150gr. or 170gr 30-30

[Mariosjsk8]

So, as some of you know I got my first hunting rifle. I like my 30-30 and it's an awesome gun to shoot. Now I was getting it zeroed in with 150 gr. bullets but was wondering If i should use the 170 gr for pigs. Any info or opinions. What is the main difference?

 

[Speckmisser]

Hi Mario,

So the rifle's shooting good for you? Did you scope it?

Here's my opinion, and be ready for a deluge....

First, try the 170 grain bullets and see how they shoot from your rifle. There are benefits to the heavier bullet, but only if it's accurate. I'm not sure I can give a real good explanation, but the heavier bullet generally offers a higher ballistic coefficient (it's a weight to diameter to length thing), which translates into more energy and penetration... both good things when you shoot something like a pig.

One of the "ballisticians" on the list can give you a better explanation. I'm not sure I did it justice.

The trade-offs are that the bigger bullet starts out slower, and loses speed faster than the lighter bullet does, which will impact range and trajectory. However, with a short-range round like the 30-30, the slight loss of speed and range shouldn't be a big deal.

If the 150 shoots significantly better, though, stick with it. I'd trade accuracy for a few foot pounds of energy any day.

 

[Rick]

Actually, I believe that the heavier bullet loses speed slower - more weight = more inertia. So while it starts out slower, the difference becomes less as the distance increases. In other words, the heavier bullet may start out 200 FPS slower, but at 200 yards it is only 100 FPS slower. (Not exact figures - for illustration only.)

I would suggest the Federal (I think) load with the 170 gr Nosler Partition bullet for pigs, if your rifle shoots it well. Otherwise, a good 170 gr load with the Remington Corelokt, Winchester PowerPoint, etc. will work well. I am sure that a 150 gr bullet through the lungs will kill a hog, though. The heavier bullet will usually penetrate better on a "less than perfect' shot angle.

 

[Speckmisser]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

Actually, I believe that the heavier bullet loses speed slower - more weight = more inertia[/b]

See, I told you I wasn't doing it justice.

 

[Arrowslinger]

Rick's got the right idea on this one, the 170 Federal Premium Nosler Partition is a great hog bullet....you'll get maximum penetration & a good blood trail, my only draw back & the reason i don't use this bullet anymore is the nock down power. I shoot a magnum rifle and the nosler slides right threw animals w/ minimal damage & expansion. I've switched to a ballistic tip 140 G bullet for much better expansion & less tracking. But i guess it just all depends on where ya hit 'em.

kirk

 

[chap_dog48]

I have stated before, I have a 30-30 I use in the brush each year and the 150gr. Remington Corelokt or Winchester PowerPoint are great loads for deer and hogs. The trajectory on the 170 gr at distances over 150 drop quite a bit 4-7 inches. Have never had a problem with the 150 gr. like I stated before, killrd over 10 deer and counting and several pigs. The 150 allows for a little longer shot with plenty of penetration at 150 yds. and even 200 yards with ony 3+ inches of drop. Not bad for a 30-30.

 

[Mariosjsk8]

Thanx a lot guys. I was sighting my rifle all last week but had some problems. Well I had it sighted in at 100 yds and it was doing all right. About 3.5" groups. Except it was hitting 3" too high. Then I went back to 50 yds to dial it in better. First I'd shoot two shots and the'y d be right next to eachother(about .5"). Then the next shot would be about 3 inches away from the first two. This was only at 50 yds. Well I decided i needed to test it out again. (Oh, and the scope I was using was pretty old.) I went to shoot it yesterday and was getting my shots about 3 inches higher than I wanted. SO i made adjustments to my old scope and then it was all over the place. So i figured it was the scope and went and bought a new one. Now i just need to sight this one in. Wish me luck.

 

[Rick]

According to Federal's website, the 170 gr will drop 7.7 inches if zeroed at 100 yards. If sighted in 3.8 inches high at 100, it is dead on at 200 yards. The 150 gr bullet will drop 5.8 inches at 200 yards if zeroed at 100. If sighted in 2.9 inches high (or less than 1 inch different than than 170 gr) it will be dead on at 200. So just sight in the 170 gr bullet about 3 inches high and hold dead on out to 200. For two inches difference at 200 yards, I'd stick to the 170 gr. Using either bullet, you've got to know your range limitations well.