Just finished the 30-30 Winchester that is probably the most common and recognized cartridge around. Now lets talk about another 30-30. The 30-30 Wesson. Yes I know you recognize that name and it is who you think it is. Except not quite. Daniel B. Wesson was the co-founder of Smith & Wesson, but his brother Frank Wesson was a gun designer too. His Wesson rifle was even bought by the U.S. government during the Civil War. At that time it was a rim-fire and was manufactured about 1861. Later on the gun was changed to the new center-fire and this is the cartridge that was called the 30-30 Wesson. That was about 1880. And besides manufacturing the rifle he also manufactured the ammunition. Also The U.S. Cartridge Company manufactured the cartridge.
In this case the second '30' does mean 30 grains of black powder.
(The 30-30 Win. only used smokeless powder)
The rifle itself was a single shot that hinged like a break open shotgun and there were two triggers. The forward trigger unlatched the barrel which tipped up to load and unload. Later on the Wesson rifle, with still the same 30-30 Wesson cartridge, was made as a under lever falling block rifle. While it is unlikely anyone having an original Wesson Rifle would be crazy enough to shoot such an expensive collectors item, the cartridge can be made by reforming a .357 Maximum case.
Use a 165 Lead outside lubricated bullet , 30.0 grains of Fg black powder for about 1250 fps and 1010 ft lbs of energy at the muzzle. The deer must have been easier to kill in those days.
Sarge
Recommend
First 
Recommend
