I've been looking for a 30-30 for my wife for a few month's now, so that the next time a bear sticks it's head thu the window at the cabin, she can do more than run out the other door. The one's I been seeing are expensive and recently I ran across a winchester lever action in 32 special at a price I find is reasonable. My question is: How do the 2 compare as far as knock down power
at close range. If used the 32 will be used at 12 feet or less? Most likely will be a head shot but maybe a chest shot. If I buy it I've found ammo for $20 a box.
Using similar bullet, at point blank range you mentioned. the ballistic charts show the .32 has 5-10% more energy in a slightly bigger diameter bullet. I'm not sure the bear can tell you the difference, but it will work. It's a good cartridge.
The 32 was actually a slightly better hunting round but never had the popularity of the 30-30. For what you want it for it will work just fine, especially if it is the 16" barrel version. Short, easy to swing and handle, better knock down power and no shortage of ammo.
You didn't ask this but personally I would be picking a short barreled 12 gauge for that kind of work. Cheap to buy, easy to get ammo, very effective at close range.
I too thought of a 12 guage but got to thinking, her being a bit on the small side, after shooting once, she more than likely would never pick up a firearm again.
TRy letting her shoot some reduced recoil slugs out of your existing shotgun. I think you will find they actually kick a bit less than a 30-30 as they kick about 40% less than a regular slug. They also make reduced buck shot but I am NOT a fan of buck shot for bear stopping. Lots of power in the reduced slug loads for work that close.
32 Special
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