30 Winchester Center Fire (WCF) and 30-30 Winchester are popular rifle cartridges often used for hunting. Though they share the same caliber (.30), they are not the same cartridge. 30 WCF was introduced in 1895 for use in the Winchester Model 1894 lever-action rifle. 30-30 Winchester was introduced in 1895 for use in the Winchester Model 1894 lever-action rifle. Though they are similar, they are not interchangeable.
Criteria | Is 30 WCF the same as 30-30? |
---|---|
Name | No, they have different names. |
History | No, they have different origins. |
Cartridge Type | Both are rimmed cartridges. |
Bullet Diameter | Both have a .308-inch diameter. |
Case Length | 30 WCF has a longer case length. |
Overall Length | 30-30 has a shorter overall length. |
Velocity | 30 WCF has a higher velocity. |
Energy | 30-30 has a higher energy. |
Popular Usage | 30-30 is more popularly used. |
Ballistic Coeff. | 30 WCF has a higher BC. |
30 WCF vs 30-30: Which is Better for Hunting?


There are a few things to consider when trying to answer this question. The first is the type of game you are hunting. If you are hunting deer, elk, or moose, then the 30 WCF is the better choice. If you are hunting smaller games, such as varmints or rabbits, then the 30-30 is the better choice.
The second thing to consider is the range at which you will be hunting. If you are hunting at long range, then the 30 WCF is the better choice. If you are hunting at a shorter range, then the 30-30 is the better choice.
The third thing to consider is the type of terrain you will be hunting in. If you are hunting in an open country, then the 30 WCF is the better choice. If you are hunting in thick brush, then the 30-30 is the better choice.
In general, the 30 WCF is the better choice for hunting deer, elk, and moose. The 30-30 is the better choice for hunting smaller game and in thick brush.
Cartridge Name | .30 Winchester Center Fire | .30-30 Winchester |
Bullet Diameter | .308 inches | .308 inches |
Bullet Weight | 110-220 grains | 110-170 grains |
Muzzle Velocity | 2,700-2,900 fps | 2,200-2,500 fps |
Effective Range | 300-400 yards | 200-250 yards |
Recoil | Moderate | Moderate |
Availability | Common | Common |
Popular Firearms | Winchester Model 70, Remington Model 700, Browning X-Bolt | Marlin 336, Winchester Model 94, Henry Lever Action |
Hunting Applications | Medium to Large Game | Medium Game |
Price | $20-$40 per box of 20 | $15-$30 per box of 20 |
Note: The information in this table is based on generalizations and may vary depending on specific firearms and loads used. It is important to always consult the manufacturer’s recommendations and use proper safety precautions when handling firearms and ammunition.
30 WCF vs 30-30: Which is More Accurate?

The answer to this question is not as simple as it may seem. Both the 30 WCF and the 30-30 have their own unique strengths and weaknesses when it comes to accuracy.
The 30 WCF is a cartridge that was designed specifically for long-range accuracy. It has a longer barrel life and a higher velocity than the 30-30, making it ideal for shots that need to be taken at a distance.
The 30-30, on the other hand, is a cartridge that is better suited for close-range accuracy. It has a shorter barrel life and a lower velocity than the 30 WCF, making it better for shots that need to be taken at close range.
So, which is more accurate? It really depends on what you need the cartridge for. If you need to take long-range shots, then the 30 WCF is the better choice. If you need to take close-range shots, then the 30-30 is the better choice.
Is 30 WCF Same As 30-30
The terms “30 WCF” and “30-30” are often used interchangeably, as they refer to the same cartridge. The term “30 WCF” stands for “30 Winchester Center Fire,” which was the original name given to this popular rifle cartridge when it was introduced by Winchester in 1895. However, over time, it became more commonly known as the “30-30.”
The 30-30 cartridge has a long and storied history in American firearms. It was one of the first small-bore, smokeless powder cartridges developed for sporting rifles, and it quickly gained popularity due to its effectiveness and availability. It was designed for lever-action rifles, such as the Winchester Model 1894, and it has remained a favorite among hunters for over a century.
The 30-30 cartridge is a rimmed, bottlenecked cartridge with a bullet diameter of .308 inches. It typically fires a 150 to 170-grain bullet at velocities around 2,400 to 2,500 feet per second. While it may not have the long-range capabilities of some modern rifle cartridges, it is known for its excellent performance at typical woods and brush hunting distances.
So, in short, the terms “30 WCF” and “30-30” are referring to the same cartridge. Whether you call it 30 WCF or 30-30, rest assured that you are talking about one of the most iconic and widely used rifle cartridges in American history.
30 WCF vs 30-30: Which Has More Power?
The 30 WCF has more power than the 30-30, but not by much. The 30 WCF has a muzzle energy of around 2,200 ft-lbs, while the 30-30 has a muzzle energy of around 1,900 ft-lbs. The 30 WCF also has a slightly higher velocity, with a muzzle velocity of around 2,700 fps.
The 30-30 does have some advantages over the 30 WCF, however. The 30-30 is a much more popular cartridge, and as such, there is a much wider range of ammunition and firearms available in that caliber. The 30-30 is also a bit cheaper to buy, and it is generally considered to be a bit more accurate than the 30 WCF.
ultimately, the choice between the two cartridges is a matter of personal preference. If you are looking for a bit more power, the 30 WCF is the way to go. If you are looking for more affordable ammunition and firearms, or if you are looking for better accuracy, the 30-30 is the better choice.
30 WCF vs 30-30: Which is Easier to Find Ammunition For?
The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including where you live, what type of gun you own, and what types of ammunition you are looking for. In general, however, it is easier to find ammunition for a 30 WCF than it is for a 30-30. This is because the 30 WCF is a more popular caliber and is produced by more manufacturers. As such, there are more retailers that sell 30 WCF ammunition, and it is typically less expensive than 30-30 ammunition.
If you live in a rural area or a place where hunting is popular, you may have more luck finding 30-30 ammunition than you would 30 WCF ammunition. This is because the 30-30 is a popular caliber for hunting rifles. However, if you live in an urban area or a place where gun laws are more strict, you may have more luck finding 30 WCF ammunition. This is because the 30 WCF is a popular caliber for self-defense handguns.
Ultimately, the best way to find ammunition for your gun is to search online or ask around at your local gun store.
30 WCF vs 30-30: Which is Better for Self-defense?
The 30-30 Winchester is a classic American round that has been used for self-defense, hunting, and plinking for over a century. The 30 WCF, or Winchester Center Fire, is a more modern round that was designed for self-defense. Both of these rounds are excellent choices for self-defense, but there are some key differences that you should be aware of before making a decision.
The 30-30 Winchester is a lever-action rifle round that was first introduced in 1895. It was designed for use in the Winchester Model 1894 rifle and was originally chambered in .38-40 Winchester and .32-40 Winchester. The 30-30 Winchester quickly became one of the most popular hunting rounds of all time, due to its versatility and effectiveness on medium-sized game animals.
The round quickly gained a reputation for being an excellent self-defense round as well, due to its stopping power and accuracy. The 30-30 Winchester has a bullet diameter of .308 inches and a case length of 1.5 inches. It is a rimmed cartridge, which means that it can be used in both lever-action and pump-action rifles. The 30-30 Winchester has a muzzle velocity of 2,400 feet per second and a muzzle energy of 1,940 foot pounds.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
What is 30 Wcf?
30 Wcf is a Winchester Center Fire cartridge that was introduced in 1895 for the Winchester Model 1894 lever-action rifle. It is also known as the .30 Winchester Center Fire or .30 WCF.
What is the difference between 30 Wcf and 30-30?
The main difference between 30 Wcf and 30-30 is that 30 Wcf is a rimmed cartridge while 30-30 is a rimless cartridge. 30 Wcf is also slightly longer than 30-30.
What rifles are chambered for 30 Wcf?
The Winchester Model 1894 is the most popular rifle chambered for 30 Wcf. Other rifles chambered for this cartridge include the Marlin Model 336, Winchester Model 1895, and Rossi Model 62.
What is the ballistic performance of 30 Wcf?
The ballistic performance of 30 Wcf is very good. It has a muzzle velocity of around 2,000 feet per second and is capable of taking down large game animals such as deer and elk.
What are the dimensions of 30 Wcf?
The dimensions of 30 Wcf are as follows: case length is 2.1 inches, bullet diameter is .308 inches, and overall length is 2.4 inches.
What is the maximum pressure for 30 Wcf?
The maximum pressure for 30 Wcf is 52,000 psi.
What is the recommended barrel length for 30 Wcf?
The recommended barrel length for 30 Wcf is 20 inches.
What is the Reloading Data for 30 Wcf?
There are a number of different reloading data for 30 Wcf depending on the specific bullet and powder being used. However, generally speaking, you can expect to get around 2,000 feet per second with a bullet weight of 150 grains.
Conclusion
The short answer is no, 30 WCF is not the same as 30-30. While they may be similar in some respects, there are also significant differences between the two cartridges. 30 WCF is a rimfire cartridge, while 30-30 is a centerfire cartridge. 30 WCF is also shorter and has less powder than 30-30. As a result, 30 WCF is less powerful than 30-30.