I hunted only with 30/30 for several years and still do occasionally. What I learned comparing notes on what I saw and what others reported is you are hard pressed to get the truth out of anyone about any deer cartridge they used themselves. People will swear up and down to supposed facts that can't possibly be true.
Like many slow cartridges, decisive performance with factory ammo depends on accurate shot placement. What you'll see with all factory ammo is about the same. Try different makes and weights. Use whichever is most accurate. Don't think an old 30/30 can't be accurate.
Speer offers an 130gr flatpoint and hot data to use it. We've been impressed with the blood trails from that one. It's hard to believe it's a 30/30.
