30-30 or 7-30 Waters?

[wallacem]

Guys, I have both of these calibers in Contender Carbine, and enjoy both, but in looking at stats, I really don't see a real difference in them. The only thing I see is that the 7mm bullet might travel better for long distance which I don't do. I shoot 120-150 gr bullets in both and max 100 yards. If there is a real difference I am missing please tell me. Am thinking about selling the 7-30 barrel just to reduce unneeded things. Wallacem in Ga

[Electrod47]

Something that comes to mind. Why did you buy it in the first place? If that reason is no longer relevant, then do what you feel is right.

[Mk42gunner]

I've had, used and seen used a variety of .30-30's over the years. I have never been around a 7-30 Waters, but have read about it. I would like to play with one some time; but in the real world at 100 yards or less I don't think you will see any difference.

Maybe a slight edge to the .30-30, because of diameter.

Where I think the 7-30 Waters would be better is at the extreme range of the rounds-- like slightly over 200 yards. In a single shot, you aren't limited by the near unobtinium of jacketed FN projectiles like the lever action guys are.

Robert

[JM7.7x58]

I shot my bear this year with a 7mm-08 jacketed bullet. The range was 185 yards. Rifle was zeroed at 200 yards. This is the type of scenario where the 7-30 Waters excels over the 30-30. Flat shooting with higher energy retention at longer ranges. Slightly less velocity than the 7mm-08 but still very capable out to 300 yards on deer sized game with good quality 120 grain jacketed bullets.

With cast bullets at ranges under 100 yards the 30-30 is perfectly capable.

I think that you should sell the 7-30 Waters barrel. There is someone out there hunting in areas that offer much longer shot opportunities and would be able to better utilize this barrel in 7-30.

[Bigslug]

A lot of mental masturbation goes on in this hobby when it comes to the issues of Cartridge A vs Cartridge B, when there are so many that are so close to being exactly the same thing.

When I look at all the military cartridges conceived from about 1890 to 1950, and consider them in either their intended role or for sporting purposes, I think "We could have just standardized the entire world on a hot M98-rated 7x57 and saved everyone a lot of trouble".

Anymore, I'm a lot more interested in ease of finding or loading than an inch less drop. .30-30 gets my vote.

[nagantguy]

I can’t honestly answer the question; I also own both- 30-30 in contender and win 94 and 7-30 in contender and love them both. The 7-30 may have a slight advantage in range over 250 yards . I do know that with the Lee soup can 130 boolit over 10 grains unique is a dynamite woodchuck /raccoon/coyote round around the barns and equipment.
Longed for years and years for a 7-30 , now that I have it I’m pleased with it but not enough to get rid of 30-30.

[MT Gianni]

Will you ever travel to hunt? The 120 gr in the 7-30 @nearly 2800 fps is a great antelope cartridge. If I were ever down to one rifle carbine in the contender I would keep the 7-30. Where I live, 100 yards is pistol range.