The .30-30 Winchester has been a staple in the hunting world for well over a century. First introduced in 1895 by Winchester, it was the first small-bore sporting cartridge designed for smokeless powder and quickly became a favorite for deer hunters across North America. Known for its moderate recoil, effective terminal performance, and reliability in lever-action rifles, the .30-30 Winchester remains one of the most trusted hunting cartridges today.
With a well-earned reputation for knocking down whitetail deer, black bear, and even feral hogs, the .30-30 excels in wooded environments and brush-heavy terrain where shots are typically within 200 yards. But choosing the right ammunition can make all the difference in the field. Whether you're looking for a general-purpose hunting round, a suppressed option, or something optimized for thick brush, we’ve reviewed some of the best .30-30 hunting ammunition based on performance, ballistic efficiency, and real-world experience.
Our Top Picks for Hunting with .30-30 Winchester
- Federal Fusion 30-30 Win 170gr Bonded Soft Point - Best Overall .30-30 for Hunting
- Hornady 30-30 Win 175gr Sub-X - Best .30-30 for Use with Suppressors
- Remington 30-30 Win 170gr SP Core-Lokt - Best .30-30 for Hunting in Heavy Brush
- Hornady American Whitetail 30-30 150gr Interlock - Best .30-30 for Budget-Minded Hunters
Best Overall .30-30 for Hunting: Federal Fusion 30-30 Win 170gr Bonded Soft Point
Federal Ammunition has long walked hand in hand with the shooting industry as one of the leaders in cartridge accuracy. With over 100 years in the ammunition business, Federal has done its due diligence in keeping up with modern technology and driven innovation of projectiles to new heights for its consumers. The Federal Fusion line is one of these innovative cartridge formulas that has marched the industry forward, especially in the hunting world.
Federal Fusion is widely regarded as one of the most effective hunting rounds in the .30-30 caliber. Featuring a bonded soft point projectile, this 170-grain bullet retains its weight exceptionally well, ensuring deep penetration and consistent expansion—perfect for deer, black bear, and hog hunting.
Federal Fusion 30-30 Win 170gr Bonded Soft Point
Ballistic Data:
- Muzzle Velocity: ~2,200 fps
- Muzzle Energy: ~1,827 ft-lbs
- Bullet Type: Bonded Soft Point
Pros:
- Bonded core design prevents fragmentation for deep penetration
- High weight retention ensures maximum stopping power
- Optimized for lever-action rifles with smooth feeding
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than traditional soft points
- Not designed for long-range shooting beyond 200 yards
Why We Selected This Product:
The Federal Fusion 170gr is our top overall choice because of its consistent terminal ballistics and effectiveness on medium-to-large game. Whether you're in open fields or thick woods, this round will hit hard and expand reliably. In fact, I myself trust the Federal Fusion line in all of my hunting rifles, no matter the caliber, to bring home the meat for my family.
Best .30-30 for Use with Suppressors: Hornady 30-30 Win 175gr Sub-X
If you're looking to hunt quietly with a suppressor, the Hornady Sub-X 175gr is an excellent choice. This subsonic round is engineered for quiet performance, making it ideal for hunting in noise-restricted areas or reducing recoil for a more enjoyable shooting experience.
Hornady 30-30 Win 175gr Sub-X
Ballistic Data:
- Muzzle Velocity: ~1,050 fps
- Muzzle Energy: ~427 ft-lbs
- Bullet Type: Subsonic Expanding (Sub-X)
Pros:
- Subsonic velocity reduces noise signature when used with a suppressor
- Expands reliably at lower velocities for effective game harvesting
- Low recoil, making it great for recoil-sensitive shooters
Cons:
- Limited effective range (100 yards max) due to lower velocity
- Not ideal for larger game requiring deeper penetration
Why We Selected This Product:
The Hornady Sub-X 175gr is one of the only true subsonic hunting rounds for the .30-30 Winchester. It’s a fantastic choice for suppressed hunting where quiet operation and reliable expansion at lower speeds are priorities.
Personally, we have found Hornady's commitment to their founder, J.W. Hornady’s goal of “Ten Bullets through the same hole,” followed to the letter with this cartridge.
Best .30-30 for Hunting in Heavy Brush: Remington 30-30 Win 170gr SP Core-Lokt
The Remington Core-Lokt 170gr Soft Point is a classic choice for hunting in thick brush. Known for its controlled expansion and deep penetration, this round is excellent for breaking through vegetation while maintaining stopping power.
Remington 30-30 Win 170gr SP Core-Lokt
Ballistic Data:
- Muzzle Velocity: ~2,200 fps
- Muzzle Energy: ~1,827 ft-lbs
- Bullet Type: Soft Point (SP)
Pros:
- Proven Core-Lokt technology provides reliable expansion
- Heavy 170-grain bullet retains momentum through brush and obstacles
- Affordable and widely available
Cons:
- Larger soft point can deform slightly in tubular magazines over time
- Not as accurate as premium bonded bullets at longer distances
Why We Selected This Product:
For hunters navigating dense woods, the Remington Core-Lokt 170gr is a reliable, hard-hitting choice that performs well even when shooting through brush and light cover.
Best .30-30 for Budget-Minded Hunters: Hornady American Whitetail 30-30 150gr Interlock
The Hornady American Whitetail 150gr Interlock offers exceptional performance at a lower cost, making it a great choice for budget-conscious hunters who still want quality performance.
Hornady American Whitetail 30-30 150gr Interlock Round Nose
Ballistic Data:
- Muzzle Velocity: ~2,390 fps
- Muzzle Energy: ~1,902 ft-lbs
- Bullet Type: Interlock Soft Point
Pros:
- Affordable price without sacrificing performance
- Interlock design ensures deep penetration and weight retention
- Ideal for deer hunting at close-to-mid range
Cons:
- Less weight than 170gr options, reducing penetration on larger game
- Not optimized for suppressed shooting
Why We Selected This Product:
For hunters looking for reliable performance at a lower cost, the Hornady American Whitetail 150gr Interlock is a great value option that still delivers excellent accuracy and terminal performance on deer-sized game.
Final Thoughts
The .30-30 Winchester remains one of the best hunting cartridges for short-to-medium range game. Whether you're tracking deer through the woods, hunting in thick brush, or using a suppressed lever-action, choosing the right ammunition can make all the difference.
- For overall performance, go with Federal Fusion 170gr Bonded Soft Point.
- For suppressed hunting, the Hornady 175gr Sub-X is unmatched.
- For brush hunting, the Remington 170gr Core-Lokt is an excellent choice.
- For budget-conscious hunters, the Hornady 150gr American Whitetail delivers great value.
No matter what round you choose, the .30-30 Winchester continues to prove its effectiveness in the field. Happy hunting!
Frequently Asked Questions
The .30-30 is most effective within 200 yards, though modern loads can stretch slightly beyond that with proper shot placement.
Yes, but shot placement is critical, and heavier 170gr bonded bullets like Federal Fusion are recommended for deeper penetration.
While effective, it is not the best choice for home defense due to over-penetration risks and the lever-action rifle’s slower reload speed.
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