruger 10/22 and a Marlin Guide Gun in 45/70.
If you limit yourself to deer within 100-150 yards, the 30-30 is the way to go. But if you want to hunt anything bigger/meaner in a similar range, go for the 45/70. And yes, either of the two will have substantial more oomph than your 44 Mag. I'm biased on this, I started hunting with a 30-30, and I'm currently in the process of trading my 30-06 for a Marlin 45-70 to work moose and bear at short range.
Just my 0.02$
Just my 0.02$
Tom Matiska
New member
Out of a 20" rifle barrel the 44 Mag has the 100 yard velocity and energy equal to that of a pistol. I consider it a strong 125 yard round and wouldn't argue about stretching it to 150 yards.
I'd give the 30-30 and extra 25-50 yards of useable energy and tragectory, but wouldn't argue the diference if you are keeping your shots near the 100 yards you mentioned.
I'd tip the scales toward the 30-30 if your shots are likely to be at fast movers. The 44 Mag and 45-70 are slow, and if bambi and porky are in high gear you almost need to think more like a shotgun and less like a rifle to get it right. I can put a shotgun bead out in front of a bunny, but it seems less natural to put that much space between rifle sights and bambi. A 30-30 loaded with 150's involves the least kentucky windage of the options you mentioned.
Tom
I'd give the 30-30 and extra 25-50 yards of useable energy and tragectory, but wouldn't argue the diference if you are keeping your shots near the 100 yards you mentioned.
I'd tip the scales toward the 30-30 if your shots are likely to be at fast movers. The 44 Mag and 45-70 are slow, and if bambi and porky are in high gear you almost need to think more like a shotgun and less like a rifle to get it right. I can put a shotgun bead out in front of a bunny, but it seems less natural to put that much space between rifle sights and bambi. A 30-30 loaded with 150's involves the least kentucky windage of the options you mentioned.
Tom
Shooter 973
New member
44 Mag Rifle
Keep your 44 Mag. rifle and feel well armed, It has plenty of punch for your type of hunting. Us a good bullet of at leasct 200 grains or heavier and it will do every thung you want. A good heavy cast bullet with a big flat nose may be the best of all, Ive shot a few Mule deer with mine and it works like the Hammer of Thor. Save your money and buy components to reload for it and enjoy what you have.
Keep your 44 Mag. rifle and feel well armed, It has plenty of punch for your type of hunting. Us a good bullet of at leasct 200 grains or heavier and it will do every thung you want. A good heavy cast bullet with a big flat nose may be the best of all, Ive shot a few Mule deer with mine and it works like the Hammer of Thor. Save your money and buy components to reload for it and enjoy what you have.