Still looking hard at the 30 caliber

[airjunki]

Hello all!
I am hoping someone who has experienced one or more ag's in the caliber?
Please share maybe a couple/few pros & cons.
I've internet stalked a few models (hatsan and umarex) that seemed either heavy or plasticky.
I hope one or more of you can prove my findings wrong or recommend another since the 30 cal seems like it could be a hoot.
Best,
Ron.

[subscriber]

Ron,

Nobody has replied, perhaps because you did not specify PCP or springer.

I don't own a .30, but appreciate both the caliber's reduced wind drift and the high cost of its pellets.

If you are shooting a springer, then it is probably making about 30 ft.lb  That would mean a pretty loopy trajectory, making the lower wind drift at long range moot.  Now, if you were shooting a PCP at 80+ ft.lb, then things get interesting...

So, your question requires context:  What targets are you planning to shoot, at what ranges?  Are you hand pumping or using a compressor?  If pumping by hand, you are going to sweat if shooting more than a handful of shots.

[JBinCO]

http://www.jsairrifles.com/Jefferson-State-Air-Rifles--Raptor_p_180.html


These are the real deal in .30 cal

[bear air]

There are several options in 30 cal. I went the semi custom route and had a buddy make a 30 caliber armada bottle carbine for me. It shoots the vortex pellets very well which is good because they are way cheaper than the jsb's. I've been getting them on sale for 10.50 for months now. The Raptor looks and sounds like a great rifle but there are other choices to be had as well. I guess it all boils down to personal preference. Good luck on your AG adventure.

[anti-squirrel]

From a different perspective, I love low and slow (even loopy) trajectories if I can rely on them.  I started with a .22 springer, bought a .25 springer, and recently got to take some lengthy (50 yard) shots with a .30 Hatsan 135.  As fun as my .25 95QE is, that 135 was mind-blowing.  I was also shooting a .22, and the difference in trajectory/arc was notable as bore increased.  However, the .30 just seemed to ignore the 10 MPH crosswind completely.

After figuring my hold and adjusting the sight, I didn't miss the Rockstar can again with the .30, and that's about as good as I can ever shoot.  My .25 I hit it about 20% of the time.  I missed every time with the .22.  A lot of "really close" but the wind was cresting a hill where the cans were lined up so yeah- no bueno!


In simpler terms, big and slow is still a lot of fun.  And when doing pest control, .30 pellets tend to anchor the prey (or knock them for a few loops).  Either way, what you hit with a .30 generally dies pretty darn quick.  Yes, .30 costs more, but we have  lot of options now in .30, including high end pellets and superb slugs.  So no matter the powerplant of the .30, there's something that will work for you.

Added bonus: .30 are very easy to handle in cold weather.  .177?  Not so much!