I've been wanting to try handgun hunting for awhile, but just now started seriously getting into it. I wanted a TC Contender in a 30-30 but found a great deal on a Contender with a 12" 35 REM barrel. I can't decide if I should keep the 35 REM or trade for a 30-30. I will mainly be hunting whitetails so I figured the 30-30 would be plenty and easy to handle. I don't really know the effective range of either cartridge out of a handgun, so if someone would provide some info and their experience with either cartridge, that would be great.

The effective range of each is about the same as the other, about 150 yards or so from a handgun, maybe 200 on a good day. The 35 is a hammer on deer, but I would want it in a longer barrel than 12" to get the most out of it. If that barrel also has a muzzle brake it will steal even more speed from it. Do you load your own ammo?

Welcome to the madness.

As s4 stated,the effective range is basicaly identical but that 35 Rem is a real thumper on whitetails...IF I had to choose ONE it would absolutely be the 35.I too would prefer a 14" tube,but the 12 would work....
Jim

Howdy and Welcome Aboard!!

I like the bigger calibers, but that is just me... LOL

Do you handload? I guess that isn't a big deal considering the availability of both choices.

Duane

I vote for the 35 rem. I was debating between the 30-30 and 35 when I bought my 30-30. The first deer I shot I regretted it. I was not happy with the results. After a few more deer I over compensated and bought a 45-70 and a 375JDJ. In the defence of the 30-30 I was shooting all factory ammo. I have now started reloading and believe I will have better results with better bullets.
One bit of advice is run while you can. Once you kill that first big game animal with a handgun you will be addicted. You will be reloading and buying barrels you don't need in no time. LOL good luck and welcome aboard.
I wonder if Midway has a 35 remington in stock?? See what I mean.

The 35 rem is a great cartridge. I used it 30 years ago on my first 2 caribou, dropped them quick, took a black bear, and a few hogs with it too. its a good start, if you stick with it, you will move up to something bigger.

Get the 35 rem. I had one and it worked great on deer with the old sierra 200rn, but I later sent the barrel to SSK Ind. and had it rechambered to the 358JDJ and never looked back. I used the sierra gameking 225btsp.

Redhaven

I picked up a Contender last fall. It had a 35 rem and a 223 barrel. I liked the 35 rem, but traded it for a 7-30 Waters. It is much flater shooting and is more accurate. I would like to try the 30-30 or a 30-30AI.

Mark

Thanks for all the input from everyone. I do reload, so buying ammo is not an issue. The barrel does have a break on it, but I make end up taking that off so it isn't so loud in a hunting situation. I think I will go ahead and pick up some dies and brass and see how she does. Any recommendations on what bullets to use? I saw Hornady makes some 180gr Single Shot Pistol bullets, not sure if that's a good place to start or not.

I have already started looking for a .223 or .221 Fire Ball barrel as well for varmints and practice. I also have visions of getting a 22LR for squirrel hunting someday. My wife is just thrilled with my new hobby.

That 35 will get it done even with a 12" even though 14" is better. Try some of the leverevolution ammo in it. Pretty good stuff to come out of a factory. reflex264

got both, shot steel rams at 200 meters for years with a 30-30, but law wouldn't allow me to hunt deer, so my wife gave me a 35rem barrel for christmas, been using that for 22 years to fill the freezer, if I could only have one, it would be a toss up.

Too bad it has a brake, which effectively makes it a 10-1/2"er. Still will pack a punch, but I agree a 14"er would get more out of it.

Just get both, you have our blessing.

Mrs. Deene Former, Ed’s wife, has hunted all over the 48 and Africa with her 35 Rem 14in Hunter. FWIW…

As for bullets, the 180 SSP rocks!! I also really like the 190gr Ranch Dog, but I also like casting! LOL

Would you guys recommend cutting the muzzle brake off or leaving it on my 35 REM? It makes it nice to shoot, but it is really loud. I have some electric ear muffs for hunting, but if I forget to put them on its not going to be good.

It's gonna be pretty loud anyway, but if it is a T/C barrel the brake should screw off and you can try it out. You will need a torch to soften the adhesive.

Thank you for that info. If its not going to be too much quieter I may just leave it.