Dont get me wrong, I do agree with the general statement that some hunters "overdo" with rifle & shotgun size. Fer example, a 3 1/2" magnum....some love it. Others think it unnecessary.
Shotguns are a whole different story, so I wont go there.
I also agree with MAC's statement on the 30-30...they are one of the most versitile rifles out there IMHO, except in long ranges. I aint never killed a bear or elk w/ a 30-30...but I have killed many deer with it and different ranges, many over 100 yrds. My uncle used it to kill a 403 lb black bear.
Shells are relatively cheap, and reloadin them is even cheaper and the brass is easy to find. Recoil aint bad either.
It dont matter how big the hole is goin in er out...unless you shoot it in the hind quarter er the tenderloin lol
So, I say the more damage you can make, the better.
Aint that the point of it all anyway? To me, I want to make as much damage to the animal as possible. Damage = quicker/humane death.
Shock is what kills quicker anyway.
Example: a 180 lb deer.
Shot with a bow...he'll run..on average...75 yrds.
Shot with a 50 cal muzzleloader w/ 80 gr and a soft lead HP sabot...he drops like a hammer.
The difference? Shock.
Faster and smaller aint always better, cause it delivers less shock.
At least that's how I look at it...
Interestin thread though
BTW..I had an old Savage bolt 30-30. It was sweet as silk, smooth and soft on the trigger and well balanced. Not high-falootin...but very effective.