[Kmittleman]

Hey everyone,



My father and I are going pig hunting in TX next month and I'm wondering about loads. Most likely the pigs will be 100lbs (but who knows?!) and I want to use my .30-30. Which of the above 170gr loads would be better? Also, on other forums there's been much debate about the Nosler Partition's ability to open up at .30-30 velocities. I'll be reloading for either one.

-Kevin

 

[Dr. A]

The 170gr. Hornady has worked for years. Shoot it in the right place and you'll bring home the bacon. I'm sure the partition will work as well, but the slower velocities of the 30-30 do not require a fancy bullet for expansion. I'm going pig hunting next month as well. In the past I've used cast, 170gr. Remingtons as well as the Hornady. All work fine.

 

[Tony65x55]

Either bullet will serve you well and the Hornady is cheaper. The .30-30's moderate velocity allows conventional bullets to perform at their peak.

 

[JD338]

The Nosler 170 gr PT is a deep penetrating bullet, way more bullet than you need for 100 lb pigs.

JD338

 

[gb_in_tx]

Yeah, if it were me, I'd go the Hornady Interlock route. For that matter, that's the route I've chosen, I've got a supply of them on hand and have some loaded up for just that reason.

My impression of the Nosler partition bullet is that it is intended for use on even heavier game. Like elk, for instance. The thing is, you'd have to push it hard in .30-30 in order to even get it to expand. It seems to me that it is a better match for .30-30 AI. The more I contemplate the .30-30/elk thing, the more I think that the best bet is to keep the range short (under 100 yards), velocities moderately fast (in the 2000 to 2100 FPS range), and use a heavy (165 gr or more), flat nosed moderately hard cast bullet. Moderately hard in order to both expand some and still not break up. Some expansion and good bone smashing penetration, in other words. It would make a fine pig load, too.