Winchester 30-30, SASS legal?

[jrdudas]

I am a new CAS shooter and have all the guns I need for now.  However, I recently saw a used Winchester lever action (probably 1894) in .30-30 at a fair price.  I seem to remember that the .30-30 is not SASS approved.  That being said, I did a little research on the history of the .30-30.  I learned that the .30-30 was first introduced in 1895 on the 1894 Winchester frame.  This raises a question; since the .30-30 caliber dates to 1895 why is it not approved by SASS.  Is it something as simple as a ruling body making the decision that the smallest caliber allowed will be .32, or is there more to the story.  Also, I know that many clubs have side matches; is the .30-30 one that is allowed in side matches.

Thanks, JR 

[Marshal Halloway]

JR,

The Winchester 30-30 is SASS legal for side matches (Rifle Caliber Category).

Here is a section from the SASS rule book:

Rifle Caliber" competition rifles must use traditional, period, rimmed cartridges. No cartridge chambered for use in any SASS approved main match pistol or rifle may be used in the "Rifle Caliber" competition.
Thus, .30-30 WCF, .38-55 Marlin & Ballard, .43 Spanish, or .45-70 Government cartridges would be legal, while a .375 Winchester, .444 Marlin, .32-20 WCF, or .44-40 WCF would not be legal.

Regardless of category or caliber, bullets used in long range and precision rifle matches must be made of pure lead or lead alloy having a plain base, gas checked, or paper patched configuration.

You can read the SASS rule book at
http://www.sassnet.com/Downloads/ShootersHandbook/SHBv110.pdf

Side matches and rifle caliber rifles are covered from page 16.

Have fun and be safe.