Shield .30 Super Carry

[teletech]

I'd love an I-frame in 30SC. Failing that, a J-frame in 30SC is a 20% increase in cylinder capacity, so for that niche application I think it's a good round. Similarly it might give you +1 or +2 in a tiny pocket auto, which would be interesting.

 

[Beju]

There has been a recent renewal of interest in 32 revolvers also, to get that extra capacity in a revolver and they're only gaining one round mostly. The 32 SC would seem to fit the same niche in a semi-auto that the 327 Federal Magnum fits in a small revolver. Sort of a 32 ACP magnum.

I have no idea if it's possible or not given the pressure the 30 SC operates at, but I wonder how it would have been received in a gun the size of a Bodyguard 2.0. Add a couple more rounds to the already impressive 10/12 round mags the BG-2 has and you're talking serious business then. The recoil might get your attention I admit. I'd say my 30 SC EZ kicks about like my 9mm version of the same gun. In a BG-2? Might be exciting.

As you suspect, the pressure differences would require big design compromises for a BG 2.0 sized pistol. Compromises that probably result in a pistol the size of a small 9x19mm pistol. The little pocket pistols are built around .380 ACP, a max 21,500 psi cartridge. .30SC is pushing bullets similar in weight to the heaviest .380 bullets at a max of 50,000 psi.

Now, if .30SC were designed as a slightly higher pressure, rimless, and possibly heavier bullet replacement for the .32 ACP, then we could have tiny pocket pistols with an extra round or two. Rimless for easier magazine design/reliable feeding, higher pressures/velocities (say, going from 20,500 psi to 25-30,000 psi) and heavier bullets for better terminal ballistics.

Basically, what .32 H&R Magnum is to .327 Federal Magnum. .327 Fed Mag having double the pressure of .32 H&R Magnum results in it going in to revolvers built to withstand .357 Magnum, while .32 H&R Magnum can go in any revolvers built to withstand .38 Special +P. The new .32 H&R Ruger LCR uses the aluminum frame of the .38 Special and rimfire models, while the older .327 Fed model uses the steel frame of the .357 Magnum and 9mm LCRs. The .32 H&R 632/432UC use an aluminum frame, while a potential .327 Fed model would require a scandium or steel frame.

 

[Willie McHobblin]

Snubbyfan, if you can spare the extra safe space & the cash, I would say get it. I"m not a striker fired kinda guy, but I bought one. Shoots nice, according to internet info it hits like a 9mm, a bit less recoil & more rounds. For every parrot that says " an answer to a question nobody asked" I wonder are they still shooting black powder or .38 short ? If it intrigues you, then grab it... worse case you lose a few bucks & get to try a new caliber, never a bad idea. My thumb is up for you trying it.
Good luck, Willy.

 

[gfb46]

Whew. Tough crowd. I like mine - good shooter.

My thoughts exactly on how the crowd/mob doesn't prefer something different other than the regular everyday standard. I love my 30 super carry and will be storing ammo when available at the right price. Shooting mine next to a clone G43x with a comp, I found the 30 super carry had less snap/recoil than the 9mm and had a good bit more than most .380's I have shot and owned. Final conclusion, to each their own.

 

[M29since14]

I’m not opposed to the idea of a new caliber, if it offers something I need - and that’s the crux of the .30 SC theory, for me. How many rounds do you think you need in your carry gun?

I was happy for years and years with five, and I still am, but I do like 10 in the P365. Mainly, I like the 365 because I can shoot it a lot better than I can shoot my J-frames. I wouldn’t like it any more if it held two more cartridges, or five more, or ten.

All that said, if the .30 SC appeals to you and a couple more cartridges seems like a good idea, why not?

 

[JeffNC]

I have the Shield+ in 30SC and like it. I have the CT1550 optic on it and reload for it. What I've used so far is a 100 grain XTP over a compressed load of Longshot powder, which has been good for 1311 FPS average. It expands very well in ballistic gel.