.30 M1 Carbine (TC and Ruger)(using Hornady bullets)

The .30 Carbine (aka .30 M-1 Carbine) was developed by Winchester in the 1930s and adopted by the U.S. Ordnance Department in 1941. It was almost immediately put into action with the onset of World War II.

Although it was designed for "light carbines," it was a natural for revolvers and gunsmiths were soon converting Colt Single Actions and other guns. As surplus ammunition became available at very reasonable prices, in 1968 Bill Ruger began offering his Blackhawk so chambered. Today, 44 years later, the Ruger revolver remains in continuous production in spite of surplus ammunition being long since depleted. The popularity of .30 Carbine revolvers is not based on inexpensive ammo, but rather on their long-range potential for varmints and pests, while offering accuracy and mild recoil.

Handloading the .30 Carbine is relatively easy, however, due to its slightly tapered case. Cases must be lubricated if steel dies are used. It is important to remove lubricant before firing. If not, cases can push back against the recoil shield and freeze cylinder rotation. Some die companies offer a carbide sizer die (eliminating the need for case lube), which is money well invested.

There has been considerable "reduced" data with Hodgdon H-110 and Winchester 296 powders, which give erratic velocities and have been known to stick bullets in the bore…potentially a very dangerous situation. If reduced loads are desired, powders with a medium burn rate will give the best results.

In spite of loads in the accompanying data being fired in a revolver, small rifle primers are suggested.

Most surplus military cases are of thicker construction than commercial cases, which will result in higher chamber pressures. Maximum powder charges should be approached with caution, which will probably require a 2 percent to 3 percent powder charge reduction to duplicate velocities achieved with commercial cases.