I was at an indoor range recently and the guys next to me were shooting a rifle.

This range has caliber restrictions in place. So you can't show up and shoot an AR or AK. I know this isn't uncommon as it can damage the armor in the backstop. Usually they ask about any long guns being shot at the time you show up.

The guys with the rifle weren't being unsafe and i didn't notice any ricochets. Upon leaving, i asked the staff if they were aware of what was being shot.

They said it was either a shotgun or 30-30. I seemed surprised by that. They said the exception to the no rifle calibers were 30-30 and 30 carbine.

It is their house - their rules...But what!?

I know it doesn't have the speed of 5.56, but 30-30 has just as much energy. It also has more energy than say 300 blackout.

This has been on my mind now and I'm just plain confused by the logic here.

If anybody can explain to me why 30-30 gets a pass while other less powerful cartridges do not, I'd be grateful.

-Zach