First Look: New Federal Premium .30-30 Win. Trophy Copper Load

by
posted on April 24, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
fl_federa_3030.jpg

The 120-year-old .30-30 Winchester is very likely one of the most widely used, while simultaneously overlooked big game cartridges ever. Considered as a starter cartridge by many, lots of hunters have taken their first deer with the .30-30 and then, needlessly, moved on to higher velocity offerings. Federal realizes that with a good bullet the .30-30 can do most anything any hunter needs and for 2015 they have introduced a new load for this old, deer camp favorite.

New to the Federal’s Vital Shock line of ammunition is a 150-grain, .30-30 Winchester load that utilizes the Trophy Copper bullet. Here’s what you need to know about this new hunting load that will help the .30-30 Winchester continue to live a happy life in deer camps all across America.

1. It's lever-action safe.
The 150-grain bullet is an all-copper hollow point projectile with a rounded polymer tip to make it safe for feeding from tubular lever-action magazines. The bullet is lead free and California compliant.

2. With a muzzle velocity of 2300 fps, this new bullet has a ballistic coefficient (BC) of 0.222.
Sighted in to be dead on at 150 yards, it will strike about four inches below your point of aim at 200 yards.

3. It displays exceptional expansion.
Average weight retention when fired into ballistic test mediums is 99 percent and the bullet deforms with an upset frontal diameter of about 0.55 inches. That’s expansion of 1.78 times the original diameter, which is exceptional by any standard and aids greatly with tissue destruction.

4. This level of terminal performance is ideal for the .30-30 Win. cartridge.
It also proved to be very consistent. During terminal performance testing the 150 grain Trophy Copper .30-30 load showed a weight retention and expansion variation of less than 1 percent!

undefined

Latest

W H2026 05 Black Bear IMG 20260302 225901
W H2026 05 Black Bear IMG 20260302 225901

Black Bear in Saskatchewan: Fortune Favors the Foolish

They pressed north through wildfire to their destination, a lakeside bear camp in Saskatchewan. Days later, they wondered whether their decision-making was bold or reckless.

First Look: Henry 1860 SUV Eagle

Pre orders for the Henry 1860 SUV Eagle are ongoing, a custom-engraved edition of its H11 New Original Henry Rifle developed in collaboration with the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War ("SUVCW"). A portion of the proceeds from every sale will support SUVCW's mission to preserve the history and legacy of America's Civil War veterans. Pre-orders are available exclusively at HenryUSA.com.

#SundayGunday: Savage Arms Revel DLX

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out a brilliant little takedown rimfire lever action from Savage Arms. This is the Revel DLX. An excellent fusion between classic lines and modern features, the gun is built around a satin-finished Walnut stock, boasting stippling for grip and comfort. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Watch Your Local Deer Herd for EHD

As a part of your summertime scouting, make sure to look out for signs of EHD among your local deer herd. Frank Miniter has spotted some on his own scouting tips, and gives some information about the disease.

Federal Signs Agreement with U.S. Army to Accelerate High-Performance Ammunition

Federal Ammunition has announced an agreement that allows the United States Army to utilize its patented Peak Alloy ammunition case technology for use in multiple cartridges and weapon systems. The new agreement specifies conditions necessary prior to granting Government Purpose Rights, such as the delivery of 40-million cases featuring the new technology.

NRA Announces 2026 Y.E.S. Grand Scholarship Recipients

The National Rifle Association has awarded $15,000 in college scholarships to attendees of the 2025 NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) through the Y.E.S. Grand Scholarship program.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.