The 30 Super Carry cartridge, introduced by Federal Premium early this year, has been accepted for standardization by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI). The figures and mechanical drawings, which have already been published [PDF], include a maximum average pressure of 52,000 psi, and velocities for 100- and 115-grain bullets at 1,250 fps and 1,150 fps, respectively.

Enthusiasts learned about the new cartridge a few days before the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show in January. American Rifleman carried the news, explaining, “The 30 Super Carry is loaded with a 0.312″ projectile, smaller in diameter than the popular 9 mm Luger and .380 ACP. Because of this reduced size, double-stack pistol magazines built to accommodate 9 mm Luger cartridges can carry two more rounds of 30 Super Carry in the same space, giving handgunners more rounds without needing more space. Single-stack magazines gain an extra round over 9 mm Luger.”

Justin Dyal tested the cartridge’s performance from a Nighthawk Custom a few weeks later. “Federal’s goal was to close the substantial gap between .380 ACP and 9 mm Luger—both of which feature 0.355″-diameter bullets,” he wrote. “But, at the risk of giving away the ending up front, the Super Carry nearly meets the terminal performance of best-in-class, standard-pressure 9 mm Luger loads while dramatically outperforming similar .380 ACP loads.”

The Nighthawk Custom GRP was one of the first pistols to chamber the cartridge. Smith & Wesson was also early out with its M&P 30SC Shield EZ and M&P 30 Shield Plus.

SAAMI—founded in 1926 at the request of the federal government—promotes firearm safety by creating standards that ensure safety, reliability, and interchangeability of firearms, ammunition and their components. It is the leading global resource for the safe and responsible design, manufacture, transportation, storage and use of the products.

Article by GUY J. SAGI