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7-30 Waters vs 30-30 AI in a Contender rifle?

8K views 11 replies 7 participants last post by  Peabody 
#1 ·
Which one would you prefer for whitetails and antelope? 20"-21" barrels. Trying to decide which one to go with.
 
#3 ·
Actually, the trajectories will be virtually identical, and both possess more than ample power for any whitetail deer or antelope out there. In the Waters, the 120 and 140 grain Ballistic Tips are ideal. I've used both quite a bit with superb results. In the 30-30 AI, the 150 grain Ballistic Tip is my favorite, but the 125 grain BT and 125 grain Accubond are top-flight choices as well.

I've killed several dozens of animals between the Waters and 30-30 AI, and there's no real-world difference in their ability to put game down quickly and cleanly.
 
#4 ·
Realistically there is little difference in the two. I have both and see no accuracy difference. I shoot 120 Ballistic Tips from the 7-30 and have been using 150 SSTs in the .30-30AI, but this year I plan to use 125 Ballistic Tips in the Ackley. I have not Chronied the 7-30, but I am getting 2450 from the Ackley with the 150s.
 
#8 ·
Having said that.. I also have a 23" 30-30.
Just the regular old 30-30.
Does a fine job.with 150s.
Kicks a bit more than I like.. but I think ? Once I save up for a G2 frame.. I'll have a Monte Carlo stock. That should help with recoil.
I'm wanting to try the 125 grain bullets in it...
 
#10 ·
These values are based on the averages of ALL available loads and although averages do not represent the performance of a specific load, here are the results:
cartridge velocity energy bullet wt case volume
7-30 Waters... 2574...1901...130...44.7
.30-30 AI... 2641...1935... 133...45.5
.... nearly a dead heat!
as sweetwyominghome said.
But I DO love a 30 caliber, too.
 
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