The .30 R Blaser cartridge was developed in Germany during the early 1990s by the renowned firearms manufacturer Blaser, in cooperation with RWS (Rheinisch-Westfälische Sprengstoff-Fabriken). Its introduction was largely driven by the need for a high-performance, modern .30-caliber rimmed cartridge tailored for break-action rifles, such as the popular single-shot, combination, and double rifles favored in Europe. The Blaser design team sought to create a cartridge offering ballistic capabilities on par with the widely established .30-06 Springfield, but specifically tailored for hunters and shooters who require a rimmed case for reliable extraction in break-open actions. Since its initial launch, the .30 R Blaser has not only earned a solid reputation among European sportsmen but has also gradually gained recognition among the international hunting and reloading community.
Ammunition reloaders regard the .30 R Blaser as a flexible cartridge, well suited for a variety of hunting scenarios due to its balanced performance. The cartridge excels in medium- to large-game hunting, providing sufficient velocity and energy for ethical harvesting at typical hunting distances. Its dimensions and ballistics make it a natural choice for hunters using traditional German or Central European rifles, including break-barrel single-shots, combination guns, and drillings, where reliability and extraction are paramount. Its moderate pressure levels and sturdy case design also make it a favorite among handloaders who value both performance and safety in reloads. Additionally, the .30 R Blaser enjoys legal approval for use on a wide spectrum of game in numerous European countries, further contributing to its popularity among reloaders seeking versatility.
When it comes to target species, the .30 R Blaser is engineered to deliver optimal performance on a range of medium and large game animals. This includes roe deer, red deer, wild boar, and even larger hooved game such as moose in some regions. The cartridge’s potent ballistics ensure deep penetration and reliable terminal performance, making it equally proficient in woodland stalking, high-seat hunting, and driven hunts. For European hunters, it is often the cartridge of choice for challenging hunts involving mixed or unpredictable quarry. Reloaders appreciate its ability to be tailored with a variety of bullet types to meet the requirements of different species and hunting environments.
Typical bullet weights for the .30 R Blaser span from 150 grains to 200 grains, with 165- and 180-grain bullets being among the most popular choices for a balance of speed, trajectory, and terminal energy. Its cartridge case is rimmed and features a generous case capacity, allowing for efficient powder burn and consistent accuracy. The .30 R Blaser delivers muzzle velocities and energies comparable to the .30-06 Springfield, with gentle recoil characteristics, making it pleasant to shoot in lighter, elegant break-action firearms. Its versatility, robust case construction, and adaptability to a range of bullet styles — from traditional soft points to premium bonded and monolithic projectiles — make this caliber an excellent candidate for the ammunition reloader who values tradition, reliability, and modern ballistic performance in rimmed cartridges.
- Bullet Weight (gr) ->0-5050-7575-100100-150150-200200-300>300
The following table indicates for this caliber and various bullet weight ranges (in grains) which powders are suitable (👍) and popular among our reloading community (👍👍). This might evolve over time as more community members share their loads and as we accumulate more calculations and tests with our balistics calculator.
Weight vs. Velocity - Suitable Bullets for this Caliber
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Barrel Length Variation vs. Velocity - by Bullet Weight
.30 R Blaser load data available is with the following bullets:
(most popular first)