When it comes to classic lever-action cartridges, the 30-30 Winchester and the 38-55 are two venerable options that have stood the test of time. Both cartridges have a rich history and are widely used for hunting and sporting purposes. In this article, we will compare the 30-30 Winchester and the 38-55 to guide you in the right direction as to which cartridge is better.
Here is the short answer:
The 30-30 Winchester offers a flatter trajectory, higher velocity, and wider availability of ammunition, making it a versatile choice for medium-range hunting. On the other hand, the 38-55 delivers heavier and larger-diameter bullets but still has less energy than the 30-30.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closer at each cartridge like their best uses, their ballistics, and how they compare in-depth
In-Depth Look at the 30-30 Winchester
The 30-30 Winchester, introduced in 1895, has become one of the most popular lever-action cartridges in North America. It is known for its moderate recoil and versatile close range performance. The cartridge fires a 30-caliber bullet weighing between 150 to 170 grains. Performance wise, these two bullet weights are only about 150 foot pounds of energy apart.
The 30-30 Winchester has a reputation for reliable performance and is commonly chambered in lever-action rifles such as the Winchester Model 94 and Marlin 336. The 30-30 is a good cartridge for those who are seeking a close range deer hunting cartridge that has very moderate recoil. This cartridge moderate recoil also makes it a popular choice for youth hunters.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 30-30 Winchester with a 170-grain soft point bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2200 | 1827 |
| 50 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 2044 | 1577 |
| 100 | 0 | 1.8 | 1894 | 1354 |
| 150 | -2.8 | 4.3 | 1753 | 1159 |
| 200 | -8.4 | 8.1 | 1619 | 990 |
| 250 | -17.2 | 13 | 1494 | 843 |
| 300 | -30 | 19.4 | 1380 | 719 |
| 350 | -47.5 | 27.3 | 1279 | 617 |
| 400 | -70.3 | 36.7 | 1191 | 535 |
| 450 | -99.3 | 47.6 | 1118 | 472 |
| 500 | -135.4 | 59.9 | 1060 | 424 |
In-Depth Look at the 38-55
The 38-55, introduced in the late 19th century, is a cartridge with a short history. It was originally designed for use in black powder rifles but has since transitioned to smokeless powder. The 38-55 typically fires a .377 caliber bullet weighing around 255 grains.
The 38-55 is almost obsolete nowadays due to the more advanced calibers that reach much faster velocity and have much more energy. However, this cartridge is ideal for use on deer-sized game at extremely close range as it has a very hard time keeping its energy past 100 yards.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 38-55 with a 250-grain hollow point bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -0.9 | 0 | 1600 | 1421 |
| 50 | 0 | 0.7 | 1456 | 1176 |
| 100 | -3.2 | 3.3 | 1329 | 980 |
| 150 | -11.4 | 7.5 | 1218 | 824 |
| 200 | -25.4 | 13.5 | 1129 | 708 |
| 250 | -46.2 | 21.2 | 1060 | 624 |
| 300 | -74.6 | 30.3 | 1006 | 562 |
| 350 | -111.2 | 40.6 | 962 | 514 |
| 400 | -157.1 | 52.2 | 924 | 474 |
| 450 | -212.4 | 64.7 | 891 | 440 |
| 500 | -278 | 78.4 | 860 | 411 |
In-Depth Comparison
When comparing the 30-30 Winchester and the 38-55, several factors come into play:
Ballistics: The 30-30 Winchester offers a flatter trajectory, higher velocity, and longer effective range compared to the 38-55. Even though the 30-30 is not a cartridge typically used for long-range shooting it offers far better ballistics than the 38-55.
Ammunition Availability: The 30-30 Winchester enjoys wider availability of factory ammunition, with a variety of loads tailored for different hunting applications. The 38-55, although less common, can still be found in specialty stores or obtained through handloading which for most shooters is unachievable.
Recoil: The 30-30 Winchester generally produces less recoil compared to the 38-55. This makes it more manageable for shooters who prefer a milder shooting experience.
Hunting Applications: The 30-30 Winchester is well-suited for hunting deer-sized game at close distances, thanks to its flatter trajectory and higher velocity. It offers sufficient power and accuracy for most hunting situations. The 38-55 could be used to take game at ranges closer than 100 yards but much farther and you run the risk of the bullet not expanding or not delivering enough energy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the 30-30 Winchester and the 38-55 are both old cartridges with some impressive history. The 30-30 Winchester offers a flatter trajectory, higher velocity, more energy, and wider availability of ammunition, making it versatile for medium-range hunting. While the 38-55 is better for those who want to shoot a classic rifle from a time of less developed cartridges and does not have the intent of doing any hunting on large game.