The Winchester Super-X 30-30 cartridge, often abbreviated as .30-30 Win, is a classic and popular choice among hunters in North America. It's been around since 1895, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its effectiveness for hunting medium-sized game like deer and black bear at relatively short to medium ranges.
Here's a brief overview of its specifications:
- Caliber: .30-30 Winchester (often pronounced as "thirty-thirty")
- Bullet Diameter: .308 inches (7.82 mm)
- Case Type: Rimmed, bottlenecked
- Case Length: 2.039 inches (51.81 mm)
- Overall Length: 2.557 inches (64.99 mm)
- Typical Bullet Weights: Common bullet weights range from 150 to 170 grains (9.7 to 11.0 g).
- Muzzle Velocity: Depending on the specific load, muzzle velocities can range from around 2,200 to 2,600 feet per second (670 to 790 m/s).
- Typical Use: Primarily used for hunting medium-sized game at ranges under 200 yards, though it can stretch further in capable hands and with the right load.
The cartridge's name comes from its caliber (.30 inches) and its original black powder charge weight (30 grains). It was one of the first smokeless powder cartridges designed for sporting rifles and was initially chambered in the Winchester Model 1894 lever-action rifle, which became one of the most iconic firearms in American history.