The .30 Carbine cartridge, officially known as the 7.62x33mm, was developed for the M1 Carbine, a lightweight, semi-automatic rifle adopted by the U.S. military during World War II. Introduced in the early 1940s, the cartridge features a straight-walled, rimless design. It generally propels a 110-grain (7.1 g) round-nose, full metal jacket bullet at approximately 1,970 feet per second (600 m/s), providing moderate stopping power and range.
The .30 Carbine is typically used in the M1 Carbine for personal defense, rear-line troops, and support roles due to its light recoil and manageable size, offering a balance between a pistol and a full-sized rifle cartridge. It has seen use in various conflicts from WWII to the Vietnam War, and remains popular among civilian shooters for recreational and home defense purposes. The cartridge's effective range is around 200-300 yards, making it suitable for short to medium-range engagements.
In summary, the .30 Carbine is known for its moderate power, light recoil, and intermediate range, making it a versatile option for various roles in both military and civilian contexts.