The .30-.30 is less potent than a .308 but not by much. The benefit comes in the flatter trajectory. The .30-.30 has more drop down range.
Comparison of 5.56 and .308 ballistics:
Cartridge Model Cartridge size Cartridge weight Bullet weight Velocity Energy
5.56mm NATO M855[55] 5.56×45mm 12.31 g (190 gr) 4.02 g (62 gr) 945.5 m/s (3,100 ft/s)[56] 1,797 J[57]
7.62mm NATO M80[58] 7.62×51mm 25.40 g (392 gr) 9.33 g (147 gr) 838.0 m/s (2,749 ft/s)[58] 3,275 J
Thank you! I need to stare at that for awhile and soak it in.
Using the lever revolution ammo greatly enhances the ballistics of the 30-30. The only question is, will the rifle fire the higher powered ammo. The new ones will. As for 30-30 rifles, I prefer the Henry because you can mount a scope.