Ron Spomer Outdoors: The Cartridge That Made History!

The Cartridge That Made History! video by Ron Spomer Outdoors.

Summary:

Few cartridges have shaped American hunting like the .30-30 Winchester. Introduced in the late 1800s, it quickly became one of the most popular deer hunting cartridges ever created.

In this episode of Cartridge of the Week, Ron Spomer explores the history, design, and real-world performance of the .30-30 Win and why it has remained a favorite for generations of hunters.

We cover:

How the .30-30 changed sporting rifles

Its role in the rise of lever-action hunting rifles

Ballistics and practical hunting performance

Why it still works so well today

Some cartridges fade away. Others become legends.

 

10 Hunter-Trusted Rifle Calibers That Deliver Results

Above, Wiinchester .30-30 cartridges. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

 

As I am not a hunter, I would not be the one to ask what rifle calibers deliver the best results.

However, Bushcraft Base Camp has posted their list of rifle calibers they feel do deliver the best results and why.

They begin with:

For generations, hunters have relied on certain rifle calibers that consistently deliver dependable results in the field. While new cartridges appear regularly, a handful of proven calibers continue to stand out because of their balance of power, accuracy, and versatility. These cartridges earned their reputations through decades of real-world hunting across forests, mountains, plains, and open farmland. Experienced hunters understand that choosing the right caliber is not just about raw power but also about manageable recoil, reliable performance, and effective terminal ballistics on game animals. A well-chosen cartridge allows a hunter to make clean, ethical shots while maintaining confidence in the rifle’s capabilities.

To read more, go here. 

Turkey Hunters Trending To Smaller Gauge Shotguns

Above, the Mossberg 500E shotgun. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A few years ago, I discovered a Mossberg 500E .410 Pump Shotgun that was in a gun case my dad left. I didn't know I had it until I unzipped the case.

I took it out to the shooting range not too long after and I worked great. 

It appears that people in my age group (I'm at the "youthful" age of 72) are moving towards .410 shotguns for turkey hunting. 

The Arkansas Democrat Gazette posted an article on this.

It begins with:

Willie Johnston of Hamburg is a traditionalist hunter, but he embraces the .410-bore shotgun for turkey hunting.

Johnston, 72, represents an evolution in the turkey hunting retail market. An older demographic of hunters is gravitating to smaller, lighter guns with less recoil.

Johnston said he is impressed with the tight patterns his Stevens 301 prints at conventional turkey hunting distances. The red dot sight that came with the package assures him that his shot will be true.

"Wherever you put that dot is where it's going to hit," Johnston said. "You don't have to worry about pulling off or your sights not being aligned just right. Just put that dot on his head and shoot."

Nathan Dunn, owner of Dunn's Sporting Goods in Pevely, Mo., acknowledged the trend in the Midwest.

"The last few years we've sold a lot more sub-gauge guns, a lot of 20-gauges and a lot of .410," Dunn said. "A lot of hunters are getting older. They're tired of packing around that big 12-gauge."

To read the full article, go here. 

Cartridges Families Keep using Because They Still Work

Some cartridges (bullets) come and some may go.

There are some that no longer are available as there are some guns that have been discontinued. There are some whose staying power transcends decades of use and are still popular today.

MSN posted a slideshow on cartridges families keep using because they work.  

They begin with:

In a world where everything is in metamorphosis by giving new cartridges a name, those very cartridges that tend to endure do it the old-fashioned way: they continue to solve problems. They appear in battered ammunition cans, in boxes with labels half torn off, and in rifles, which still reek of grease and autumn.

Hardware is not the only thing that is inherited. It is a combination of options that have been tested out in practice: low recoil to learn with, power to common game, easy guns that never go dead, and calibers that will be available long after the initial owner has given up climbing ridgelines.

To see what they are, go here. 

Top Deer and Varmint Cartridges of All Time

Above, the .30-30 Winchester cartridge
made the list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whenever I see (or hear) the word varmint, I tend to think of Yosemite Sam or Elmer Fudd from the Looney Tunes cartoons. 

Anyway, the reason I am bringing that up is that NRA Women has posted a list of the top deer and varmint cartridges of all time. 

They begin it with:

We all love top 10 lists, but there’s a problem when it comes to determining the “best-selling” cartridges: Ammo manufacturers don’t like to share sales data, and who can blame them. When it comes to picking the top-selling cartridges, we’re forced to rely on other factors, like how long a cartridge has been around, how many rifles have been chambered for it and how popular those rifles are, inventory rankings from retailers, industry surveys, search demand data, and more.

So I asked ChatGPT to give me a list using the best data it could find, and it spit out the following list (but rest assured, the expository information is mine, not AI-generated). If I had been asked to come up with a list off the top of my head based on my best guess, it would have looked pretty much exactly like this, at least until we got to the end—a lot of these choices are obvious to hunters. That said, there’s no way to guarantee that this list is 100 percent accurate or in perfect order by volume, but it’s a good best estimate. It also lines up pretty darn well with this 2014 list of sales data from Federal.

So, without further ado, to read the list, go here. 

30-30 Winchester Has Been Around Since 1894 — Why Shooters Still Use It

Above, two .30-30 Winchester cartridges in use today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The .30-30 Winchester cartridge (also known as .30 WCF) has been around for over 100 years and it is still a popular cartidge.

MSN has posted an article on the .30-30 Winchester cartridge.

It begins with:

In 1894, a groundbreaking piece of history emerged – the 30-30 Winchester cartridge. It debuted alongside Winchester’s Model 1894 lever-action rifle, forming a perfect tandem that revolutionized the firearms industry.

This duo didn’t just mark the introduction of a new cartridge but also the first commercially available smokeless powder round, a significant leap forward from the black powder ammunition of the day.

What’s in a Name? The Origins of “30-30”

The name “30-30” might sound cryptic at first, but its origins are straightforward. It refers to the .30-caliber bullet propelled by 30 grains of smokeless powder.

Interestingly, the naming convention borrowed from older black powder cartridges like the .32-20 or .44-40, which indicated caliber and grains of black powder.

Winchester’s decision to carry this naming tradition forward while embracing modern smokeless powder was a clever nod to its heritage.

To read more, go here. 

New Mexico Shooting Sports Assn.: NM Outdoor Adventure Show

 

🏕️ 2026 New Mexico Outdoor Adventure Show Join NMSSA as we again support the New Mexico Department of Wildlife at the 2026 New Mexico Outdoor Adventure Show—celebrating conservation, outdoor heritage, and responsible recreation across New Mexico. 📅 Dates: February 13, 2026 – February 15, 2026 🔁 Recurrence: Daily 📍 Location: EXPO New Mexico – Home of the State Fair 300 San Pedro Dr. N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87108 This annual event celebrates New Mexico’s outdoor heritage, conservation, hunting, fishing, and responsible recreation. NMSSA is proud to stand alongside our partners in supporting education, stewardship, and the outdoor traditions we all value. 🙋 Volunteers Needed NMSSA is seeking volunteers to help staff our presence at the show, engage with attendees, and share information about our mission and programs. Whether you can help for a few hours or the entire weekend, your support makes a difference. 👉 Sign Up to Volunteer Cantact: Richard Anderson, Event Coordinator (505) 604-2727 or email: wrickage@gmail.com

10 Reliable Lever Action Rifles That NEVER Jam

10 Reliable Lever Action Rifles That NEVER Jam video by GunForge.

Summary:

Are you looking for a rifle that feeds, fires, and ejects every single time? In this episode of Gunforge, we are cutting through the Hollywood myths to bring you the definitive list of the 10 most reliable lever action rifles on the market today.

From the rimfire precision of the Henry Golden Boy to the T-Rex stopping power of the Marlin 1895, we cover the best options for hunting, range days, and self-defense. Whether you are a collector seeking history or a hunter needing a brush gun that hits like a freight train, finding a reliable lever action rifle is crucial. We break down the action strength, reliability, pros and cons, and current pricing for each model.

We also compare legendary actions like the Winchester 1873 toggle link against modern engineering marvels like the Browning BLR. If you want a firearm that stands the test of time and abuse, this list is for you. Join us as we rank the machines that won the West and continue to dominate the woods.

 

Best 10 Rifle Calibers Every Deer and Elk Hunter Must Know

Above, some Winchester .30-30 ammo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is amazing at how many different calibers of ammunition there are available to hunters or target shooters.

MSN posted a slideshow of the best 10 rifle calibers every deer and elk hunter must know. 

Speaking of elk, I finally saw some elk in our area the other day. We were heading eastbound on Interstate 40 and saw a group of elk near the former Fort Wingate Army Depot in a field. They seem to know that they were safe from hunters there as no hunting is allowed.

MSN begins the slideshow with:

Choosing the right caliber changes how you hunt, how you set up your rifle, and how confident you feel on the mountain. Some cartridges favor flat trajectories, others deliver heavy knockdown power, and a few balance recoil and precision for long shots. Understanding the strengths and limits of the most popular calibers helps you match ammo to game, terrain, and your skill level. Read on to learn what each caliber offers and when you might reach for it in the field.

 To see the slideshow, go here.

Old 30-30 Still Brings Home The Venison

Above, my 1962 Winchester 94 .30=30. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning, I came upon an article about a Winchester Model 94 .30-30 that's of the same vintage as mine (1962). 

It was posted at The Cheatham County Exchange. The gist of the article is that the old Winchester is still bringing home the venison. Based on the second sentence below, I'd hazard a guess that my 1962 rifle is in much better shape than the author's. 

It starts off with:

The old deer rifle, like the old deer hunter, is starting to show its age.

The wooden stock is battle-scarred, the varnish long gone, most of the bluing worn off.

But it shoots as straight as the day it came out of the box in 1962 as an early Christmas present: a brand-new Winchester 30-30, the most acclaimed deer rifle in hunting history.

That season I bagged my first buck with it. Last season I collected my latest one with it.

To read more, go here.

The 30-30...Still A Great Hunting Rifle

Above, my Winchester 94 .30-30. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Regular readers of this blog know that my favorite firearm is my 1962 Winchester 94 lever-action .30-30 rifle. 

I bought it used from a reputable gun dealer in Albuquerque in 2019. Since then, the Winchester 94, particularly the pre-1964 ones, are in high demand. Luckily, I got mine when I did as prices for these have skyrocketed. I got mine for under $500. Nowadays, they average $700-800 and up. True Gun Value says the average price for a used Winchester 94 is currently $841.88.

I use mine for target shooting, but there are many who still use it for hunting. 

North Texas e-News has posted an article that contends that the .30-30 is still a great hunting rifle by Luke Clayton.

The article begins with:

Way back in 1962 at the tender age of 12 when I harvested my first whitetail in the pine and hardwood forest of northeast Texas, I thought my iron-sighted lever action 30-30 was all the rifle I would ever need for hunting deer. Looking back six decades, I’m now convinced I was pretty close to right!

The 30-30 has been around a long time, since way back in 1895 and was one of the first cartridges to use smokeless powder. It’s name is derived from the caliber and grains of smokeless powder; thirty caliber and thirty grains. Pushing a 160 grain bullet at almost 2,000 fps, it was the speed demon of the time!

To read the full article, go here. 

5 Forgotten Rifles That Are BETTER Than Anything You Can Buy Today!

5 Forgotten Rifles That Are BETTER Than Anything You Can Buy Today! video by Gun-Man Ballistic.

Summary:

Discover 5 forgotten rifles that outperform almost any modern firearm available today. We take a deep dive into the masterful craftsmanship, unmatched reliability, and precision engineering of these vintage legends. While modern manufacturing prioritizes speed, these classic gems were built to last a lifetime. Find out why "newer" isn't always "better" and which historical powerhouses you should be looking for.

Why Is the 30-30 Still With Us? (Video)

Why Is the 30-30 Still With Us? video by Ron Spomer Outdoors from 2021.

Summary:

In this video, I do an in-depth review of the Lever Action 30-30 Winchester. Don't laugh this dog hunts!

Hunting: Easy Carriers and Straight Shooters

Above, the venerable Winchester 94 made the MSN list.

It's hunting season in some parts of the United States.

Those who partake in the sport, or those who want to, should have a firearm suited for it. MSN has posted a list of rifles that carry easy and shoot straight in the woods.

 It begins with:

Hunting the woods is its own world. You’re not glassing big country or worrying about dialing turrets—you’re slipping through timber, easing along benches, and making quick shots in tight windows. A good woods rifle needs to balance accuracy with mobility, and not every bolt gun or lever-action pulls that off. The best ones feel like they disappear on your shoulder until the second you need them, then come up naturally and point exactly where your eyes already are.

These rifles earn their keep by handling well in brush, balancing naturally, and keeping their zero even after long days of climbing, bumping, and weaving through cover. If you spend most of your season in timber or thick country, these are the models worth carrying.

To read more, go here.  

Why There’s No Such Thing As The Perfect Rifle For Deer Hunting

Above, a deer munching on my elm trees. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Is there such a thing as the "perfect deer hunting rifle"?

According to a MSN slideshow post, there isn't. Personally, I don't hunt deer but I know several people who do. 

We have deer in and around our community (elk too). They constantly go after the lower branches of an apple tree in my front yard. A few months ago, some even managed to get into my fenced inner yard.

The posting begins with:

When it comes to hunting deer, the debate over the “perfect rifle” is endless. Some hunters swear by the power of large-caliber rifles, while others argue that precision and a well-placed shot are more critical than caliber size. But does the ideal deer rifle truly exist, or is it a myth? Many hunters might be surprised to learn that the best deer rifle could very well be the one they already own. The truth is, the “perfect” deer rifle is a deeply personal choice based on the hunter’s skill, preferences, and the environment in which they hunt.

To read more, go here. 

Winchester Model 94 .30-30 Woods Walk

 Winchester Model 94 .30-30 Woods Walk by Hickok45.

Summary:

The classic Winchester Model 94 is even effective for protection in the woods!

 Watch out for those dangerous water jugs!

Why Hunters Keep Coming Back To The .30-30

Above, my Winchester 94 with my grandfather's Winchester 62A I inherited. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Six years ago, I was staying in Albuquerque overnight as I had an early morning flight to Fort Lauderdale, Florida for a cruise to Key West and Havana.

To kill time, I went to Ron Peterson's Firearms gun store to browse around. I spotted on a rack a Winchester Model 94 in .30-30 for sale. I had been looking to buy a pre-64 Winchester 94 for some time. I checked it out and it was made in 1962 (verified by its serial number) and in great shape. I put it on layaway and picked it up after I returned from the cruise. It is my favorite firearm.

Apparently, I was not the only one in recent years looking to buy a .30-30 lever-action rifle. Lever-actions have made a big resurgence in popularity.

The Avid Outdoorsman has posted an article on why hunters keep coming back to the .30-30. 

It begins with:

There’s something about the .30-30 that keeps it hanging around, no matter how many new cartridges hit the shelves. It doesn’t have the flattest trajectory. It’s not the hottest round on paper. But none of that matters in the woods where it counts. The .30-30 earned its place in deer camps because it flat-out works—and it’s never given you a reason to doubt it. You can talk all day about modern bullets and long-range performance, but for the kind of hunting most folks actually do, the old lever gun still makes a lot of sense. That’s why it keeps showing up in truck racks, scabbards, and meat poles across the country. And once you’ve taken a deer with one, odds are you’ll want to do it again.

To read more, go here. 

Mossberg 500E .410 Pump-Action Shotgun Review

MOSSBERG 500E 410 PUMP-ACTION SHOTGUN REVIEW by The Dog Pound with M-Dog

A couple of years ago, I came upon the Mossberg 500E shotgun in a stack of rifle cases left by my dad. I didn't know I had it. I tried it out and it is fun to shoot. It was made in the early 1960s before Mossberg added serial numbers. 

On the video, the summary:

The Mossberg 500E .410 Pump-Action Shotgun is a great shotgun for the new shooter / hunter to learn with or for the seasoned shooter / hunter to challenge themselves with.  This video will provide an up-close look at the shotgun and help you decide whether it’s right for you.  I hope you enjoy the video.  Stay safe and God Bless you and yours!

Old Lever-Actions That Balance Better Than Modern Copies

Above, my 1962 vintage Winchester 94 is a comfortable carry. 

Are today's modern versions of classic lever-action rifles as good as the earlier ones?

That depends upon whom one is talking to. Some are saying that the old lever-actions balance better than modern copies.

That is a topic of a slideshow article by MSN. 

They begin it with:

Modern lever-actions might bring stronger steels, threaded barrels, and optics rails, but something often feels off when you shoulder them compared to the originals. Old lever-actions were built for hunters and riders who needed a rifle that carried naturally, swung smoothly, and stayed steady in hand. The balance wasn’t an accident—it was the product of design choices that put handling ahead of bulk or accessories.

If you’ve ever carried a vintage Winchester or Marlin through the woods, you know the difference. They come to the shoulder quicker, point naturally, and feel lighter than their actual weight suggests. Modern reproductions often look the part, but once you mount them, the balance isn’t quite there. Hunters and collectors who keep the old rifles around aren’t doing it just for nostalgia. These rifles still handle in a way that’s tough to replicate, even with today’s machining. Let’s look at the classic lever-actions that continue to prove their balance is unmatched.

To see more, go here. 

Best Deer Hunting Calibers

Above, one of the deer that got into my yard a few months ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We're now in the second half of September, in some areas it is already deer hunting season. In others, it begins at the end of the month.

It is starting to feel like autumn where I live in New Mexico. Deer are plentiful around here and annoying some in my community as they are munching away their gardens.

One may wonder, what are the best deer hunting calibers for Midwest Whitetails? We mainly have mule deer in New Mexico.

Game & Fish answers that in an article posted today.

It begins with:

Temperatures are beginning to dip, and the change in weather can only mean one thing to the avid outdoorsman—hunting season is upon us. More importantly, deer season is right around the corner. Behavior patterns are beginning to shift, bucks are shedding their velvet, and hunters across the country are sitting on the edge of their seats awaiting the explosive action that only the rut and opening day can bring.

The Midwest region of the United States is notorious for producing record numbers of whitetail deer, with many trophy bucks earning their keep in the famed Boone & Crockett Club record book. As you are aware, different regions of the United States have their own unique terrain characteristics and hunting regulations. Hunters in each region naturally gravitate towards a selection of popular calibers each season, placing trust in their choice and its ability to fill their freezer. Read on as we take a closer look at six of the top choices for taking down whitetail this season.

To read more, go here.