This year for rifle season I'm going back to the 30.30. I have 2 problems; one is the right shoulder but it seems to be taking the abuse a bit better this year and the other is my lower back which we've battled over 30 years now. So some time ago when I got the rifle out (.308) it took 2 shots but should have taken only one. I feared the shoulder because last year I couldn't take it but the shoulder wasn't bad. However, we almost had to break out the crutches. My back felt almost like it did way back with the injury. So, the 30.30 is doing just fine and I've killed several bucks with it so am not afraid of going back to it. Actually, it is quite nice. I like the shortness of it. But, what to do? Do I sell the .308 or keep it another year or two in the hopes I can get the body to accept it? Tough decision here. btw, our rifle season begins on the 15th.
there are reduced recoil shells from remington (125gr ) and hornady that should help and if you know a person who handloads the choices are endless
Sell it if you won't ever use it, if you think you'd like to try again down the road, keep it. No harm in hanging on to it. The 30-30 is no slouch, that round has taken a great deal of game on this continent over the years. Good luck
How far away is your typical shot? If it is around 100 yards or so that 30-30 is a great deer gun and I would just hunt with it! The .308 is a lot of firepower for a deer and probably a bit of over kill (which there is nothing wrong with at all!) so if it is hurting you to shoot it and it's not a family heirloom rifle I would sell it. Have you considered something like a .243?
From my father: "You never sell a gun." "You can never have enough guns." Will be driving past you on Thursday on the way up to the hunting cabin in the U.P
I'm in the don't sell group. I never sell guns. In a pinch, I sold one to a friend for cash I needed instantly with the stipulation I could buy it back for a little interest money. I bought it back the next week. A competent hand loader can get you some much lighter loads for that .308. Trade some wood for handloads (from a trusted source), and you don't even have to spend cash! Also, as stated above, there are now companies selling reduced recoil factory loaded ammo...its pricey though. If its not a family heirloom and/or you don't want to pass it on to another family member, then the decision is yours. Cash never hurts.
There's nothing wrong with 30-30 for dear. Honestly it's probably about the best sized rifle cartridge for them! We haven't been allowed to use rifles in Ohio for deer, but this year they're allowing us to used straight walled pistol cartridges in rifles. My plan for next year is to get a lever action .357 mag, and have no reservations using it, which will still have less power than a 30-30. And I'm not opposed to selling guns, as long as you either trade for another gun or use the funds within a week for another gun. I had a H&K USP .45 that I could never shoot accurately with, and sold it to a buddy. I then used the money immediately for a 1911 that I can drive tacks with. I also traded a 20 ga Remington 870 for a 20 ga Mossberg 500 once. I'm left handed and the top safety of the 500 made rabbit hunting worlds easier for me.
Oddly enough, I just shoot a shotgun left handed. Bows, rifles, and handguns I shoot with my right hand. I found out when I was 18 or so that I'm right eye dominant. I was able to retrain myself with the other's and shoot better right handed, but I'm still a better shot left handed with a shotgun.
Ever think of a muzzle brake. ? Reduces the recoil a lot. Makes it a bit louder, but much less recoil . Check with your smithy
Dennis, what make/model .308 do you have? Some factory stock profiles are more punishing than others. I've always considered the .308 to be a "kicker" rather than a "pusher". Stock with a straight comb, good recoil pad, and a muzzle brake might change the whole feel of the gun, for the better. If it helps, I've built/installed hundreds of custom muzzle brakes over the years.
Yes, most of our shots will be 125 yards or less but if by a field, then it can be a long shot and that is one reason I got the .308. That and the want to hunt some bigger game. Funny you mention the .243 as that was my wife's father's rifle. I bought it from her mother after Dad passed away and shot many deer with it. But I also knew very well how much it would mean to my son to have Grandpa's rifle so guess where that .243 is today!
Good luck Coach. A friend of ours was to leave last night. Instead they are going tonight to Crystall Falls. So far they have a foot of snow on the ground and I see their forecast is for 7 degrees on opening morning.
Yes I have Dave. I almost put one on when I bought the rifle. I very well may be getting one next summer when I start shooting it again. One can always cover the ears.
It is a Savage Axis with a synthetic stock. The drop on the stock is not bad but it does pack a whallop.
Hornady makes leverolution ammo for quite a few lever actions, never shot it in my 30/30 but have in my .444 and .450 marlin. Pretty decent stuff and extends downrange energy.
