Just for argument sake, which do you feel makes a more effective deer cartridge under a 100 yards... a 30-30 or a .357 magnum in a rifle?

No doubt about it, the 30-30. Not even a close race. It is still one of the best in close deer rifles in the woods. Good shooting.

I go with the 30-30. I was my first rifle and I used for 20+ years. I know how effective it is.
Fuzz

30-30, even though not the first choice for hunting anything, it is WAAAAYYYYYY in front of the .357.

What about something a little smaller and faster (but not too fast...), like a 250 Savage or 257 Roberts? Better, worse, or just different than a 30-30 in the woods?

.30-30

Provided both penetration and projectile upset (expansion) are adequate, terminal energy is still the best measure of the abilty to do work (tramatize tissue) so as to cause a fatal wound to an animal.

Inside 100 yards, there is very little difference in the terminal energy of a .30-30 and one of the medium .25's. Typically, the smaller, faster round would give a quicker kill and the larger, slower round would be more dependable if the game presented itself at a disadvantageous angle.

I'd prefer the .25, because it's generally easier to hit with. Neither the .25 nor the .30-30 will be better than the other in "bucking" brush to give you a hit when deflecting vegetation is in the way.

30-30 is a way more effective deer rifle, especially if you may get a shot past 100 yards. Keep in mind I've only shot one deer with a 30-30 (30 yards), and I've never even seen a rifle in 357 Mag!

Give me a Savage M99 in 250-3000 with 100 gr. Partitions over a 30-30 anyday, or a 257 Rob. in a M700 w/ 120 gr. Partitions.

[ 05-03-2003, 01:12: Message edited by: todbartell ]

Good comments... I was curious because I shot a little marlin and just wanted to see how it might have stacked up. I have shot 3 deer 3 hogs and 1 mt lion with the 30-30, but none with a 357 rifle. Just wanted to ask if any had personal experiance with it.
I own a 2 250 savages and I can tell you with out a doubt it *kills* faster then a 30-30.

30-30

no dought 30-30