re: .30-30 Winchester. Why so unpopular now?

Dude, if you can't get within a hundred yards of a deer, you suck as a hunter. No amount of marksmanship can make up for that. If you would try a little harder in the woods a regular thirty-thirty without special handloads would be all you need.
If you caint get close, use a real rifle like a 270, the awesomest rifle known to man. Use the right tool for the job; don't try to hot rod a vega.