I have a Ruger in a 30 carbine and was wondering if anyone has used it for hunting. While the little carbine is small I'd think the 110 grain would be OK for small game and maybe small deer?

I don't know anyone who hunts with the 30 carbine. But I use to shoot with a guy that shot that exact gun for siloette pistol. Very accurate and fun to shoot gun.

The 30 Carbine is about the ballistic equivalent of the Ruger 327 Mag. Many consider the 357 Mag borderline for deer. With a good bullet and a well placed shot within a reasonable distance I'd be comfortable with the 327. The 30 Carbine with a good bullet should do as well, but I think you would need to handload to get the most out of it.

Rick,

I have several 30 M1 carbine handguns. Think of it as a modern 32-20 WCF and similar to the 327 Fed Mag (as previously stated). Approximately the same velocities, perhaps a little higher because it can be run at higher pressures in the Ruger. It is a dandy gun for varmints and smaller predators and game. Deer round???? depends on shooter's skill, bullet, distance, and most especially shot placement. That being said it is literally a "blast" to shoot! Wear good eye and ear protection. Need to get "Z" to photograph the fireball at night from one of these.

Welcome HHM.

Doc

my dad hunted deer with a M1 carbine in the 60's and i watched him take a few with it. not a handgun. he switched to a 44 ruger carbine as soon a $ allowed. i know the 30 carbine round will take deer but it wouldnt the 1st one i would want to use.

so if you look at the terminal ballistics, it is on the same page as a 30 Herrett shooting a 110 grain bullet. The Herrett is decent on Whitetail if you hit em right....that being said, I use 125 Nosler Ballistic tips in my Herrett for deer. Keep it under 100 and you'll be okay, but home up on your tracking skills just in case.

It's not a thumper by any means.

I agree it is very marginal for deer unless 50 yards or less and I'm not sure I have the skill. I will need to see about a scope to put on it because I'm realizing the eyesight isn't what it was @ one time.

A lot of us in the same boat. Have you considered a red dot? I prefer them over scopes on my short shortguns.

I do like the red dot, have it on my Glock but is pretty much useless outside in bright light. I'll be exploring options over the next few months.