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.30 Carbine in a Ruger Blackhawk

Warning! Notes: Handgun fired for group at 25 yards. Ten-shot groups were fired with a Ruger Blackhawk with a 7 1/2-inch barrel from a machine rest. Chronographing was done with an Oehler Model 35P with the start screen at approximately 6 feet. All loads used CCI 400 Small Rifle primers. Winchester brass was used for cast bullet loads. All other loads used Remington brass. Cast bullets were poured of Linotype, sized .310 inch, lubed with SPG and were fitted with Lyman gas checks where needed.

Source: Handloader Issue #260 – June, 2009

Cartridge History

.30 Carbine in a Ruger Blackhawk

The .30 Carbine becomes a completely different cartridge when chambered in the Ruger Blackhawk revolver. Originally designed for the M1 Carbine during World War II, the cartridge was intended to provide lightweight military firepower with greater effectiveness than a handgun while remaining compact and easy to control. In the Ruger Blackhawk, however, the .30 Carbine transforms into a high-velocity revolver cartridge known for its tremendous muzzle blast, sharp report, and impressive flat-shooting performance.

Ruger’s strong single-action Blackhawk revolver proved especially capable of handling the cartridge’s relatively high operating pressures. The platform offers excellent durability, adjustable sights, and barrel lengths that help maximize the cartridge’s velocity potential. Despite the loud report and bright muzzle flash commonly associated with the combination, recoil remains surprisingly manageable due to the revolver’s weight and grip design. This has helped the .30 Carbine Blackhawk develop a loyal following among shooters who enjoy unconventional and highly entertaining revolver platforms.

Handloading the .30 Carbine for use in a Ruger Blackhawk requires careful attention to case preparation and powder selection. Powders such as H110 and Winchester 296 are frequently preferred because they provide strong velocities and reliable ignition characteristics within the cartridge’s compact case design. Since the .30 Carbine headspaces on the case mouth, maintaining proper case length and applying a careful crimp are important for reliable cylinder operation and smooth extraction.

Handloader Issue #260 explored the .30 Carbine specifically in the Ruger Blackhawk platform, examining the cartridge’s unique behavior outside its original rifle role. The combination continues to stand out as one of the more distinctive revolver chamberings ever offered, blending classic single-action handling with the speed and sound characteristics of a small rifle cartridge.

Source: Handloader Issue #260 – June, 2009

Be Alert: Publisher cannot be responsible for errors in published load data.

Wt.	Bullet	Powder Manufacturer	Powder	Charge	Velocity (FPS)
90	Hornady XTP	Alliant	2400	Subscribe	1521
Remarks: poor groups
110	Speer JHP	Alliant	2400	Subscribe	1413
Remarks:
110	Sierra JSP	Alliant	2400	Subscribe	1422
Remarks: good load
110	Speer JHP	Vihtavuori	VV-N110	Subscribe	1362
Remarks: poor accuracy
110	Sierra JSP	Vihtavuori	VV-N110	Subscribe	1375
Remarks: okay groups
110	Sierra JSP	Hodgdon	H-110	Subscribe	1452
Remarks: okay groups
110	Sierra JSP	IMR	IMR-4227	Subscribe	1416
Remarks: TOO HOT!
115	Redding/SAECO 302 cast RN	Alliant	Unique	Subscribe	1306
Remarks: good
115	Redding/SAECO 302 cast RN	Accurate	AAC-5744	Subscribe	1397
Remarks: best
130	Lyman 311410 cast RN	Alliant	Unique	Subscribe	1228
Remarks: keyholes