About 30-30 Ammo
30-30 Winchester, also known as the .30 WCF (Winchester Center Fire), was introduced in 1895 for the Winchester Model 1894 lever-action rifle.
The original ammunition featured a 1600-gr soft point bullet that reached a muzzle velocity of 1,970 fps and held 30-gr of smokeless powder.
Soon after Winchester introduced the cartridge, the Marlin Firearms Company, in collaboration with the Union Metallic Cartridge Company (which would eventually merge with Remington), released its own Model 1893 rifle, chambered in what they called 30-30 Ammo, their own version of Winchester's cartridge.
It was the first time the cartridge was called by the name it would eventually be known by.
The .30-30 cartridge was America's first small-bore sporting round that used smokeless powder and transitioned between the traditional black powder of the 18th and 19th centuries and the smokeless powder that became popular during the turn of the 20th century.
The rifles and carbines chambered for .30-30 ammunition are some of America's most popular deer rifles.
More than one novice hunter took their first deer with the iconic lever action rifles, and more than one gun collection began with a .30-30 as its originator.
Throughout Mexico and Latin America, 30-30 ammo is considered legendary and one of the most prominent firearm calibers available. Additionally, in some rural parts of Central America, .30-30 ammo is the only long gun people know of.
Today, 30-30 ammunition remains a popular hunting cartridge throughout the firearm community.
The ammo is widely used in lever-action rifles, single-shot, and bolt-action rifles and can be purchased online or in-store.
Common Names for .30-30 Ammo
Since its introduction over 120 years ago, 30-30 ammo has undergone numerous adaptations and has gone by many other name variations.
Some of the most common include:
- .30-30 Ammo
- 30/30 Ammo
- .30-30 Winchester
- .30 Winchester
- .30-30
- .30 WCF (Winchester Center Fire)
- .30 Caliber Winchester Center Fire (abbreviated as .30 CWF
Regardless of your preferred terminology, .30-30 ammo has always maintained a loyal following throughout the firearm and hunting communities and is available from many major manufacturers, including Federal, Fiocchi, Remington, and Winchester.
30-30 Ammunition Features
LOW RECOIL
The relatively low recoil of .30-30 ammo makes it a popular choice for shooters of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced hunters and marksmen.
WIDE AVAILABILITY
30-30 ammo is one of the most common and widely available cartridges in the United States, so it's easy to find at most gun stores and sporting goods retailers.
GREAT FOR HUNTING
30-30 ammunition is known for its excellent accuracy and stopping power, making it a popular choice for hunting deer and other game.
VERSATILE
.30-30 ammo can be used in a variety of rifles, including lever-action and bolt-action rifles, making it a versatile cartridge for different types of firearms.
PROVEN TRACK RECORD
30-30 Bullets have been in use for over a century and has been proven effective in the field, giving hunters and shooters confidence in its performance.
AFFORABLE
30-30 ammunition is generally quite affordable compared to other types of ammunition, making it an attractive choice for those on a budget.
Popular Guns that Shoot .30-30 Ammo
Winchester Model 94
This classic lever-action rifle has been in production since the late 19th century and is one of the most iconic firearms in American history.
Marlin 336
The Marlin 336 is another popular lever-action rifle that has been in production for over 60 years. It's known for its accuracy and reliability.
Henry Lever Action .30-30
The Henry Lever Action rifle is a modern take on the classic lever-action design. It's known for its smooth action and high-quality craftsmanship.
Savage Model 340
The Savage Model 340 is a bolt-action rifle that was produced from the 1950s to the 1980s. It's known for its accuracy and affordability.
Ruger No. 1
The Ruger No. 1 is a single-shot rifle that has been in production since the 1960s. It's known for its accuracy and versatility.
Thompson/Center Contender
The Thompson/Center Contender is a single-shot pistol that is chambered in a variety of cartridges, including .30-30. It's known for its accuracy and customizability.
30-30 Ammo FAQs
QUESTION: What is 30-30 ammo?
ANSWER: The .30-30 Winchester round, which is commonly referred to as 30-30 ammo, is a small bore sporting round popular in the U.S. for medium-sized game and whitetail deer. It was the first American round to use smokeless powder and represents the transition from black powder 19th century ammunition to modern, 20th century ammo.
QUESTION: What can you hunt with 30-30 ammo?
ANSWER: 30-30 ammo is an extremely popular hunting caliber throughout North America for medium-sized game and smaller-sized large game. It’s often used to harvest whitetail deer, black bear, caribou, and pronghorn. Rifles chambered in .30-30 are often used by hunters east of the Mississippi, where hunting conditions demand a range under 200 yards.
QUESTION: What is the effective range of .30-30 ammo?
ANSWER: The effective range of .30-30 ammo depends on various factors such as the type of bullet, barrel length, and shooting conditions. Generally, it is effective up to 200-300 yards.
QUESTION: What is the difference between .30-30 and 308 ammo?
ANSWER: .30-30 ammo is a rimmed cartridge designed for lever-action rifles, while .308 is a rimless cartridge designed for bolt-action rifles. Additionally, 308 ammo is a more powerful cartridge with a longer effective range.
QUESTION: What is the recoil like for .30-30 ammo?
ANSWER: The recoil for .30-30 ammo is moderate, with a kick similar to a 12-gauge shotgun. However, it can vary depending on the weight of the rifle and the load of the cartridge.
QUESTION: Is .30-30 ammo suitable for self-defense?
ANSWER: While .30-30 ammo can be used for self-defense, it is not commonly recommended due to its lower capacity and effective range compared to other self-defense cartridges.
QUESTION: What size bullet is the 30-30?
ANSWER: The bullet size for the 30-30 depends on the type of bullet. Traditional jacketed rounds feature a .308 inch diameter bullet, while cast lead projectiles measure at .309 inch in diameter.
QUESTION: Is 30-30 ammo expensive?
ANSWER: 30-30 ammo and rifles tend to be less expensive than most bolt-action hunting rifles. An average box of .30-30 ammo will run at least a couple of dollars cheaper than .308 ammo.