30.30 vs 243

[Old Goat]

Does the 30.30 have more knockdown power at close range than the .243?

[Armus]

My info might be a bit dated, but I didn't notice much difference in lethality* at short and long range between rifles, only in penetration (10 to 300 m range). When I compared them, using the rounds that penetrated the most in each, the .243 was a little quicker to kill, if the damage done was similar, while the .30-30 tended to penetrate more. Anyway, it's just a view from hunting normally, I didn't do proper tests.

*Edit: Here I meant the change in lethality at various distances, not that all rifles/calibres are equally lethal.

[NuCkEnFuTs]

Yes it does.

[yogisgoat]

In close the 30-30 definitely hits harder but at range (150m+) I'd go with the 243. The 30-30 exhibits more bullet drop and the scope is lame.

[AintJaMama (Joe/BrotherBoaz)]

I usually don’t go farther than 150 out so the 30-30 is great. Hits harder on the larger species, Blacktail/whitetail/black bear. It will be interesting to see where it falls with the new update and spine/lung shot changes. I hope it’s still viable as I don’t like carrying 4 rifles and it would be nice not to always rely on the bow/crossbow.

[NuCkEnFuTs]

Yea i'd definitely practice at the range to learn to weapons bullet drop @ range.

[Old Goat]

Many thanks for the advice and for sharing your experiences with both weapons.

[NuCkEnFuTs]

BTW I use a 30-30 w/ a 22in barrel in RL for Blacktail excellent bush gun.

[Old Goat]

It was my fathers favorite calibre and he preferred a lever action. Never asked him why.

[NuCkEnFuTs]

I Love mine.