Rew
08-26-2005, 07:57 PM
The 30 WCF an American classic.
The 30 WCF (Winchester Center Fire) also know as the 30-30 Winchester, or simply treinta-treinta south of the border was introduced in 1895 in the then new 1894 Winchester lever action. It was the first small bore, “high velocity”, smokeless powder cartridge, introduced to the American public. It was considered the Magnum rifle cartridge of its time and was used on all types of North American and more than a few African big game animals. The original load used a 160-grain SP bullet pushed by 30 grains of the then new smokeless powder. The 30-30 tag is a holdover from black powder days as it used a 30-caliber bullet over 30 grains of powder. The official name is still .30 WCF. The muzzle velocity was advertised at 1970 fps. Marlin was quick to chamber their M1893 and later the improved M36. The Winchester M54 bolt action as well as the Savage M99 were also chambered for the .30 WCF.
Today the 30-30 is thought of as a mid powered cartridge closer to the bottom of the list. Today factory rounds are loaded with 150 and 170-grain bullets. Many an American youth started hunting big game with the Winchester 94 or Marlin 336 in .30 WCF. I have many fond memories of a Marlin 336 my grandfather bought new in the 50s and now belongs to my oldest grandson. My youngest daughter has a Winchester 94 in 30-30 as her primary rifle.
The .30 WCF is a handloaders dream. In a bolt action or single shot any .308” bullet can be used. In most lever actions flat point bullets must be used in the tube magazine, the Savage M99 being an exception. There are many powders useful today and the old 30-grain rule is a thing of the past. Useful bullets range in weight from 100 through 200 grains. Velocities of over 2000 fps are common. Or you can go the other way, I have found a lead gas check 113 grain cast bullet over a small charge of unique is great for introducing a youngster to the world of centerfire rifles.
The .30 WCF, 30-30, or 7.62x51mmR, don’t much matter what its called, its an American classic.
Rew ;)
The 30 WCF (Winchester Center Fire) also know as the 30-30 Winchester, or simply treinta-treinta south of the border was introduced in 1895 in the then new 1894 Winchester lever action. It was the first small bore, “high velocity”, smokeless powder cartridge, introduced to the American public. It was considered the Magnum rifle cartridge of its time and was used on all types of North American and more than a few African big game animals. The original load used a 160-grain SP bullet pushed by 30 grains of the then new smokeless powder. The 30-30 tag is a holdover from black powder days as it used a 30-caliber bullet over 30 grains of powder. The official name is still .30 WCF. The muzzle velocity was advertised at 1970 fps. Marlin was quick to chamber their M1893 and later the improved M36. The Winchester M54 bolt action as well as the Savage M99 were also chambered for the .30 WCF.
Today the 30-30 is thought of as a mid powered cartridge closer to the bottom of the list. Today factory rounds are loaded with 150 and 170-grain bullets. Many an American youth started hunting big game with the Winchester 94 or Marlin 336 in .30 WCF. I have many fond memories of a Marlin 336 my grandfather bought new in the 50s and now belongs to my oldest grandson. My youngest daughter has a Winchester 94 in 30-30 as her primary rifle.
The .30 WCF is a handloaders dream. In a bolt action or single shot any .308” bullet can be used. In most lever actions flat point bullets must be used in the tube magazine, the Savage M99 being an exception. There are many powders useful today and the old 30-grain rule is a thing of the past. Useful bullets range in weight from 100 through 200 grains. Velocities of over 2000 fps are common. Or you can go the other way, I have found a lead gas check 113 grain cast bullet over a small charge of unique is great for introducing a youngster to the world of centerfire rifles.
The .30 WCF, 30-30, or 7.62x51mmR, don’t much matter what its called, its an American classic.
Rew ;)