30-30 Winchester: All about the 30-30 WIN | Gunmagopedia

Of all the cartridges that can trace their roots back to the early days of auto-loading firearms, some tend to stand out more than others. The .30-30 Winchester is one of those fascinating cartridges, not only due to its part in firearms history but also because it has existed in not one, not two, but three centuries. This tried-and-true classic can claim some portion of ammo ownership over the 1800s into modern times.

Contents:

The Company Behind the 30-30 Cartridge
.30-30 History
Has the military used .30-30 Winchester?
How is .30-30 Winchester different than .30-06 Springfield?
What about accuracy and distance?
Hunting with .30-30 Winchester
Personal defense with .30-30 Winchester
.30-30 Winchester Specifications
Available Loads for .30-30 Winchester
.30-30 Manufacturers
Frequently Asked Questions

The Company Behind the 30-30 Cartridge

As you may have guessed from the name of this cartridge, it was designed by Winchester. After all, Winchester is the company perhaps best known for its lever-action and cowboy action shooting. Winchester is well known as the respected gun maker that created and produced the “gun that won the west,” the Model 1873, a lever-action rifle, and although they’ve grown and technology has expanded, they will likely always be best known for their levers. But, of course, on the ammunition side of the market, the Model 1873 would never have existed without the 44-40 Winchester Center Fire (WCF) to run it. The creation of that cartridge occurred courtesy of Winchester Ammunition, but that isn’t the only famous cartridge they’ve been responsible for designing.

Winchester is part of the Olin Corporation, a group with connections to Winchester Firearms and Browning. The Olin Corporation has a rich history that stretches back to 1892, when Franklin Olin founded the Equitable Powder Company in East Alton, Illinois.

In those early days, Olin focused on the coal industry, which was only logical given the era. He created the Equitable Powder Company so he could supply explosives to mines and quarries. In a sense, you could say he was edging his way into the explosive world of ammunition. However, regardless of those early days of explosives, the company’s official foray into ammunition didn’t occur until 1898. It was then that Olin founded the Western Cartridge Company, a name you’re probably somewhat familiar with. He intended to compete with Remington and Winchester (Winchester already existed as a separate entity; Western Cartridge Company came on the scene after they did).

Franklin Olin and his sons put some extra work into getting the company going due to serious competition from Remington and Winchester. But as time went by, Olin not only made it happen, he became successful. The Western Cartridge Company went on to buy a paper manufacturer, primer and lead shot facilities, and existing factories that produced brass cases and shotgun wads. The ammo maker had become the competition themselves. Before long, it became a profitable business, and in 1931 Olin bought Winchester, his rival, rebranding the two as Winchester-Western. It was a significant win for Olin and his family and a piece of Winchester history that many are unaware of. Many business ventures and events occurred in the intervening years, and it would take a book to cover it all. But, long story short, the Olin Corporation was officially formed in 1969.

Despite the business’ continued growth, it faced some struggles. In 1980, Olin realized he could no longer work in the gun-making business (primarily for financial reasons). He opted to sell the firearms side of Winchester to the employees, perhaps as an attempt to keep it in the proverbial family. That is when US Repeating Arms began: to encompass the firearms side of what was, at the time, the Winchester empire.

Unfortunately, it didn’t last long. By 1989 US Repeating Arms had gone bankrupt and was sold yet again. This time it was sold to a French holding company which immediately sold it to the Herstal Group, a Belgian company that you might recognize as the owner of FN and Browning. Today, the firearms side of Winchester is known as Winchester Repeating Arms and is entirely separate from the ammunition company. Even though he had to let go of the firearms business, Olin held onto the Winchester Ammunition company and continued designing and producing ammunition.

Highlights of Winchester Ammunition’s 150-years-plus history include, but are definitely not limited to:

• 1873 creation of 44-40 Winchester Centerfire (Winchester’s first centerfire cartridge)
• 1886 began making shotshells
• 1895 invention and production of the first smokeless powder cartridges
• 1895 designed the .30-30 Winchester
• 1939 launch of Silvertip line, which remains popular today
• 1921 introduction of Super-X shotshells
• 1952 branded 308 Winchester for the general public
• 1955 introduced the 243 Winchester
• 1963 created the 300 Winchester Magnum
• 1970 launched 270 Winchester
• 2019 introduced the 350 Legend

Today, Winchester Ammunition headquarters are still in East Alton, Illinois, with additional manufacturing facilities in Oxford, Mississippi.

.30-30 History

As mentioned earlier, the .30-30 Winchester’s history spans three centuries. It was designed in 1895 and is still produced today, complete with modern updates.

There is a surprisingly small amount of information available regarding the precise details of the creation of the cartridge beyond the fact that some engineers/ballisticians at Winchester invented it.

We know the .30-30 Winchester wasn’t always known by its current name. It began its life as one of the first two smokeless cartridges and was, in fact, originally named the .30 Winchester Smokeless. It made its inaugural appearance in August 1895 in Winchester’s Number 55 catalog. The then-new cartridge had a .30 WCF (Winchester Centerfire) headstamp. So, where did it get the name it’s so well known for? It came from a competitor, Marlin Firearms Company.

Not longer after Winchester went public with their .30 Smokeless, Marlin Firearms Company decided they wanted in on the action. However, they didn’t have the setup or ability to manufacture their ammunition, so they reached out to the Union Metallic Cartridge Company (UMC). Long story short, UMC copied the .30 Smokeless but gave it a different name, .30-30. The first “30” designation referred to the caliber, of course, and the second was a reference to the fact the cartridge initially held 30 grains of smokeless powder. The rounds being produced by UMC for Marlin bore the headstamp “UMC/.30-30 S.”

Winchester has the following information on their website regarding the .30-30 Winchester under the heading “30-30 Misconceptions Through the Years”:

“The 30-30 designation came later because non-Winchester ammo brands didn’t care to advertise .30 Winchester Center Fire on their products. The new round burned 30 grains of smokeless powder, so they went with the traditional black-powder nomenclature that listed caliber followed by the powder quantity, even though the 30-grains of smokeless powder spit out a lot more energy than 30 grains of black-powder. That probably confused a lot of shooters in the early years, but they eventually figured out this new round was a barn burner.

“The original 30 WCF load pushed a 160-grain bullet 1,970 fps. As better powders were created, velocity gradually increased until reaching today’s velocities of around 2,330 fps with a 170-grain bullet and 2,450 fps with a 150-grain slug. Most hunting rounds in 1895 flew 1,200 to perhaps 1,600 fps.

“Something else the 30-30 helped force into the market place was jacketed bullets. As velocities approached 2,000 fps, pure lead bullets began to strip during their ride down the barrel. This both fouled bores and compromised energy. Wrapping a jacket of copper, brass or gilding metal around the lead core fixed that. It also addressed the excessive expansion of soft lead slugs impacting at high velocity. Longer, heavier and thicker jackets gradually perfected a balance between expansion and penetration.

“…Bullets from the 30-30 are no better nor worse than those from other popular deer rounds at busting through brush to reach the target. Neither their velocity nor flat nose nor round nose shapes prevent limbs and brush from deflecting them from their course. Rather, the M94 lever-action rifle is so light, quick, handy and fast to recycle that most users can get on target and hit quickly.”

Has the military used .30-30 Winchester?

The .30-30 Winchester has never been an official duty round for the United States Military, but it has seen use by law enforcement and soldiers at different times.

There are several fascinating pieces of history in the Model 1894 chambered in .30-30 Winchester. For example, famed lawman Tom Threepersons had one, and an auction house named Cowan’s got their hands on it. This information can be found on the listing for the rifle (it’s already been sold, though):

“.30-30 caliber, 20” barrel, S/N 731888. Marked with two-line Winchester name, address, and patent dates along the left of the barrel, along with caliber at the breech. With a Winchester proof mark at the top of the breech and frame. With typical Winchester Model 1894 markings at the top of the tang.

“Included with the rifle is a copy of the original receipt for the rifle dated December 29, 1929, signed from Tom Threepersons to Tom Powers for fifty dollars. The price also included a Smith & Wesson revolver, also featured in this auction. Tom Powers was the owner of the famous saloon in El Paso, where many great historic arms were identified. A copy of an April 2, 1974, dated El Paso County Probate Court inventory of Mr. Power’s estate, included in the lot, lists this rifle in his collection. Mr. Powers’ own personal notarized inventory is also included, which lists the rifle.

“Also included in the lot is an August 1975 True West magazine that features an extensive profile on Tom Threepersons. A picture appears in the article showing Threeperson’s holding what appears to be this rifle (he is most certainly holding a Winchester Model 1894 carbine). The article also mentions a gunfight in Medicine Hat, Alberta, where Tom killed several bandits, and “The Cherokee also captured a .30-30 Winchester that was to become his constant companion.” It is likely that this is the very rifle….”

It’s seen use in Canada, too. In August of 1942, the Winchester Model 1894 chambered in .30-30 Winchester was purchased by the Canadian government to be used to arm the Pacific Coast Militia Rangers (PCMR). The militia’s goal was to protect Western Canada from a potential Japanese incursion, and the government chose the .30-30 Winchester to make it happen.

How is .30-30 Winchester different than .30-06 Springfield?

The two cartridges are often compared partly because they’re popular hunting rounds. Yes, both contain .30 caliber bullets, which can be confusing. However, the .30-30 Winchester was created for lever-action rifles, and the .30-06 Springfield was made for bolt-action rifles. That means the .30-06 Springfield has a longer case and is intended for long-action guns.

The .30-30 Winchester does not have quite the reach and energy transfer of the .30-06 Springfield, but it’s still a capable option. They are two significantly different cartridges, both useful for hunting, and each fills a particular niche.

What about accuracy and distance?

The .30-30 Winchester is a relatively accurate cartridge. It was not designed to be a precision round, but it can put a round on target within its effective ranges.

Effective range is typically around 300 yards, although it depends on the gun and the load. Most hunters using .30-30 Winchesters on deer shoot within 100 yards, but exceptions exist. Take the time to familiarize yourself with what your gun and ammo combination can and cannot do.

Hunting with .30-30 Winchester

This is a cartridge known for its hunting prowess. It’s a favorite of many deer hunters with over a century of success backing it. The effective, ethical kill range of this round is under 300 yards, but in reality, it will pack its best punch under 150 yards. Those shots get even closer in the woods, so the odds are good it will perform well for you.

It isn’t only whitetail deer hunters who enjoy the .30-30 Winchester. Many other hunting applications exist for this cartridge so long as you work within its effective range. It can be used on everything from varmints to predators. Hunters can even use this cartridge on coyotes as long as they do so at closer ranges. It also works on feral hogs, although shot placement is always crucial.

Whatever you choose to hunt with .30-30 Winchester, make sure your chosen load is specifically for the application. All ammunition is not created equally; in fact, even hollow points and other related expanding rounds aren’t the same. You can have a far more successful hunting season by putting the time and energy into practicing with and using ammunition designed to drop the game or predator you’re after.

In addition to careful ammunition selection, take care to zero your scope precisely and familiarize yourself with the drift and drop of your gun and ammo combination. If need be, create a DOPE sheet to track the changes.

Personal defense with .30-30 Winchester

When considering .30-30 Winchester for personal defense purposes, it’s essential to hit the pause button and acknowledge that it is not an ideal defensive cartridge. That is not to say it cannot or should not be used for self-defense, but more that lever-actions are not the best choice for protecting yourself or your loved ones from an imminent, credible threat.

If the only gun you have available for defensive use is your trusty .30-30 Winchester, so be it. The gun you have on hand is far better than no gun. Using it for defense means it needs to be loaded with the best-possible defensive rounds, and you need to be comfortable with it. You also must be intimately familiar with what it can do, so time spent on the range practicing and testing your ammunition of choice is a must.

It’s possible to cycle a lever-action quickly, but your capacity is far less than an AR-15 or a larger capacity handgun. Training is the key to running a lever faster, so stick to it. Your .30-30 Winchester lever-action is a gun, and it is an equalizer. It can be used for personal defense. Just be aware of its limitations, especially within the distances found in your home. Gun and ballistic knowledge is power.

.30-30 Winchester Specifications

Available Loads for .30-30 Winchester

More than a century in production means there are options out there for .30-30 Winchester. This is not an exhaustive list but simply includes various loads currently available for this cartridge:

Winchester Ballistic Silvertip

Features

• Rapid expansion polymer tip
• Polymer tip enhances expansion and helps prevent deformity
• Alloyed lead core for weight retention and improved penetration
• Contoured jacket for consistent, reliable expansion
• Black oxide coating to reduce fouling
• Significant energy transfer on impact

From Winchester:

“Ballistic Silvertip ammunition provides hunters proven immediate knock-down and extreme precision. Innovation combined with engineering excellence makes Ballistic Silvertip the choice for those who appreciate the legendary excellence Winchester is known for around the world.”

Federal Premium Hammer Down

Features

• Designed for optimal use in lever guns
• Cycles reliably in both side gate loading and tubular magazines
• Modified chamfered case for consistent, smooth feeding
• Bullets are fine-tuned and specifically designed for improved terminal performance out of lever-action rifles
• Designed in collaboration with Henry Repeating Arms
• Bullets deliver expansion and weight retention superior to the majority of loads in this class of ammunition
• Greater velocities and performance in pistol cartridges
• Nickel-plated case for visibility in low-light
• Bullet length 0.900 inches
• Ballistic coefficient .268

From Federal Premium:

“Make your lever gun run like never before with the industry’s only ammunition truly designed for optimal cycling and overall performance from the time-tested rifle platform. Velocities of Federal Premium HammerDown loads are customized to produce superior ballistics and terminal performance through lever-action barrel lengths. The construction of the molecularly bonded soft point bullets has also been adjusted for the best accuracy and expansion at those velocities. The geometry of each round’s case, bullet and cartridge ensures flawless cycling through tubular magazine and typical lever-action feeding systems.”

Hornady LEVERevolution

Features

• Flex Tip technology for higher ballistic coefficients
• Improved velocity up to 250 feet per second greater than standard flat point loads
• Safe for use in tubular magazines
• Modern, high-quality propellants
• Propellants designed to maximize velocity
• Fantastic accuracy
• Stellar terminal performance
• Delivers up to 40 percent more energy than standard flat point loads
• Sectional density .241
• Ballistic coefficient G1 .330

From Hornady:

“LEVERevolution represents a breakthrough in ammo design for lever-action rifles and revolvers. The key to its innovation and performance is the patented elastomer Flex Tip technology of the FTX and MonoFlex Safe to use in tubular magazines, these bullets feature higher ballistic coefficients and deliver dramatically flatter trajectory for increased downrange performance. NOTE: The innovative LEVERevolution FTX and MonoFlex bullet designs may require a newer magazine follower to provide best possible functioning of the last round out of the magazine in certain guns.”

Remington Core-Lokt 

Features

• Soft Point bullet for excellent penetration and a significant wound cavity
• Core-Lokt bullet so copper jacket and lead core deliver incredible weight retention
• Mushrooms uniformly to approximately double its size
• New, reloadable brass
• Centuries of Remington’s design experience behind it
• Trusted, proven hunting round
• Ballistic coefficient .254

From Remington:

“The deadliest mushroom in the woods for more than 75 years. Since 1939, more hunters have relied on Remington Core-Lokt than any other big game ammunition, and rightly so. It’s filled more tags on more continents than any other load. Core-Lokt is the original controlled expansion bullet. Its time-proven performance has made it hunting’s first choice for over 75 years. The tapered copper jacket is locked to a solid lead core delivering massive 2X expansion, weight retention and consistent on-game results. Available in soft point and pointed soft point versions, and in a range of bullet weights for virtually every centerfire hunting caliber made. Trust your next hunt to the best-selling hunting ammunition of all time.”

Barnes VOR-TX 

Features

• Triple-Shock X Flat Nose bullets for superior energy transfer
• Creates a significant wound cavity
• Lead-free
• New, reloadable brass
• Up to 100 percent weight retention
• Mushrooms into four cutting petals upon impact
• Ballistic coefficient 0.2

From Barnes:

“These all-copper bullets provide destructive power, double-diameter expansion, maximum weight retention, and devastating energy transfer — all with excellent accuracy.”

.30-30 Manufacturers

Lever-Action Rifles

The .30-30 Winchester was designed for the lever-action, so it comes as no surprise that’s what it’s mostly available in. Manufacturers currently producing lever-actions in .30-30 Winchester include:

• Winchester
• Henry Repeating Arms
• Mossberg
• Ruger
• Taylor and Company
• Marlin Firearms
• Rossi
• Lymans
• Thompson Center
• Savage Arms

Bolt-Action Rifles

• Savage Arms (Savage 340)

Barrels for .30-30 Winchester

• Winchester
• USA MGM (Match Grade Machine)

Parts and Accessories

• Midwest Gun Works
• Marble’s
• LimbSaver
• Winchester
• HIVIZ
• Pachmyr
• Allen
• TekMat
• Markron
• Grace USA
• Skinner Sights
• Numrich Gun Parts

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I convert my AR-platform rifle to .30-30 Winchester?

No, you cannot convert an AR-platform rifle to .30-30 Winchester. This cartridge was specifically designed for the lever-action platform and would have to be significantly altered to work in an AR (which would ultimately make it no longer the same cartridge).

Do most lever-action rifles take .30-30 Winchester?

No, they do not, not anymore. Today there are a lot of options for lever guns including .30-30 Winchester, .45-70 Government, and 444 Marlin.

Is the .30-30 Winchester a wildcat cartridge?

No, it is not. .30-30 Winchester is an official SAAMI cartridge.

Are there .30-30 Winchester bolt-action rifles?

Yes, there is a bolt-action rifle made by Savage that is chambered in .30-30 Winchester.

What was the .30-30 Winchester’s parent cartridge?

The .30-30 Winchester’s parent cartridge is the .38-55 Winchester.

What company designed .30-30 Winchester?

Winchester Ammunition.

Does the military use .30-30 Winchester?

No, they do not. It’s true the United States Military uses a .30-caliber cartridge, but it’s 7.62x51mm NATO, hence the “NATO” designation.

Do all ammunition manufacturers make .30-30 Winchester?

No, they do not. But a number of them do produce ammunition with a heavy focus on hunting loads.

Who makes the best .30-30 Winchester ammunition?

That depends on the use. For example, do you intend to use it for hunting or target practice? There are a reasonable number of .30-30 Winchester loads on the market. When choosing a load, first consider what you’re going to use it for.

Was .30-30 Winchester or .30 Carbine made first?

The .30-30 Winchester was designed first in 1895. The .30 Carbine didn’t come along until 1942, when it was created by Winchester for use in the M1 Carbine.

Can I hunt with .30-30 Winchester?

Absolutely. In fact, .30-30 Winchester is a good hunting cartridge for a variety of game animals and predators, although it’s most commonly used on deer.

What animals can I hunt with .30-30 Winchester?

.30-30 Winchester is most popular for deer hunting but it can be used for any game animal, varmint, or predator that is medium-sized or smaller.

Is .30-30 Winchester good for home defense?

It is not an ideal choice for personal defense, but if it is the only gun you have, then you make do.

Is .30-30 Winchester a good performer for precision shooting?

No, it is not, or at least it is not for long-range precision shooting. .30-30 Winchester is a fairly accurate cartridge but wasn’t designed for precision, or long ranges.

What can .30-30 Winchester be used for?

The .30-30 Winchester is a great hunting cartridge within approximately 300 yards and is also fun for target practice.

Can I reload .30-30 Winchester?

Yes, you can. There are plenty of components and reloading dies available for .30-30 Winchester.

What is the SAAMI maximum pressure of .30-30 Winchester?

52,000 psi.

What’s so special about .30-30 Winchester?

The rich history of the .30-30 Winchester is one if its most fascinating features. It was designed in 1895, so it’s technically existed and seen regular use in three centuries. Then there’s it’s use in the military and law enforcement which eventually lead to a lot of use among deer hunters.

What caliber is .30-30 Winchester?

.30-30 Winchester is a .30-caliber cartridge that was named during an era when the first number in its name referred to its caliber.

How long has .30-30 Winchester been around?

It was designed by Winchester in 1895.

What is the case capacity of .30-30 Winchester?

34 to 36 grains depending on bullet depth.

What is the minimum trim length for .30-30 Winchester?

2.029 inches.

What is the maximum trim length for .30-30 Winchester?

2.039 inches.

Will .30-30 Winchester work in an AR-15?

No, it will not. .30-30 Winchester was designed for the lever-action platform.

What is the difference between .30-30 Winchester and .30 Smokeless?

The .30-30 Winchester and .30 Smokeless are two different names for the same cartridge. What we now know as the .30-30 Winchester was originally named the .30 Smokeless.

Is .30-30 Winchester good for deer hunting?

Yes, it is a very popular cartridge for deer hunting and is considered to be effective within 300 yards, although closer distances are more reliable.

Is .30-30 Winchester a good feral hog hunting cartridge?

With proper shot placement and at closer ranges, you can hunt feral hogs with .30-30 Winchester.

Is there a .30-30 Winchester revolver?

Yes, there is. Magnum Research offers their BFR model in .30-30 Winchester.