Cowboy Silouette (Rifle)

[Greg S]

Been doing alittle reading as it is the only comeptitive game close by. I don't have alot of free time but enough o probably get out one a month for alittle socializing.

I've got plenty of pistol caliber rifles and was venturing down the road towards a winnie 94 with a 24-26 tube and a tang sight in 30-30 but have done some reading and it appears they are not always reliable on the 200 yd line. Is a 30-30 sufficient or should I step up to a 38-55 for more mass?

What say you. I always wanted a 375 Win, and hopefully SL will start making brass again or is it better to stick with the 38-55 for the game.

[Baja_Traveler]

Occasionally you will loose a hard set ram hit dead center or low with a 30-30. If you are at a range that gets a lot of silhouette use, the rams may even become bent and form a curve further exacerbating the hard set. We had a few rams at Pala that even a 45-70 would occasionally ring. I still break out my Buffalo Bill 30-30 every now and then for old-times sake, but my go-to rifle is a Legendary Frontiersman 38-55. Love that rifle.
Jumping from a 170 grain bullet to a 255 grainer makes a lot of difference on the ram line.

[Wind]

Hey there Greg -- Generally 30-30's and 38-55's will do just fine! I can ring a ram with a 405 grain 45-70!! You might consider what you have available for ammunition as well. Matches run from 40 to 60 rounds and there are usually several practice rounds before the main match starts. Reloading and casting helps. The key is still hitting the targets. I've spotted for a 30-30 shooting a 39/40 critter score. Getting into the game will get it sorted out with whatever rifle you choose. Just a caution... It's addictive! Hope this helps in a general sort of way. Best regards. Wind

[ReloaderFred]

I know where there's a .30-30 Canadian Centennial Winchester 94 with 26" barrel for sale. I think he's got $375.00 listed on it. If interested, PM me and I'll put you in contact with the dealer.

Hope this helps.

Fred

[KCSO]

My buddy does this and is usually in the top 10 and shoots a 30-30 with cast loads. He tried a 38-55 but went back to the slightly flatter shooting 30-30.

[W.R.Buchanan]

I shoot this and I see lots of .30-30's on the line. I don't know about them not knocking over the targets cuz everytime I've seen one hit it falls.

Now there are plenty of targets that don't get knocked down, but that's because they got missed not because of lack of power.

I have had several that didn't fall because I knocked the butt end off the rail, but we still count them as hits.

I mostly shoot my .44 1894CB or 1895CB/45-70, But the best score I have shot 32/40 was done with my Enfield #4Mk1 with 314299's and 16 gr of 2400. That's close to a .30-30.

Randy

[rintinglen]

Depends entirely on the distance and the rams. I shot at Pala and also at 5 dogs and the West end gun club. The Rams at West End got rung all the time with 30-30S. They were 247 yards off. The other two clubs had 200 yard lines that were pretty close to 200 yards and were much more forgiving. I went to a 45-70, but as I have gotten older I can't take the pounding as well.

[doc1876]

Go out and try to find ammo for either a 38-55, or a 375. I talked to Winchester factory ( just down the road) and they said they have no idea IF they are going to make them again.

[ReloaderFred]

I'm glad I bought a full case of .375 Winchester brass when Midway had it in stock. It's become hard to find, and will probably continue to be scarce.

Fred

[John Boy]

I shoot 2 bullets in a 30-30 M94 for Rifle Caliber Lever Action matches from 200 to 500 meters:
* Ideal 311413 GC, (Plenty for sale on eBay) spire point not magazine loaded
* Ideal 311291 GC, (Lyman has the mold) RN magazine loaded
Both loaded with 28gr of 3031
Both bullets are accurate to 500 meters!
http://www.three-peaks.net/images/311413_169g.gif 311413 - GC, 169gr http://www.three-peaks.net/images/311291_170g.gif 311291, GC, 170

[samari46]

That sounds like a great deal on the Canadian Centennial with the 26 octagon barrel. I paid $600 for mine new in the box. Don't forget standard 30-30 fired in a 26" barrel benefits from the longer barrel by giving you extra velocity. Frank