Decision to make 30/30 vs 20 ga slug

[Doc7]

Whether it is the Indian or the Arrow here are the last couple groups I got with each gun at 100 yards sighting in about 2" high at that range.


The 30/30 is a 3-9x scoped Marlin 336 shooting 170 grain Federal "power shok Deer Thugs" ammo, the only ammo that grouped under 3" in this borrowed rifle of the 6 I tried including 150 and 170 Core Lokts and other major brands. I cannot find reviews of terminal performance on deer of this round.



The 20 ga is shooting a Remington Accutip slug. I was very impressed with the accuracy of this sabot round.


A coworker is taking me on my first deer hunt. It will be on club property in a stand bordering a swampy area in Eastern VA. Longest shot possible will be under 100 yards. He will also be giving me a 12ga with buckshot rounds loaded in it in case dogs are running deer and I hear some coming.

Which do you think I should take?

 

[ldlfh7]

It doesn't really matter which you choose for under 100 yards.
Both will take a deer no problem.
Take what feels best in your hands.
As far as terminal performance for 30-30, you have nothing to worry about regardless of the ammo you choose.

 

[MCgunner]

I've seen a pre-64 Winchester .30-30 group MOA. Now, that groups might be "good 'nuf", but I wouldn't be real happy with it. I'm kinda anal about accuracy, though. But, i've shot deer with guns (SKS/Rossi 92) of similar accuracy. In the woods, in reality, either of your groups is good 'nuf.

For deer hunting, I'll always default to a rifle over a shotgun. I don't know why, just principle of the thing, I guess.

 

[witchhunter]

You could never go wrong with a 30/30.

 

[627PCFan]

Inside 100 performance is the same. Id opt for less thump on my shoulder but thats just me.

 

[Doc7]

I've seen a pre-64 Winchester .30-30 group MOA. Now, that groups might be "good 'nuf", but I wouldn't be real happy with it. I'm kinda anal about accuracy, though. But, i've shot deer with guns (SKS/Rossi 92) of similar accuracy. In the woods, in reality, either of your groups is good 'nuf.

For deer hunting, I'll always default to a rifle over a shotgun. I don't know why, just principle of the thing, I guess.

I agree and if it was my rifle I would be displeased or hand loading for accuracy. It is a loaner from a friend and I spent 90 bucks in 5 different Ammos and picked the best grouping one I got.

This is the first centerfire rifle I ever shot so I'm sure it is partly my fault at least!

I had it group 1.75" the week before so I know it can ....

 

[brainwake]

Since your 30-30 is scoped...I would opt for that. Heck, I suppose I would opt for the 30-30 either way. But in the end...it is just up to you and what you are comfortable with.

 

[MCgunner]

Inside 100 performance is the same. Id opt for less thump on my shoulder but thats just me.

I don't find 20 gauge slugs anywhere NEAR the thump that 12s have on me. Recoil would be a non-issue for me, but usually is a non-issue regardless. Now, for bird hunting, repeated shots, I can get picky about recoil, but deer hunting is a one shot deal and i don't flinch. Trigger control is the key. Which brings up another possible reason for choosing the rifle. Shotguns usually don't have near the decent trigger that rifles have. I might just make my choice on THAT. I do prefer the best possible trigger for precision shooting. And, yes, with my eyes, I'd go with the optics.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Longest shot possible will be under 100 yards.

As far as performance, either is plenty powerful enough for deer at that range. No worries there.

Pick the one you shoot the best. Since the .30-30 is scoped it will probably be that one.

Good luck on your hunt.

 

[Doc7]

I have a 4x scope on the 20 as well

 

[courtgreene]

You have fantastic coworkers. Keep your job (assuming you're not in some sort of illegal profession, in which case quit your job but stay friends with your coworkers). Do you know how hard it is to be invited onto good hunting grounds these days?

 

[Armored farmer]

Personally, it would be a no-brainer for me. I'd pick the rifle every time.

 

[Doc7]

You have fantastic coworkers. Keep your job (assuming you're not in some sort of illegal profession, in which case quit your job but stay friends with your coworkers). Do you know how hard it is to be invited onto good hunting grounds these days?

Unbelievably, I moved to virginia from Nj 5 months ago (i only hunted squirrels previously) and currently have the 30-30 on loan from one coworker and three others have invited me to hunt their club grounds, one of which is for this Nov 22nd hunt. It happens to be an Either-Sex day as well so I will probably take the first safe good shot I get, if I get one.

I am overwhelmed by the hospitality of my new acquaintances.

 

[jmr40]

Not much to think about to me. I'd only use a shotgun if I had nothing else, or if mandated by law.

 

[3212]

I vote 30-30.Never used a shotgun for deer.I killed 16 deer with a scoped Marlin 336 30-30 using 170 grain core-lokts in the 1970's and 80's.

 

[d2wing]

I have used both, 30-30 for,sure. Lighter, shorter, more accurate and more deadly usually.

 

[MCgunner]

Another consideration, but most pump shotguns rattle a bit. Deer hunters don't like that. Don't make a nit in a duck blind where shotguns are SUPPOSED to be used. God gave us rifles for deer hunting. In places ruled by Satan, shotguns are mandatory.

 

[Doc7]

Ok folks I will take the 336!

I did think about that rattle in the 500 quite a bit MCgunner.

My eye just looks at the size of the hole each makes on paper and starts wondering about that accutip slug.

 

[MCgunner]

Well, I wouldn't worry about the .30-30's power. 'Tis a rather legendary round and gun in the woods.

 

[jmorris]

+1 for the one you shoot best.

The 30-30 should at least be as good as the 300 blackout....

 

[Bobson]

Let us know how it goes, Doc. Excellent choice with the 30-30; that's what I was going to suggest.

Mostly because I've always wanted a lever rifle in 30-30, but so far, I still haven't ever had the chance to shoot one

 

[ldlfh7]

I took a nice deer this last weekend with the 30-30 iron sights.
Complete pass through at 75 yards.
You will be fine with the 336.

 

[cammogunner]

great choice with the 30-30 good luck get a big'in.

 

[Zeke/PA]

I picked up a used Marlin 336 in .30-30 a few years back when my grandson started hunting.
With a 4X Weaver glass and reloads, the rifle is exceptionally accurate and he took four deer with it.
He raided my gun safe though and now shoots a Savage Edge in .30-'06.
With 170 grain bullets the Marlin is a very good choice

 

[Doc7]

I hunted with the 30/30 - I saw 4 does running rather quickly through a tiny gap in the brush but had no shot on them. I had an enjoyable time in the woods and can't wait to go again!