Okay, a few parameters first: Deer I hunt average 85 to 150lbs. The two blinds/stands I would hunt have ranges from 25 to 100 yards. Assume I can hit the deer in the right place, heart lung shot, neck/head shot. Given those things, would you consider a .30 Carbine enough gun? Good shot placement under 100 yards, not so big deer. I ask because I have had people tell me the Carbine is woefully underpowered for any game larger than rabbits, etc. It killed a lot of the other side in several wars, and has about 975 ft pounds at the muzzle. What gives?
SC Whitetail Deer with a .30 Carbine?
- Thread starter bigjack59
- Start date
.30 carbine on deer?
Sure, go ahead. Or any .22 is good; just head shoot 'em. Oh! And let's do it at 600 yards.............
Good grief! You guys who want to use these itty bitty guns on big game- see how you feel when that deer leaves a little blood trail a half a mile long ,then you can't find it.
Use enough gun & realize you limitations. You owe it to the animal.
Shack
Sure, go ahead. Or any .22 is good; just head shoot 'em. Oh! And let's do it at 600 yards.............
Good grief! You guys who want to use these itty bitty guns on big game- see how you feel when that deer leaves a little blood trail a half a mile long ,then you can't find it.
Use enough gun & realize you limitations. You owe it to the animal.
Shack
30-30remchester
New member
I shot my first deer with one when I was 10 years old. A SMALL mule deer at 75 yards. Hit it in the heart, the bullet stopped in the heart, about 6" of penatration is all. Way to underpowered for even small deer.
30 cal
I would avoid it.
It is a pistol caliber in carbine form.
Shotgun with buck shot would be better.
But they are fun to tote around the woods.
The carbine was designed for rear guard troops (cooks, quartermasters, officers, secretaries at HG. Basicly anyone who was not expected to shoot at an enemy personel. It is great for armadillo shooting and coyote/feral dog/cats.
However if I was in alaska with a 30 carbine and hungry I would try a caribou.
It would be like eating soup with a fork. It is gonna be a lot of work to get just a little sucess. And you would only do it if you were stupid or without a spoon.
Here is an idea. Imagine you are gonna be shot and left to die in the woods. What caliber and chamber do you want to be with?
I like blowing the heart to jello. They run but only so far.
Friends don't let friends shoot weak guns. Or go home with the ugly chick in the tank top yelling "I am so Drunk" It sounds fun but you always regret it.
I would avoid it.
It is a pistol caliber in carbine form.
Shotgun with buck shot would be better.
But they are fun to tote around the woods.
The carbine was designed for rear guard troops (cooks, quartermasters, officers, secretaries at HG. Basicly anyone who was not expected to shoot at an enemy personel. It is great for armadillo shooting and coyote/feral dog/cats.
However if I was in alaska with a 30 carbine and hungry I would try a caribou.
It would be like eating soup with a fork. It is gonna be a lot of work to get just a little sucess. And you would only do it if you were stupid or without a spoon.
Here is an idea. Imagine you are gonna be shot and left to die in the woods. What caliber and chamber do you want to be with?
I like blowing the heart to jello. They run but only so far.
Friends don't let friends shoot weak guns. Or go home with the ugly chick in the tank top yelling "I am so Drunk" It sounds fun but you always regret it.
Last edited:
Here's my deal: Most everyone would tell you a .357 in a lever gun is plenty for deer. The Carbine out performs the .357 in energy and penetration at all ranges.
The .30 Carbine was said to be underpowered by some soldiers. Well, having been there, soldiers will always say their weapon is underpowered, has too much recoil, jams, is too long/short/heavy or light. Anecdotal evidence aside, it was a sidearm, not a main battle rifle. In fact some sources say that up to 70% of all infantry inflicted casualties on Okinawa were inflicted by Carbines fitted with the first night vision device at ranges of less than 100 yards. (pretty ballsy shooting!) I have heard anecdotal evidence that it was a short range killer or a bb gun.
So other than tying up my neighbors 100 pound dog and doing some ballistic testing, has anyone shot deer, within my parameters, and had good or bad experience?
The .30 Carbine was said to be underpowered by some soldiers. Well, having been there, soldiers will always say their weapon is underpowered, has too much recoil, jams, is too long/short/heavy or light. Anecdotal evidence aside, it was a sidearm, not a main battle rifle. In fact some sources say that up to 70% of all infantry inflicted casualties on Okinawa were inflicted by Carbines fitted with the first night vision device at ranges of less than 100 yards. (pretty ballsy shooting!) I have heard anecdotal evidence that it was a short range killer or a bb gun.
So other than tying up my neighbors 100 pound dog and doing some ballistic testing, has anyone shot deer, within my parameters, and had good or bad experience?
Interesting article: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_6_47/ai_74033105/?tag=content;col1
Dr. Strangelove
New member
Many things have killed deer over the years, hunters, bobcats, cars, wolves, etc., but the only thing I am certain never has is an internet discussion forum.
You have to make the decision. If it's legal in SC, then give it a "shot". You sound like you have the right concerns regarding range and bullet placement, so if it's an ethical shot to you, take it.
I wonder how many of the folks above have ever shot a deer with a .30 carbine? I have not, in fact I haven't fired a .30 carbine in probably 30 years. I'm certainly no expert, but it seems reasonable enough to me staying within the OP's parameters.
You have to make the decision. If it's legal in SC, then give it a "shot". You sound like you have the right concerns regarding range and bullet placement, so if it's an ethical shot to you, take it.
I wonder how many of the folks above have ever shot a deer with a .30 carbine? I have not, in fact I haven't fired a .30 carbine in probably 30 years. I'm certainly no expert, but it seems reasonable enough to me staying within the OP's parameters.
rodwhaincamo
New member
The HP/SP bullets aren't designed for medium game. Maybe it would work OK (and by that I mean barely OK) from a carbine at 25 yds. If you can pull off head and neck shots I'd say it could be done out to 100 yds. But I would strongly recommend getting/using a much more qualified gun for the task of hunting.
You really need to be fair and respect the game you hunt by choosing the right tools for the sake of a humane kill. No needless suffering. Oh, and I've heard that the 30 Carb was very underpowered and unliked for that reason, but carried and used because it was compact and light. Was more a paratrooper/vehicle rifle where the overall length was an issue.
You really need to be fair and respect the game you hunt by choosing the right tools for the sake of a humane kill. No needless suffering. Oh, and I've heard that the 30 Carb was very underpowered and unliked for that reason, but carried and used because it was compact and light. Was more a paratrooper/vehicle rifle where the overall length was an issue.
A voice of reason in the wilderness! I was just trying to flush out someone with some real time over the gun shooting deer. I think I am going to take my little Carbine to the range and then to my "punchbowl" and wait on some whitetail with my "hunting" load .30 Carbines. If I don't shoot one, not a good day wasted, my little punchbowl overlooks a nice stream and is always cool and shaded. I think falling asleep is the biggest threat to my deer harvesting!
rodwhaincamo
New member
The big difference between the 357 and 30 is the bullet design. I just checked both Federal and Winchester, and your info is incorrect about the 30 Carb being more powerful. @ 100 yds the Fed 30 Car 110 grn has 597 ft/lbs, Win 357 158 grn has 715, and Fed 180 grn has 657. The 30 cal being as light weight with a small sectional density coupled with a bullet design not intended for madium game spells animal suffering if everything doesn't work out perfectly. That's why I said a heart/lung shot under 25 yds may work. Now a head or neck shot will definately work. People do it with 22s.
rodwhaincamo
New member
Don't get me wrong, I'm not bashing you. If it was all I had I'd take it and go for neck shots, which I'm fond of. They drop right there. If given the choice I'd rather get a caliber more suited for medium game so that I wasn't hindered by the range or shot placement (head/neck). So if that's all you have access to then use it.
I certainly have had special feelings about certain guns, that's for sure, and still do. My pre '64 Model 70 in .264 Mag is one like that, it feels like a lightning bolt. Another is a Marlin 336 I got for home defense--I almost can't put it down it feels so good. Maybe give that one a try, bigjack.