7-30 Waters
The 7-30 Waters is essentially a 30-30 Winchester cartridge necked down to 7mm (.284"), with the shoulder moved forward to increase powder capacity. It was developed by Ken Waters, a well known handloading expert and writer. His wildcat cartridge was intended to improve on the performance of lever action carbines that were commonly chambered in 30-30. A lighter, smaller caliber bullet of good sectional density, plus greater powder capacity, equals higher velocity and flatter trajectory. The formula was successful in that regard... 2600 feet per second with a 139 grain bullet compared to 2390 fps with a 150 gr bullet for the 30-30. (limited to 40,000 CUP) For hunting deer sized game, the Waters is capable enough if shots are limited to 200 yards or less. In 1984 the Winchester 94 XTR Angle Eject was made available in 7-30 and Federal introduced factory ammo with 120 grain flat nosed bullets. These were attaining 2700 fps in the 24 inch barrel. Click here for more on the
Federal
factory loads.
Thompson Center followed (1986) by adding it to their T/C Contender single shot pistol/rifle barrel choices. Barrels were available in 10", 14" and 20" lengths. While the tubular magazine of the model 94 limited shooters to flat nosed bullets, the T/C single shot allowed handloaders a much wider selection of bullet choices. It gained some degree of popularity among handgun silhouette shooters. My personal experience was this... with 120 grain Hornady softpoints the 14" Contender was capable of 2-3 inch, 5-shot, 100 yard groups. Velocity was 2300- 2400 fps and it had a fairly flat trajectory out to 200 meters, where it packed enough punch to easily knock down the heavy ram silhouettes. Federal 7-30 Waters cases can be used for reloading or... 30-30 cases can be necked down, then fire formed to blow the shoulder forward. Click here For cartridge dimensions for the 7-30 Waters Thanks to Ken Waters, the Winchester 94 had an improved cartridge that would do the most possible in that particular firearm. The 94 has since fallen by the wayside, however, Thompson Center continues to chamber the Contender in the 7-30 and Federal continues to produce ammunition for it.
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