Hi all; I used the search function on the forums for anything 30-30 Win.-related and came up short. I just picked up another factory Contender "Super 14" barrel, this one in 30-30 Win. Plan is to shoot as-is or have it reamed to AI chamber, for smallish (120-180 lb.) NY whitetail out to 150 yds. Great price and condition; I couldn't pass it up.

Does anyone know of good factory ammo for this other than the LeverEvolution? I don't handload yet so I'm stuck with whatever I can find---and I realize that most factory rifle loads will feature a flat or round nose bullet, and most "buddies'" handloads should be highly scrutinized. Opinions appreciated.

i cant comment as to the effectiveness of leverevolution in a pistol barrel, but out of my 30-30 rifle i have to say that it is most likely the best 30-30 ammo ever made. i cant imagine it not being good in a short barrel as well. good luck and share the pictures!

When you start reloading, the 125 Ballistic tip seems to have a good following with that round in a contender, especially if you punch it out to an AI chamber. I think just about anything out there would work for what you want factory wise. The 30-30 has been working for a long time so I imagine you should be good to go

OR....if you start reloading, you could always have it punched to 309 JDJ and have a wonderful deer gun. I have been more impressed with my 309 than just about anything else ever on the Contender platform. Hits like a hammer and is Amazingly accurate. You have to form the cases of course but once done, its just like anything else you have ever loaded for at that point.

Pretty much any factory ammo will work as the 30-30 isn't exactly a sizzler in a rifle anyway, but I would stick to 150 grain or less bullets with a soft point. When reloading the 125 Nosler BT is an excellent bullet for a single shot. Reaming a 30-30 to the AI is something you can DIY fairly easily.

s4s4u, the idea of an easy DIY re-chamber to the AI and the ability to fire-form standard 30/30 cases into AI was one of the main reasons behind the purchase.

I think it's finally time to dump all of the dust-gathering guns and ammo to raise some money for reloading equipment.

LABRAT, how do I go about sharing photos here?

It's not all that expensive. For around $200 you can be set up with about everything you need + powder, bullets, primers.

Understood. Honestly, the primary reason to liquidate some assets is to create some space in which to work. I suspect that when I start down the handloading road on one cartridge, then everything else will follow shortly thereafter.

Going with the .309 JDJ is exactly what I did early on in my
handgun hunting career and was never disappointed. I killed
antelope and mule deer with it and never looked back for any more power.

And I would not hesitate to hammer an elk with it using the correct bullet.

One of my elk hunters killed this beautiful bull with his .309.

GlennS is right on.



If push came to shove I would compare the .309 JDJ with the .308 rather than the 30-30 Improved.

I load 150 grain ballistic tips for mine. Again we are back to reloading though. If it helps I think reloading and hunting or shooting your own ammunition adds to the experience. Its seems more satisfying shooting small groups or harvesting and animal with ammo you loaded yourself.

I know the feeling, catching fish on my own lures, so I can appreciate that!