7.62x39/30-30 alternative?

[mattri]

Looking at putting together a bolt action rifle in a cartridge that comes close to 7.62x39/30-30 ballistics.

Easy, quick handling with +/-20" barrel, light recoil, accurate and could be used for deer etc at reasonable ranges.

7.62x39 was the first choice but internal mag configuration means it won't feed well.

Presupposing handloaded ammo, factory fodder a plus but not requisite.

473, 384 or ppc boltface.

6.5 creed, 6.5x47 etc may work but looking mostly at .30s for now.

In the running so far-

30TC

30 Major

30 BR

30 HAMR

Maybe throw a 6.8 SPC in there?

Have nominally 2.8" to work with but could fudge that a little long or use a spacer for shorter rounds.

Thoughts?

 

[Lone Hunter]

Might want to look at a 6.5 Grendel also. Lots of good brass for it plus good factory ammunition too. Will do a number on deer too. Look at CZ and Howa Mini Action for the bolt Guns and if you liked it,and I believe you will, you can run it out of an AR platform too.

 

[Herzo]

I know that you are looking for a 30 cal, but the 6.5 Grendel should be a consideration.

 

[Herzo]

Might want to look at a 6.5 Grendel also. Lots of good brass for it plus good factory ammunition too. Will do a number on deer too. Look at CZ and Howa Mini Action for the bolt Guns and if you liked it,and I believe you will, you can run it out of an AR platform too.

Great minds!!!

 

[mattri]

6.5 Grendel is a good suggestion,thanks.

Isn't the 30 Major the Grendel necked up to .30 without the x39 taper?

 

[jackieschmidt]

Two of my best friends have short action Remingtons built in 30BR that they hunt White Tails with.

The bullet they use is that 130 Barns solid copper out of a 1-17 twist At around 2800 FPS.

 

[BobT]

You might also take a look at the .277 Wolverine, easily formed from .223/5.56 brass and works very well on deer and hogs. I have used bullets from 90 to 115 grains in mine and they have all been very effective. The Wolverine was originally conceived as an AR 15 round that upped the hunting game but only required a barrel change, no special magazines or bolts.

As a bonus the low recoil makes it great for kids or recoil sensitive adults.

 

[mattri]

Hence the recoil sensitivity.

Great shot, avid hunter, needs a good walking rifle.

 

[Franko]

Why not a plain vanilla 243? It's going to shoot flat and with low recoil. Components and factory ammo will be plentiful; and its certainly got enough oomph to kill deer.

 

[mac86951]

Why not a howa mini in 7.62x39? Or CZ 527?

 

[Adam in WI]

300 Savage

 

[riflewoman]

30/6.8 SPC. Essentially a 30 Remington which was a duplicate of the 30-30.

 

[Tommie]

And I continue to mourn the demise of the .250 Savage…

 

[KMart]

The 300 Savage was mentioned above is a good choice. If you have a penchant for something a little different, I think a 30X47L would a great choice.

 

[Fuj]

30/6.8 SPC. Essentially a 30 Remington which was a duplicate of the 30-30.

My vote would be for the 30 Remington......And don't be
afraid of looking at the 300 Black Out. You would need
a smaller bolt face though.

 

[DumpHollow]

How about a 7mmBR? I have 100 pieces of new Remington brass and Bonanza dies that I would sell. Also, have fired brass available. I had a Model 7 KS that fed from the magazine. Came out of the Remington Custom Shop.

 

[ebb]

I have no experience with it at all but, most internet sources say the 300 BLK has 30/30 performance. If it were me, I would be looking at a 308WIN loaded down. It has already proved to be capable and is easy to make feed, components are easy to find. Then if you ever needed more power it would be easy to produce.

 

[butchlambert]

Billy Stevens built a mod 7 in 30BR about 18yrs ago for my Grandson. He shoots 125 grain Ballistic Tips and has accounted for many deer, hogs, and coyotes.

 

[dfrosch]

In a bolt gun, I'd stick with a .473 bolt face... 30 BR, 30 x 47, 300 Savage or 30 TC. Maybe even a Dasher or GT wildcat.

 

[PigButtons]

If it were me, I would be looking at a 308WIN loaded down. It has already proved to be capable and is easy to make feed, components are easy to find. Then if you ever needed more power it would be easy to produce.

I like this idea. Not sexy, but very practical. I shoot down loaded 308 in a 15" Encore pistol and it doesn't cause any flinch. Still sub MOA out to 100 and super easy to find a load with everything from 115gr to 215gr.