I was, fortunate, indeed, to have been, "in on the ground floor" of the contemporary 30BR. The idea of adapting/adopting the case and combining it with 'properly' twisted barrels, WAS Ronnie Long's idea - at that time, I was merely a misguided Hunter Class fanatic.
While I provided fodder and cheerleading, Ronnie, Joe Entrekin, and 'HUMBLE Henry' Rivers performed most of the trench digging and sniper duties.
My ego does demand that I take credit for SELLING the concept of matching correct [so called, slow] twist rates with the short-for-caliber bullets, which, via our Hunter rifles, prior to the 30BR concept, yours truly and a few pals (chief among them, [the late] Roy Oines), during registered competition, had thoroughly proven.
As Charles pointed out, there was probably a 1.5x30/06 - hell, there could have been a 1.5x.30/03!
If there's a case, it's been wild-catted . . . and probably simultaneously, by several 'inventors'.
Ronnie's idea was solidified following, as I recall, a successful season (possibly two seasons) of campaigning 30x47 HBR chambered 1:18" twist Morrison barrels - and, with a HIGH ratio of wins. Ronnie and I invested several phone calls discussing the potential [of a 30 Cal. version of the BR case] for BR work. Previously, my experience with 30 BR chambering had been brief exposure to a couple of rigs (Rem XPs) used for handgun silhouette competition. Following some discussion and calculating velocity potential, Ronnie ordered, 'the first" reamer. While our 'claim-to-fame' was merely combining the case capacity, twist rate, and bullet weight, to achieve the best precision potential . . . as they say, 'the rest is history" . . .
When discussing this topic, I hope that I have always made Ronnie's concept/involvement clear.
Perhaps Ronnie will add some comments and/or clarify any errors/lapses in my memory.
Good shootin'! RG
