Just to be clear...
I'm speaking of a 45 Colt with "Ruger" level loads fired from a RIFLE barrel. Compaired to a 30-30 also fired from a rifle barrel.
IF I was comparing a 45 Colt hand gun to a 30-30 rifle, I would be 100% in agreement about the only to 50 yard statement.
It's tought to compair the two on face value because the 30-30 dosent have heavy enough bullets and the 45 they are not light enough...
BUT if you where to load a 220g in the 30-30 with a top loading I seriously doubt you would reach 17-1800 fps. For the sake of argument lets just say 1800 fps.
In the long colt, Hornady makes a 225 FTX and I have recipe fly been shooting and chronographing some. I am OVER 2000fps from a 20" barrel... I agree they are not equil, but saying the 30/30 is better... Better at what, going slower and offering less energy on target with in 100 yards? If so, I stand corrected, you are correct the 30-30 IS slower and offeres less energy with these loadings.
It's not completely a suprise really. As much as the 30-30 is meligned it is also greatly adored. Rightfully so its a wonderful cartridge. But something that almost always missing from all such comparisons is the killing ability of a larger diameter bullet.
This same "argument" appears when comparing the 357 Mag (again in a rifle) to a 30-30 in a rifle. The 30-30 is LUCKY to reach 22-2300 fps with a 150g bullet regulars less of claimed velocities, chrono some, I have! The 357 with a heavier 158 SP and new powders will Just exceed 2000 fps. But again with a slightly heavier but much larger diameter bullet. MOST people will argue adimantly that the 30-30 is superior. I do not agree as the 30-30 MIGHT expand to 35 cal. But a .357 SP at 2K WILL expand likely past 40 cal... It's every bit a 30-30 WITH IN range limitations of say 100 yards.
It's similar to the malarkey hand "cannon" shooters spied with the contender line of cartridages. Take the 375 for example... My 375 WINCHESTER will move a 220 g slug at 2300 fps. (Choreographed) everyone here self included will say its a good Deer/Blk bear round at say 150 yards. But add about 100 fps and three inicials to its name and now its good for the biggest toughest critters walking the earth.... WHY??? Will it work hell ya and it has, but is my win 375 less a caliber? VERY slightly yes. Would IT dump a buff or lion, bet your arse it would!!
It's perception and reality and the willingness to really look into each calibers abilitys. Experience has a lesser part but is the cement that holds togather the argument. Knoledge is power, the day we stop learning is the day we die...
Peace brothers,
CW