Actually, unless you handload the 30/30 probably is the more versatile cartridge since you have a choice of at least 3 bullet weights at more than adequate wood's range velocities/energy(on deer sized game). The Krag, although a much larger cartridge, being nearly the same size as the 30-06(I didn't fine measure the difference) is loaded with one bullet weight, 180 grs, at the same pressure as the 30/30, i.e. around 40K CUP. This is due to Krag actions being a bit on the old/weak side. The old 1985 Winchesters in 30/40 are stronger than the Krag, from what I read. My current loading for my old 1892 Krag with a 25" barrel gives me a velocity of around 2230 fps with any roundnosed 180 gr. bullet and is extremely accurate. Trying to shot lighter bullets in the Krag can be a bit of a problem since the rifle was designed around a 220 gr roundnosed bullet and there is all that "throat" in there. In a modern rifle such as the Ruger #3, and some variations of the Sharps the 30/40 can be loaded to much higher velocites/energies with a variety of bullet weights/shapes which the 30/30, even in a handi, can't quite match. How much higher you can safely go in a Handi-Krag I'm not sure since I haven't done the research yet. In my case, I"m not really that interested in exceeding the velocity I currently load my Krag to.....well just a BIT more to ensure bullet expansion down the road a piece. If I ever have a shot that's down the road a piece. I"m talking over 150 yds. That, and I was brought up on the Krag and it's fine cartridge and just like the idea of carrying a handi in that caliber. Nostalgia as much as anything else, I reckon. The Krag would obviously have the edge against larger game with it's heavier bullets and/or velocities, but I just plan ta shoot some deer with it.
