The 30 Carbine cartridge and its famous M1 Carbine were developed by Winchester during World War II. The intent was to produce a weapon for support troops and troops otherwise encumbered--tankers, drivers, crews of larger weapons--that was more accurate and had more range and firepower than a pistol...but was much lighter and handier than the M1 Garand service rifle. The 30 carbine cartridge is loosely based on the old 32 Winchester Self-Loading cartridge, firing a light-for-caliber 110-grain 30-caliber bullet at 1990 feet per second. The M1 Carbine was much-loved for its light weight and superb handling qaulities and served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam--but was considered very marginal in stopping power. Faithful copies of the original M1 are still manufactured, still popular, still fun to shoot, and ammunition is readily available. The 30 Carbine is excellent for small game and plinking, but should not be considered adequate for deer-sized game.
