Guns, Firearms, Projectile Weapon Sports/Ammunition

Advertisement


Question
In the identification of ammo, 30-06, 30-30, 30-40 etc., I know the first is the caliber, but what does the second number denote?

Answer
In all 3 the first # is caliber. With the .30/40 and .30/30, as well as .45/70 the second # denotes the charge of BLACKpowder the cartridge was loaded with,  it equals weight as well. If by chance you were reloading the old BP cartridges but using pyrodex, you would measure by volume rather than weight. In the case of .30/06, or .30/03 (predecessor) the second # denotes when the round was accepted by our government, so a '06 is a .30 cal. adopted in 1906. Thanks.

Guns, Firearms, Projectile Weapon Sports

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


Paul Johnston

Expertise

I can answer most questions regarding firearms, their use, function, action etc. with a focus on german firearms my speciality.

Experience

I am a registered Federal Firearms Licensed dealer. and am owner of Johnston Small Arms Co. . I am a part-time gunsmith and full-time gun enthusiast.

Organizations
Pro-Gun NH, Gun Owners of NH (G.O.N.H.), Life memeber NRA, Instructor NRA., member North American Hunting Club.

Education/Credentials
I have a certificate in machining, and have apprenticed with Ed Lander of NH for 5 years, a full-time gunsmith since 1946.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.