30-30 shell. Can it be fired in a ...

Question
Hello.

I am 37, and as  akid I had a 4-10 shotgun.   My dad, who was a Vietnam vet, use to fire 30-30 shells from my 4-10.  Now the question, can it be done, even though I saw it first hand, I am looking for an expert to answer this to put it to rest here in my familys house as my dad passed away 20 years ago.

Answer
 Hello Shane,

I wouldn't say that it couldn't be done, but it certainly would not be a wise thing to do. The diamater of the bullet casing is different for one thing, and the shotgun barrel just isnt made to withstand pressures from a rifle cartridge. I mean technically you could fire a .30-30 bullet using a rock or hammer. All you need is something to strike the primer with, a .410 has a firing pin that would certainly strike the primer. Hope this helps settle any answers.


Best of luck, and thanks to your family for your dads service!