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nighthunter
12-02-2008, 06:32 PM
I was in on the group buy for the 312-150 GC bullet about a year and a half ago. I had since then come into a Marlin 336 in 30-30 at a really good price. I worked up a load with this bullet sized at .3095 with 20 grains of IMR 4198 powder. This load shoots 10 shots into a 1 inch group at 50 yards and about 3 inches at 100 yards. I figure this load gives a little under 1800 FPS. I wanted to try it on deer but was worried that it would be under powered. At least compared to my faithful 45-70 with the Lyman 457122 that has never failed me.
Yesterday was opening day in PA for deer. I was going to use the 45-70 because it would do what I wanted. At the last moment I grabbed the 30-30 and headed to the woods. Around 8:00 AM a nice little 6 point showed up about 70 yards from me. I had a nice aim at its neck and squeezed the trigger. Surprisingly the deer dropped in its tracks. Got out the knife and then the work began. A 450 yard drag to the truck. Thankfully this is the first year in a long time that we had snow for the first day of deer season and it made the drag a lot easier for an old guy like me.
I still have a doe tag and will try to fill it tomorrow with the same rifle.
This bullet and rifle performed beyond my expectations. Why did I ever doubt cast bullets?

Nighthunter

JeffinNZ
12-02-2008, 07:22 PM
Good work.

I recall once reading a post where a shooter asked if cast lead bullets were any use for hunting. Seems they never heard about 1) the poineers and 2) the virtual elimination of the buffalo herd.

Bigjohn
12-02-2008, 09:51 PM
Nor the Big Game Hunters in Africa prior to the evolution of jacketed bullets.

John

6pt-sika
12-02-2008, 11:06 PM
Congrats on the 6'er !

I was also in on that 312-150GC group buy and have had a old Marlin 336 in 30-30 set up with that bullet for two seasons now ! But have yet to fire it at a deer !

Also have another Marlin 30-30 setup with the Ranch Dog 311-165GC and again haven't shot at a deer with it either !

I have however killed deer with my Marlin 336Cb 30-30 shooting the Lyman 311041 and the Lee 309-170GC .