re: Would a 30-30 marlin drop a buck at 100 yards

Must have just been one of those freak things. A 30-30 is a very accomplished deer rifle at 150 and in. I have seen many deer killed with a 30-30 using just the regular flat tip just like you said. You could have hit the ribs and not hit any vitals depending on the angle and such. My dad grew up on a 30-30 and always used 150 grain as well as all the other folks I know who shoot one do.