About 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.
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.
