30-30 for elk?

[wilkup]

I typically hunt with a bigger boltgun and optics but the area I've been scouting and locating elk in the past month is far from ideal for that style rifle. Shots are maxed out at 20 yards and more like 40-100 yards in most places.
I don't own any low power scopes but have shot and carried my Marlin shortie in the hills and on horseback forever. It's got a Skinner Peep on the receiver and i can keep 6 rounds on a paper plate at 250 yards.
I'm considering using this rifle for elk this season but am curious on opinion of which bullet I should utilize and distances I should max out at.
I hand load and have
- Hammer Lever 143gr
- Barnes Original 190gr
- Factory loaded Hornady Leverevolution 160gr FTX
I'd be open to other suggestions too.
Anybody hunt Roosevelt elk with a 30-30…?

 

[huntinghuasna]

For any cartridge I'd go all copper. If going with the .30-30, choose a bullet and note minimum impact velocity for full expansion. Run the numbers using your muzzle velocity to calculate maximum distance.

 

[HARPERC]

I'd run the 143 LH if forced to choose.

Id also more likely trade that rifle for a .375 Winchester. Just me.

 

[Koda_]

Anybody hunt Roosevelt elk with a 30-30…?

I have once. 50yds double lung, probably a federal or rem corelock, was a while ago. I dont know if id go past 150yds though.
More recently I use the 143 Lever Hammer but didnt fill the tag that year.

30-30 lever gun is plenty for coastal dark timber rosies...
Id use the 143 Lever Hammer but it needs to stay above 1800fps at the impact distance to perform.