30 Super Carry, a relatively new cartridge, aims to find its niche in the concealed carry market. At COMPARE.EDU.VN, we objectively analyze its performance against established rounds like 9mm Luger and .380 ACP, providing comprehensive insights for informed decisions. Discover which cartridge offers the best balance of capacity, power, and manageability for your specific needs.
1. Understanding the 30 Super Carry Cartridge
The 30 Super Carry is a cartridge designed for concealed carry and personal defense. Introduced by Federal Premium in 2022, it is intended to bridge the gap in performance and size between the 9mm Luger and the .380 ACP. This cartridge aims to offer a higher magazine capacity compared to the 9mm while providing more power than the .380 ACP.
Key features of the 30 Super Carry include:
- Bullet Diameter: .313 inches (8mm)
- Base Diameter: .345 inches
- Case Length: .827 inches
- Cartridge Length: 1.169 inches
- Bullet Weights: Primarily 100 to 115 grains
The 30 Super Carry’s design focuses on a narrower cartridge, enabling firearms to accommodate more rounds in the magazine compared to the 9mm Luger. The goal is to provide an optimal balance of concealability, capacity, and stopping power.
1.1. Manufacturers of 30 Super Carry Ammunition
Currently, the availability of 30 Super Carry ammunition is limited to a few manufacturers. This could change as the round gains popularity. Key manufacturers include:
- Federal Premium: Offers American Eagle (full metal jacket) and Personal Defense HST (jacketed hollow point) rounds, both with 100-grain bullets.
- Speer: Produces the Gold Dot line with a 100-grain hollow point bullet and nickel-plated case.
- CCI: Provides Blazer Brass rounds featuring a 115-grain full metal jacket flat nose bullet, ideal for target practice.
1.2. Firearms Chambered in 30 Super Carry
The selection of firearms chambered in 30 Super Carry is also limited but growing. Notable manufacturers include:
- Smith & Wesson: Offers the M&P M2.0 series in 30 Super Carry, with magazine capacities of 10+1, 12+1, and 15+1.
- Nighthawk Custom: Provides 1911-style handguns chambered in 30 Super Carry.
The limited availability of firearms and ammunition may influence adoption rates, but increased demand could lead to greater production and variety.
2. 30 Super Carry vs. 9mm Luger: A Detailed Comparison
The 9mm Luger is one of the most popular and widely used cartridges for personal defense. Comparing it to the 30 Super Carry provides insight into the potential advantages and disadvantages of each.
2.1. Physical and Capacity Differences
The 30 Super Carry features a .312-inch bullet, slightly smaller than the 9mm Luger. The primary advantage of the 30 Super Carry is its potential for higher magazine capacity in similarly sized firearms. For example, a pistol chambered in 30 Super Carry might hold one or two more rounds than the same model chambered in 9mm.
2.2. Ballistic Performance
Examining ballistic data helps in understanding the performance differences between the two cartridges.
| Ammunition | Muzzle Velocity (fps) | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 30 Super Carry 100-gr Federal HST | 1,250 | 347 |
| 9mm 147-grain Federal HST | 1,000 | 326 |
| 30 Super Carry 100-gr Speer Gold Dot | 1,150 | 294 |
| 9mm 147-gr Speer Gold Dot | 1,150 | 364 |
| 30 Super Carry 115-gr Blazer Brass | 1,150 | 338 |
| 9mm 115-gr Blazer Brass | 1,145 | 335 |
From the data, it is evident that the 30 Super Carry and 9mm Luger offer comparable ballistic performance. Some loads of 30 Super Carry may offer slightly higher velocities, while others may have similar or slightly lower muzzle energy compared to common 9mm loads.
Alt: Ballistic comparison of 30 Super Carry and 9mm Luger ammunition.
2.3. Real-World Testing
Real-world testing can provide valuable insights beyond manufacturer specifications. Testing conducted with a Smith & Wesson Shield EZ chambered in 30 Super Carry revealed slightly lower velocities than advertised, reflecting the impact of barrel length on performance.
| Caliber | Load | Avg. Muzzle Velocity |
|---|---|---|
| 30 Super Carry | Federal HST (100 Grain) | 1180 fps |
| 30 Super Carry | Speer Gold Dot (115 Grain) | 1081 fps |
| 30 Super Carry | Remington HTP (100 Grain) | 1179 fps |
These results underscore the importance of considering specific firearm characteristics when evaluating cartridge performance.
3. 30 Super Carry vs. .380 ACP: Performance Evaluation
The .380 ACP is a smaller cartridge often chosen for its ease of concealment and manageable recoil. Comparing it with the 30 Super Carry highlights the trade-offs between size, power, and capacity.
3.1. Physical Attributes
The .380 ACP is physically smaller than the 30 Super Carry, making it suitable for very compact handguns. However, the 30 Super Carry typically uses heavier bullets, generally ranging from 100 to 115 grains, compared to the .380 ACP, which often uses bullets around 85 to 95 grains.
3.2. Ballistic Data Comparison
A comparison of ballistic data indicates significant performance differences between the two cartridges.
| Ammunition | Muzzle Velocity (fps) | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 30 Super Carry 100-gr Federal HST | 1,250 | 347 |
| .380 ACP 88-gr Federal Punch | 1,000 | 189 |
| 30 Super Carry 100-gr Speer Gold Dot | 1,150 | 294 |
| .380 ACP 90-gr Speer Gold Dot | 1,040 | 216 |
| 30 Super Carry 115-gr Blazer Brass | 1,150 | 338 |
| .380 ACP – 95-gr Blazer Brass | 945 | 188 |
The 30 Super Carry generally exhibits higher muzzle velocities and significantly greater muzzle energy compared to the .380 ACP. This suggests that the 30 Super Carry offers improved stopping power over the .380 ACP.
3.3. Gel Testing Analysis
Gel testing is critical for evaluating the terminal performance of ammunition. Tests using Clear Ballistics gel provide insights into penetration and expansion.
Alt: Comparing penetration and expansion of 30 Super Carry and .380 ACP in ballistic gel.
3.4. Speer Gold Dot and Federal HST Testing
- Speer Gold Dot: Tests revealed mixed results, with some rounds penetrating 12-13 inches, while others over-penetrated due to a failure to expand.
- Federal HST: Showed more consistent performance, with penetration in the teens and reliable expansion.
These results indicate that while both rounds are viable for self-defense, the Federal HST may offer more consistent performance.
4. Comparative Analysis: 30 Super Carry vs. Competitors
A direct comparison of ballistic gel test results for the 30 Super Carry, 9mm Luger, and .380 ACP helps to clarify the relative strengths and weaknesses of each.
| Caliber | Average Penetration | Average Expansion |
|---|---|---|
| 30 Super Carry – Speer Gold Dot 115 Grain | 15.3″ | .39″ |
| 380 ACP – Speer Gold Dot 90 Grain | 11.24″ | .44″ |
| 9mm Luger – Speer Gold Dot 147 Grain | 15.54″ | .56″ |
| 30 Super Carry – Federal HST 100 Grain | 15.75″ | .59″ |
| 380 ACP – Federal HST 99 Grain | 12.26″ | .59″ |
| 9mm Luger – Federal HST 124 Grain | 18.46″ | .62″ |
Based on these results, the 30 Super Carry appears to occupy a middle ground between the .380 ACP and 9mm Luger in terms of penetration and expansion. It offers better performance than the .380 ACP but may not match the performance of some 9mm loads.
5. Making the Right Choice: Factors to Consider
Choosing between the 30 Super Carry, 9mm Luger, and .380 ACP depends on individual needs and priorities. Here are some factors to consider:
- Concealability: The .380 ACP is generally the easiest to conceal due to its smaller size. The 30 Super Carry offers a slightly slimmer profile than the 9mm Luger, potentially aiding in concealment.
- Capacity: The 30 Super Carry can offer a higher round count in similarly sized firearms compared to the 9mm Luger.
- Stopping Power: The 30 Super Carry provides a significant improvement in stopping power compared to the .380 ACP. The 9mm Luger, particularly with premium loads, may offer slightly better terminal performance than the 30 Super Carry.
- Recoil: The .380 ACP typically has the mildest recoil, making it easier to control for some shooters. The 30 Super Carry has moderate recoil, while the 9mm Luger can have more noticeable recoil, especially in compact handguns.
- Availability and Cost: The 9mm Luger and .380 ACP are widely available and generally more affordable than the 30 Super Carry.
6. The Future of 30 Super Carry
The long-term success of the 30 Super Carry remains uncertain. One current disadvantage is its higher cost compared to the well-established 9mm Luger and .380 ACP.
6.1. Market Adoption
For the 30 Super Carry to succeed, it needs to gain wider adoption among firearm manufacturers and ammunition producers. Increased demand could lead to lower prices and a broader selection of firearms and ammunition.
6.2. Potential Advantages
If the 30 Super Carry gains traction, it could offer a compelling option for those seeking a balance between capacity, concealability, and stopping power. Its narrower profile and potential for higher round counts could appeal to concealed carry enthusiasts.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the primary purpose of the 30 Super Carry cartridge?
- The 30 Super Carry is designed for concealed carry and personal defense, aiming to provide a balance between capacity, concealability, and stopping power.
2. How does the 30 Super Carry compare to the 9mm Luger in terms of recoil?
- The 30 Super Carry generally has slightly less recoil than the 9mm Luger, making it easier to control for some shooters.
3. Is the 30 Super Carry more powerful than the .380 ACP?
- Yes, the 30 Super Carry offers significantly higher muzzle velocity and energy compared to the .380 ACP.
4. What handguns are currently available in 30 Super Carry?
- Smith & Wesson offers the M&P M2.0 series in 30 Super Carry, and Nighthawk Custom provides 1911-style handguns chambered in this cartridge.
5. How does the cost of 30 Super Carry ammunition compare to 9mm and .380 ACP?
- Currently, 30 Super Carry ammunition is generally more expensive than 9mm Luger and .380 ACP.
6. What are the main advantages of the 30 Super Carry over the 9mm Luger?
- The 30 Super Carry can offer a higher magazine capacity in similarly sized firearms compared to the 9mm Luger.
7. How does the ballistic performance of 30 Super Carry compare to the 9mm Luger in gel testing?
- Gel testing indicates that the 30 Super Carry performs comparably to many 9mm loads in terms of penetration and expansion.
8. What should I consider when choosing between 30 Super Carry, 9mm, and .380 ACP?
- Consider factors such as concealability, capacity, stopping power, recoil, and cost when making your decision.
9. Is the 30 Super Carry a good choice for self-defense?
- The 30 Super Carry is a viable option for self-defense, offering a balance of capacity and stopping power, but it’s crucial to consider your individual needs and preferences.
10. Where can I find more information and comparisons about different cartridges?
- Visit COMPARE.EDU.VN for detailed and objective comparisons of various firearms and ammunition options.
8. Conclusion: Is the 30 Super Carry Right for You?
The 30 Super Carry presents an intriguing option in the landscape of concealed carry cartridges. It aims to bridge the gap between the .380 ACP and 9mm Luger, offering a balance of capacity, concealability, and stopping power. While it may not outperform the 9mm Luger in all aspects, it provides a viable alternative, particularly for those who prioritize higher magazine capacity in a compact platform.
Ultimately, the choice between the 30 Super Carry, 9mm Luger, and .380 ACP depends on individual preferences, shooting style, and intended use. Consider your specific needs and priorities when making your decision.
For more in-depth comparisons and to make an informed choice, visit COMPARE.EDU.VN. Our comprehensive resources provide the data and insights you need to select the right firearms and ammunition for your personal defense needs.
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