.30 Herret (Lee Precision Data)

.30 Herret (Lee Precision Data)

The .30 Herrett is a well-known wildcat cartridge developed during the early 1970s by Steve Herrett and Bob Milek for use primarily in Thompson/Center Contender pistols. Based on the .30-30 Winchester case shortened and blown out for greater efficiency, the cartridge was specifically designed to maximize performance in short handgun barrels. By reducing unnecessary case capacity and using faster-burning powders, the .30 Herrett was capable of producing impressive velocity while maintaining excellent accuracy and efficient powder burn in barrels as short as 10 inches.

Unlike the standard .30-30 Winchester, which was originally intended for rifles with significantly longer barrels, the .30 Herrett was optimized for handgun hunting and metallic silhouette competition. The cartridge quickly gained popularity among Contender shooters because it offered flatter trajectory, stronger performance, and reduced muzzle blast compared to many traditional handgun cartridges of the era. Common bullet weights generally ranged from 110 to 150 grains, giving shooters flexibility for both target shooting and medium-game hunting applications.

Forming .30 Herrett brass requires resizing and trimming standard .30-30 Winchester cases to the cartridge’s shorter dimensions. Proper case forming is especially important because the cartridge headspaces on the shoulder rather than the rim in many Contender applications. Careful die adjustment and consistent brass preparation help improve case life, reliability, and overall accuracy. Powders such as H110, IMR-4227, and similar medium-fast handgun and rifle powders became especially popular choices due to their ability to produce efficient velocities within short barrels.

Lee Precision load data for the .30 Herrett reflects the cartridge’s long-standing reputation as one of the most successful handgun hunting wildcats ever developed. Even decades after its introduction, the cartridge remains respected among Contender enthusiasts and handloaders who appreciate efficient case design, strong ballistic performance, and the unique role the .30 Herrett played in the growth of specialty handgun shooting.