I have only hunted deer 10 yrs and 9 of them with a 30-30. I always chose 170 grain bullets over 150s because on the charts the larger bullet had more energy at (x) number of yards than the lighter bullet. I asumed that having more energy to transfer = better. So I would have sided with #2 for a different reason, Maybe ignorance. Shot placment being the same, is speed more important than energy?
I don't hunt with a .30-30, but did the first couple years I started hunting. Never killed anything with one.
But if I did use a .30-30 I'd choose the 170's - cause I know they will plow a [consistant, methodical] hole through a deer or whatever else I point the rifle at. Both the 150's and 170's are proven bullets in the .30-30, but I prefer the heavier of the two.
For a medium velocity deer load (2400-2500fps) in the .308W I've thought about loading some 170 Speer's, but haven't had the opportunity yet. Application would be out to 150yds from a treestand.
