[scripter]

I don’t know much about rifles but I’m inheriting a 30/30 and was wondering how that compared to a .308. I have an AR 15 lower receiver coming and can’t wait to build something with it. While I’ve never shot an AR, how does that compare to a 30/30 in stopping power?

[mad_as_he$$]

What are you planning on stopping?

[Elderberry]

Put a set of peep sights on that 30-30 and use it.

[Resolute Conservative]

The .30-.30 is less potent than a .308 but not by much. The benefit comes in the flatter trajectory. The .30-.30 has more drop down range.

Comparison of 5.56 and .308 ballistics:

Cartridge Model Cartridge size Cartridge weight Bullet weight Velocity Energy
5.56mm NATO M855[55] 5.56×45mm 12.31 g (190 gr) 4.02 g (62 gr) 945.5 m/s (3,100 ft/s)[56] 1,797 J[57]
7.62mm NATO M80[58] 7.62×51mm 25.40 g (392 gr) 9.33 g (147 gr) 838.0 m/s (2,749 ft/s)[58] 3,275 J

[thorvaldr]

In answer to the original question, it’s hard to go to far wrong with a Savage in .308
“I’m inheriting a 30/30 and was wondering how that compared to a .308”
A 30/30 is less powerfull than a .308. Roughly the same bullet, fired at a lower velocity.
“While I’ve never shot an AR, how does that compare to a 30/30 in stopping power?”
An AR can be built in a lot of calibers. .300 AAC is roughly equivalent to 30/30 in stopping power

[Jim Noble]

While I’ve never shot an AR, how does that compare to a 30/30 in stopping power?

I used to own both, before that terrible boating accident...

What are you planning to stop?

[Resolute Conservative]

Better:

Cartridge Bullet weight Velocity (muzzle) Energy (muzzle)
5.56 62 gr 3,100 fps 1,797 J
.308 147 gr 2,749 fps 3,275 J

[wrench]

The 30-30 has the same ballistics as the russian 7.62 X 39. Plenty adequate for eastern whitetail.

The AR in 223 chamberings is a varmint round, not a big game round. The 30-30 in 170 gr and heavier is used for eastern black bear , do not try that with your average 223 AR.

[Rio]

My vote for 30-30 ammo:

Has polymer tips that won't affect the primer of the next cartridge in the magazine.

[ez]

[Farmer Dean]

A .223 is not adequate for deer.I would say that a 30/30 has about twice the killing power on medium game. The .308 has higher velocity and energy than a 30/30,plus a .308 can use all types of bullets where a 30/30 must use round nose because of the tubular magazine.

[smokingfrog]

If you’re going to hunt something other than hogs or coyotes with your AR, you’ll probably want to go with a 6.5mm Grendel or 6.8mm Rem. SPC upper.