30-30 is a fine "all around" rifle choice, esp. when stoked with 170 grain bullets. I would not recommend "longe range " hunting past 250 yds with it since the caliber loses velocity quickly past 200 yards.
Having said all that the 30-30 has killed more game in north america than any other cartridge, with the 30-06 following a close second. EITHER caliber would be enough for a black bear in the lower 48 with the right loads. However, when it comes to Grizzly bears and BIG Brownies a much bigger rifle makes sense.
The best all around rifle for the lower 48 is a 30-06, there is no game you can't kill with it from (55 grain accelorator) varmints to (220 grain round nose) moose.
If you are set on a 30-30 lever gun get a marlin (easier to scope) and stoke it with 170 grain bullets. Sight it in to shoot 2.5 inches high at 100 yards and you will have a dead zero at 200 yards. I recommend a variable scope with a 40mm objective for this rifle if you scope it, if NOT paint the front sight bright orange, it will help you work on "point shooting"
The "camp carbine" is a "plinker" designed for defense and varmint control.. not as a main hunting arm, it is DEFINITELY not enough gun for bear, and is questionable for whitetail deer.
Use enough gun for the job, and practice like crazy.
Dr.Rob
Having said all that the 30-30 has killed more game in north america than any other cartridge, with the 30-06 following a close second. EITHER caliber would be enough for a black bear in the lower 48 with the right loads. However, when it comes to Grizzly bears and BIG Brownies a much bigger rifle makes sense.
The best all around rifle for the lower 48 is a 30-06, there is no game you can't kill with it from (55 grain accelorator) varmints to (220 grain round nose) moose.
If you are set on a 30-30 lever gun get a marlin (easier to scope) and stoke it with 170 grain bullets. Sight it in to shoot 2.5 inches high at 100 yards and you will have a dead zero at 200 yards. I recommend a variable scope with a 40mm objective for this rifle if you scope it, if NOT paint the front sight bright orange, it will help you work on "point shooting"
The "camp carbine" is a "plinker" designed for defense and varmint control.. not as a main hunting arm, it is DEFINITELY not enough gun for bear, and is questionable for whitetail deer.
Use enough gun for the job, and practice like crazy.
Dr.Rob