Personal Protection: .30 Super Carry Evaluation 

Back in my day all we needed was a powder horn and a 67 caliber musket ball. You whippersnappers with your self contained cartridges.

1:53 Bullet size comparison 9:13 Chronograph results 14:16 Meat target 19:22 Recoil 21:08 30 Super Carry detailed discussion 24:26 "Long winded discussion" Hard to overstate how much I love this channel. It's just so well done! So carefully thought out, clearly presented, beginner friendly and above all useful.

Paul Harrell probably could be considered as the Mythbuster of the firearms world. He takes REAL life guns and ammunition against a realistic ballistic test target. Thank you, Paul

I'm going to be real, I don't even own a gun. I just love this channel. Paul is like the Bob Ross of gun and ammo tutorials. I don't paint either but I watch Bob Ross. Also, I love the scenery in these videos. Keep up the great work Paul!

I still laugh every time the pop tarts ad pops up. Brilliant.

Explaining the meat target is a total tongue twister, yet Paul says it super smooth. Lesson is always wear a T shirt

I'm always for giving people choice, I hope that .30SC does well, finds a happy home, and provides excellent service to people needing self defense! At the end of the day... I DON'T WANNA BE HIT by any of the shown calibers. So here's to wishing this new kid on the block the best chance at a future!

As an engineer with a strong Scientific background , I understand the importance of correct analysis and comparison. Most sources comparisons are crap, cos they dont follow the set rules. Yours are refreshingly Great. I love your presentations. Keep up the brilliant work, Paul.

The "back in MY day!" faction needs to make more appearances; the what if brigade has had it's day lol

Gun owners: When is this ammo crunch going to end? Manufacturers: Hey look! We made a whole new cartridge!

Hi Paul, I'm so sorry to hear about your health. I've learned so much from your videos and your outstanding presentation style not to mention how to build your new and improved backstop! 🙂 I can't count how many of your videos I've watched over the years. These have been on platforms and calibers I own and shoot as well as ones I just wanted to learn more about. I shoot .357 Sig and I can tell you hands down that you have given the best information on those rounds out there. I used your AR-15 sight in video to help teach my son how to sight in his AR platform. If it's on RU-vid and jives with what your father is telling you then it's legitimate apparently. I hope all your videos stay up so I can watch them time and time again to enjoy as well as to refresh my memory and give me a smile. Best wishes to you. You and your family are in my prayers.

I'm actually kinda curious how this will do in countries that restrict civilian handguns to calibers .32 and smaller and what not.

"Their definition of high terminal performance is different from mine" You're too kind, Paul.

Good point about .45 LC. I lived most of my life in the Midwest, but have family in the Southwest. When I was in New Mexico visiting family, I found myself in a gun store, and one of the salesmen asked if he could help me with anything. Well, I was thinking of getting a 1911 pistol in .45 caliber, and blurted out "Colt ... forty-five" as my brain wasn't fully engaged. The salesman asked "what _kind_ of Colt .45" and I thought "that's a dumb question!" I had the image of a .45 caliber 1911 in my head, and couldn't figure out how the other guy didn't. And then I remembered where I was. I had no idea that cowboy shooting had become as popular as it was, or that new copies of the old Single Action Army were flying off the shelves there. They sure weren't where I lived. Live and learn.

I love how all of his videos appear to be made in the early to mid 2000s, even when they were just made

I've never seen this guys before, but dammit he's awesome.

Back in my day, black powder and a .36 ball got the job done. 😁

I wish my high school algebra teacher had been as good a communicator as Mr. Harrell... maybe I would have done better in life with math. Another excellent one, Mr. P.H. I think you are the Gold Standard of firearm teachers today,. Keep up the good work, Sir !

28:36 - The look on Paul's face is PRICELESS!! And I'm LMAO at the idea of those three calibers being obsolete by the end of the century as well. The .45 Colt will be 150 years old next year and it ROCKS!!

I’m really grateful for your videos, Mr Harrell. I’ve selected a 380 platform for my personal defense needs primarily because of its containment within the meat target. I know there are more powerful choices, including the 30 Super Carry, but I’m not on a battlefield. So I’ve elected to do my best to protect against over-penetration. Thanks for all your work.

A few decades ago, my brother bought a Grizzly WinMag in .45 Winchester Magnum. He swore that his semi-auto was superior in every way to my revolver, and that the .45 WinMag would replace the .44 Mag by the turn of the century. Although the .44 Mag is no longer even close to being king of the POWER hill, it is still very popular, while the .45 WinMag is just an interesting footnote.

I don’t know what effect Paul’s review of the Federal Super Carry will have on sales, but if Pop Tart sales aren’t going thru the roof, it ain’t Paul’s fault. They should try putting Paul on boxes.

Taking another trip down Memory Lane, there's the 10mm Auto. At the time there were some very high horsepower figures in the firearms world touting this round. The FBI coverted to it, S&W and Colt made firearms for it, and there was the (as it turned out ill fated) Bren 10 ultimate defensive pistol made specifically for it. What happened? Well, the 10mm Auto turned out to be too powerful for the vast majority of applications, and difficult to carry and shoot well. It's the auto pistol version of a .44 Magnum in terms of recoil and pressure. It gave birth to the .40 S&W which dominated the law enforcement market for decades and is still in wide use today. The 10mm still holds on as an outdoorsman cartridge due to its performance on medium/large game, but that's about it. The .357 SIG, which is a fantastic round, also failed to catch on. However, recently we've seen the .300 Blackout, 6.5 Creedmoor, and a handful of others become commercial successes due to demand and successful marketing. The .30 Super Carry offers duty pistol level magazine capacities in a sub compact pistol size with a performance in those pistols very comparable to 9mm. Getting 17+1 rounds in a Sig 365 XL is very appealing, and with the explosion of Constitutional carry legislation being passed in 26 states so far it would seem to be poised for success. While I can't predict the future better than anyone else, I think it will catch on if the marketing is successful enough because it does offer a very useful answer to the capability issue that is often raised with compact and sub compact firearms. I've never complained about having too much ammo.

Great Presentation! I'm a fan of new ammo, it's always interesting to see what they can come up with. But I remember well the 327 Federal that was going to be the ammo of the future! So, while I really like my Ruger in 327 Federal, I dont brag about it like I used to.

I appreciate your ability to program for non experts while engaging the big guns too. thank you. when I ask a question here, even embarrassingly basic, someone steps and answers it here. thank you.

Some governments restrict "military" chamberings (calibers) like 9x19, 7.62 NATO, etc. A decent pistol ammo will be appreciated by many, even if many of us see no purpose. It's similar to the 350 Legend which exists due to hunting regulations in some places, it's useful for many people.

When we tested the 30 Super Carry the HTPs performance was subpar every time… the HST from Federal in 30 Super held its own with the 9mm in most of our testing! Thx for the vid Paul!

You're the best for a reason Paul. Extremely objective, data fueled, breakdown of the cartridge with 2 other comparables. Appreciate you!

.327 Federal magnum comes to mind. I was curious about the round when it came out but held off to see if it broke out. It never really did.

Established cartridges like 9mm have an almost insurmountable advantage over a newcomer to the field. The infrastructure, the history, and the sheer number of existing firearms chambered in a common caliber all stack the deck against it.

Paul this is the best video I've seen on 30 super Carry on RU-vid in fact all of your gun videos are the best of anybody on RU-vid you do a very good job you're a good dude love your videos brother

A very thorough and detailed review of the .30 Super Carry round. Thank you, Paul. About your doubts about its future, I think I see a possibility for it. It would depend on some manufacturer coming up with a compact dual stack gun designed around this round. Hint, hint, Sig and FN! It could be a very small gun with 15 to 20 rounds in the magazine and ballistics very similar to the 9mm. Wow! I'm sure someone like Hornady or Speer could work out the expansion characteristics for the slug. However, if it remains just another odd round that can be chambered in existing frames, I'm afraid you're right. It'll just dry up and blow away.

Back in my day: I was happy to have Paul shoot these guns I would never bother with.

My biggest issue with this caliber isn't with its performance, weapons in the same or its potential; it's the TIMING of its release. In a time where ammo is harder to find, more expensive and components like primers (for handloaders) extremely cost prohibitive if at all available, my priority is getting ammo to feed my current stock of weaponry.

I'm trusting Paul more and more for handgun information. He doesn't pick sides just gives the straight answers to the questions. The best chance the 30 sc has to make it is getting the gun models and different ammo types to market quickly. The longer it takes the fewer people that will jump on for the limited selection.

What a gentleman throwing the olive branch to ACP! Well done sir. Last I heard he was questioning the results of the meat target. Which I immediately thought foolish because I've seen nothing but consistency with the meat target. So just to say again, what a mature way to tip your hat in the spirit of peace. More RU-vid rs should act as you do.

I'll admit it, when they announced 30 Super Carry, I was one of those ones who went, well why not bring 38 Super or .357 Sig or 40 S&W or to get really crazy 45 GAP into the modern era with updated guns instead of making a brand new caliber. Nothing's wrong with any of those calibers, they just need more modern guns. However then upon digging further into what 30 Super Carry is suppose to do and then I went, okay I was wrong, there is a point to this caliber, it's just not for me.

Once again Paul you have produced a good video . I like your use of the meat targets . I will stay with 9 × 19 ( 9 MM ) .

Another great video. We appreciate all the work you do to present great information. Keep doing what you do. Praying for you my friend.

I used to not like your videos, but the more I watch the more I like your stuff. Not over the top or as attention grabby as many youtubers. But man the amount of good information from your channel is insurmountable

I'm holding out for A: seeing the ammo on the shelf and B: seeing a P365 or Hellcat chambered for it. The niche it really stands out for is that "maximum firepower in maximum compact" market that just popped up.

Back in my day we used phased plasma rifles in the 40 watt range

Shades of 6.8 spc rifle cartridges. It was supposed to take the world by storm and replace. 223 .556 but it never did. There are multiple stories of a new wonder round that was supposed to be something no one asked for but everything you ever needed! I was an early proponent of 10mm it fell out of fashion quickly and was replaced by .40 Smith&Wesson I kept mine and always hoped that someday people would see what a great round it was! Fast forward sometimes everything old is new again! Great video and informative as always thank you for everything you and your crew do for us!!

Excellent! Another great one by Paul.

I hope you know how much we appreciate you. Be Safe and Be Blessed.

The best perspective on the .30 Super Carry caliber with a lot of parsimony and wisdom from someone who has experienced the attempt to program the obsolescence of legacy ammunition in favor of calibers intended for a very specific application.

Very informative, nicely performed and presented! Thank you for posting and sharing.

Wow, you are thorough, thank you so much for this!

Have to agree. Given how widely available 9x19 is, 30 SC looks like a solution in search of a problem.

7.62x25 fills the niche. If they wanted a winner, price .30 SC 30% lower than 9mm.

Great video as usual! Thank you Sir!

Great analysis and worth the view/listen. Thanks Paul.

Another great video Paul. The crazy thing about 30 sc is they came out with it during an ammo shortage. I’d call that bad timing. Mag capacity is not as essential as pop culture would have buyers believe. Easy for me to say being a 40s&w guy.

If it's still here in a decade, or when there are at least 20 models in the caliber, I'll buy one. Til then, 9mm has the infrastructure to support it.

Brilliant evaluation and testing, thanks Mr.Harrell.

This is literally the comparison I was hoping for. Thank you Paul!

Good thorough subject coverage, as always Paul. I was thrilled 30+ years ago when the .32 H&R magnum came out, especially when Ruger and S&W chambered some revolvers for this new cartridge, but I only wanted a Smith 16-4 and couldn’t afford one, now they are unobtanium. Next the Hornady .327 latest and greatest came out a few years ago, “almost as powerful as a .357 and less recoil!” Recoil in a small frame Ruger SP101 was quite unpleasant. S&W produced a few J frames and Ruger is desperately trying to keep it alive, and Ammo is expensive and hard to find. What I am tying to convey here is there will always be a niche market for oddities, but will they become mainstream, who knows? I am crazy about my KelTec P32, should everyone carry one, nope but when I am going minimalist it works for me. My CZ52 and Tok M57 are a blast and could be used for defense in a pinch, however I’d rather have my Beretta 92fs or Sig P938 for serious work if I was out and about. At home it’s the Les Baer Prem II in .45 and a short 11/87 behind the door. Some folks need just one or two firearms for fun and defense, that’s what works for them. But me, I can’t have too many, so there is always room for another critter in my stable! New cartridges always peak my interest. Wants and needs are an an enigma, my wife calls it a disease.

In my opinion, the only real use from .30 Super is if they can manage to fit it in a (nearly) .380ACP size frame. I imagine the felt recoil would be quite brutal, though. It may find its niche, but I think that's about as big as it'll get. Also, two of the main reasons betamax failed are: The players were more expensive and the tapes couldn't record as long as VHS (apparently a lot of people were upset they couldn't record an entire football game with a betamax tape).

Thank you Paul. Another great show.

I may have been looking at this differently, than the conclusion you came to at the end. I was looking at .30 super carry as a more desirable round option to the .380, not as a replacement to the 9mm. Near same ballistics as the 9mm round as your video demonstrates, but with more capacity than a .380 pistol. If this caliber remains an option, I would not purchase the .380, but choose the more powerful, higher round capacity of the .30 super carry. Love your videos, they are always very well thought through and you do a great job explaining everything!

What I got from this is there is negligible difference in performance between .30 SC and 9mm*, mostly down to the ammo's properties, so choosing .30SC is mainly about a little extra magazine capacity at the cost of rarer ammo (with attendant issues of ammo and availability pricing). The ammo availability issue may also make it hard to find quality .30SC ammo. Unless you're desperate for a couple extra rounds in a mag, I'm not seeing cause to switch from 9mm, and .30SC just doesn't have the marked superiority it would need to fight against 9mm's inertia as an established standard. Also, I will never get tired of watching Mr. Harrell pull all manner of things out of those pockets. *I'm just assuming this is intended to compete with the 9mm. Even if it isn't, that's clearly where it will end up.

Great job, as usual, Paul, thank you.

Thanks Mr. Harrell! This answered all my questions.

Another great video. Thank you.

Just the video I’ve been waiting for, thanks Paul!

Thank you for this excellent review, demonstration/test, and comparison. As always, your work is top shelf.

Thanks for the analysis, Paul.

Excellent presentation, Paul. You illustrated so many interesting points about the new caliber.

You do the BEST tests and you make sure to be very thorough in your presentation, which I very much appreciate! I’m a new watcher but I’m definitely donating to your patreon!

Honestly I had never heard of 30 super carry before this video. So it was cool for me to see, and learn about a different and new caliber. As always a great entertaining and informative video keep up the great work Mr. Harrell, and crew.

Thank you again, for sharing you experienced insight into the world of shooting today.

Great stuff as always, PH!

Paul is becoming my favorite RU-vid channel because he he is so practical in his videos. I am in love with the meat target because it tells me so much more than most ballistic gel tests when talking about handgun rounds. Good Job Mr Harrel

A well placed bullet in pretty much any caliber can be lethal ... Great presentation. Found it very interesting and informative.

I just recently found your channel. And every thing I have seen is exemplary Paul, and so are you. Thanks for all you do!

As always good information & entertaining. Keep it up Paul.

Rumor has it that Paul was asked to be an extra as a victim in Steven Spielberg's 'Jaws' film, but when the shark found out, it quit and they had to build a mechanical shark to take its place.

I honestly think .30SC is going to be the next .327 or .224 Valkyrie, especially being released during a time with limited availability of even common rounds like 9x19.

As always a great video, I now know all I need to about the 30 Super Carry, thanks!

2022: 30 Super Carry is the most powerful. most accurate semi-auto handgun in the world. Everyone will have heard about "some guy" dropping a charging elephant with it, etc. 2025: Go to store, say you want ammo for a 30 Super Carry and the first words out of their mouth is "what's that?". OR, tell someone you have a 30 Super Carry for sale and they ask, "Is that a cargo van?" Just my opinion and worth everything you paid for it, but I have seen this new caliber act before. With each annual crop of new, "must-have" calibers, I'm reminded of the theory behind the annual crop of new "must-have fishing lure: Lures aren't designed to catch FISH, they're designed to catch FISHERMEN. When evaluating any of the yearly must-have calibers, always ask yourself what it could do that something else doesn't accomplish already. In essence, ask whether it kills more dead that what has been around for years upon years.

Thank you Paul for another excellent presentation. I was curious about the performance of the 30SC and you have satisfied that curiosity. Take care and have a great week.

Hi Paul. Just wanted to let you know I’m a really new subscriber and I really dig what you do and how you do it man!! Thank you!

I like guns. I know guns. I teach others about guns. When I’m not sure I look to Paul. Thank you sir, many times over.

That was all levels of awesome. You are the man.

Seeing the results from the meat target today, I'm pretty disappointed in the .30. I really thought the JHP would have worked better, considering the 1100 FPS he was getting. Maybe something different like an HST or Critical Defense might perform like it should, but who knows. Also, considering that you can get an extended magazine for just about every 9mm that might only add half an inch for 2-3 extra rounds, I kind of think the .30 is trying to fill a gap that really isn't there by answering a question no one was really asking.

Another "in between caliber" that is unnecessary, will be hard to get and will be expensive to shoot. Great review

Another great analysis.

Love your reviews, Thank you Paul

To be honest, I like the number crunching, but the most unique, and in my opinion useful, test Paul does is the MEAT TARGET! Nobody else does it, and I think it's more representative of real world performance than ballistics gel.

I love Paul’s possible outcome for 30 super carry in the future at the end of the video. This whole video was amazing but that was one of my favorite parts! 😂

Right on point Paul as usual.

Realistic, fair, good information!!Everyone has to choose what’s best for them and I appreciate that you always go out of your way to point that out. You’re not trying to tell us what guns or caliber we HAVE to use, but you do always make fair and transparent tests and comparisons, for our information. Very cool- thanks for doing this important work for the community!

When Paul starts counting, I watch for birds. Must be a Pavlovian response.

I have seen other comparisons on this topic from other channels, but I always Love Pauls take on it. And man, the Pop Tart commercials are on fire!❤‍🔥

Great video, thanks.

Very interesting demonstration and as always presented with balance and commons sense. By the way keep those chrono test coming. I always enjoy that segment.

This will stick around for the “shot placement” people the same way they still make compact .45s for the “stopping power” people

They reinvented 32 French Long, I suggested this one years ago as 32 Super and was shot down by none other than Jan Libourel . Having more rounds in the magazine is always a good idea in a combat situation, reloading makes you vulnerable, nobody suggests single shots for self defense .

We love you Paul. Best of luck with your health issues. Love ya man!

Man we love you Paul ! ❤