Federal .30 Super Carry Pistol Cartridge: Full Review

Published on January 8, 2022
Duration: 10:28

This review of the Federal .30 Super Carry cartridge, presented by Jeremy Stafford of Guns & Ammo and Chris Lock of Federal Ammunition, highlights its design to bridge the performance gap between .380 ACP and 9mm for concealed carry. The cartridge offers terminal ballistics comparable to 9mm with increased magazine capacity in similarly sized firearms. Its pricing strategy aims to be accessible, aligning with .380 ACP for target loads and 9mm for defensive loads.

Quick Summary

The Federal .30 Super Carry cartridge offers terminal ballistics comparable to 9mm Luger while enabling increased magazine capacity in similarly sized firearms. Its smaller diameter (.312" vs .355") allows for more rounds, and recoil is manageable, making it an effective option for concealed carry.

Chapters

  1. 00:10.30 Super Carry Introduction
  2. 00:24Purpose and Market Gap
  3. 01:19Performance Exceeds Expectations
  4. 01:34Caliber Dimensions & Capacity
  5. 02:08Terminal Performance & Ballistics
  6. 03:48Pistol Capacity Comparison
  7. 04:55Recoil Impression
  8. 05:24Pricing Strategy
  9. 06:21Launch Ammunition Options
  10. 08:05Firearm Availability & Accuracy
  11. 09:44Modern Cartridge Design

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary advantage of the .30 Super Carry cartridge?

The .30 Super Carry cartridge is designed to offer terminal ballistics comparable to 9mm Luger while allowing for increased magazine capacity in similarly sized firearms, bridging the gap between .380 ACP and 9mm for concealed carry.

How does the .30 Super Carry compare to 9mm in terms of terminal ballistics?

Terminal performance, including expansion and penetration, of the .30 Super Carry is very similar to 9mm Luger, as demonstrated by gel tests. It achieves this with a smaller diameter bullet.

What is the difference in magazine capacity between a 9mm and a .30 Super Carry pistol of the same size?

For dimensionally identical single-stack pistols, such as the Smith & Wesson Shield EZ, the .30 Super Carry version typically holds two more rounds than its 9mm counterpart (e.g., 10 rounds vs. 8 rounds).

How does the recoil of the .30 Super Carry feel compared to 9mm?

Shooters describe the recoil of the .30 Super Carry as slightly more abrupt but with less overall push than 9mm, making it easy to control and manage during rapid fire.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Guns & Ammo

View all →