Killing power comparison

[Z_Infidel]

I have been thinking abou the rifles I own and wondering if I have either a gap to fill or too much overlap between cartridges. So, I'd like to start a discussion of how a few cartridges compare in killing power mostly within iron sight range. I understand the real advantages of optical sights and how velocity increases range and improves trajectory, but for this discussion I want the comparison to assume an average range of 150 yards or less.

I like shooting the .30-30 and have two rifles chambered for it. One is a shortened 336C with ghost rings sights that I think is ideal for either close shots on game with conventional 150-170 gr bullets or possibly a home defense carbine with 125 gr hollow points. The other is a 336XLR that I shoot with 160 gr LeverEvolution ammo.

I also own a nice CZ550FS bolt gun in .30-06. I don't consider it a long-range precision gun but it obviously hits pretty hard at 150 yards.

I'm wondering whether I would be better served by replacing the 336XLR with either a 308MX shooting the LeverEvolution 160 gr .308 ammo or a 444.

So my question boils down to: at 150 yards what is the real difference in killing power between a .30-30 (assume LeverEvolution bullets), the 308Marlin, and the 444? On medium-sized game will there even be any appreciable difference? What about on larger, thicker skinned game? Does the additional velocity of the 308 offer more practical killing power than the .30-30 at 150 yards or is it wasted? Now bring the 444 into the discussion: larger bullet but slower than the 308 for sure. And now the big question, which of the three would make the best overall rifle cartridge for hunting within the specified range?

I know a lot of you forum members have much more knowledge and experience in these matters than I, and I'm looking forward to hearing your opinions on these questions. Thanks!

As an afterthought, let's leave the .30-06 out of this discussion. It's a great rifle but I'd rather limit this to lever gun cartridges.

 

[EHCRain10]

in your boat id say that the 30-06 is enough gun
if you really want a new gun id say look at the 45-70Govt, its an old round but is very popular and more than enough gun for anything in north america with the right bullets and shot placement

 

[TexasRifleman]

if you really want a new gun id say look at the 45-70Govt, its an old round but is very popular and more than enough gun for anything in north america with the right bullets and shot placement

I've always said, if you can't kill it with a .45-70 you should just consider running....

 

[3 gun]

Another vote to look at a 45-70. On the low end with Trapdoor safe factory ammo it's a fine deer rifle. With a modern gun and loads it will drop any land animal on the Earth. From mild to wild the 45-70 has you covered.

 

[Cosmoline]

A .444 hardcast is going to massively out-penetrate a .30-30 HP even at 150 yards. But it will be hitting slower which means a smaller temp. cavity. Basically if you're shooting big hogs or black bear at that range a .444 would arguably be a better choice. Otherwise there's not going to be all that much difference. One will give a bigger mushroom and TC, the other will penetrate deeper.