More on the .223. Last summer I went through several hundred pounds of wet newspaper testing from 22 Hornet to 358 Norma. One of the studies I did was .223 vs 30-30. I figured I'd compare these two as the 30-30 was considered by many to be a minimal standard for deer.

My 30-30 was a Stevens 325B and I used bullets from 125-170 grains. The .223 was my wife's micro medallion a rifle that had about 5 caribou to it's credit. My hypothesis was that these two calibers would be similar in their terminal performance

In the following picture the two center bullets are the 60 partition and 64 PP surrounded by various 30-30 bullets. The bullet with the lost core is actually from a 358 Norma.

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Both the Nosler and Win PP penetrated nearly 10" and began expanding immediately on impact. After 3" of penetration the 30-30 bullets had caught up and wound channel width was similar. Past 3 ' the 30-30 left a considerably bigger hole. All told the wound volume in newsprint of the .223 was from 60-75% of the 30-30. The first half wound channel volume was similar. The second half closed to maybe half as much.

30-30 pnetartion was as low as 8" with the 125 grain Sierra Spitzer to 12" with the 170 Hornady. The 130 Speer FN penetrated the same depth as the .223.

I'll let you draw your own conclusions from this test. You could argue that 75% of good is good enough. You could also argue that we are at some sort of a threshold here. I think used carefully the .223 can be very effective. Your margin of error is small. Good bullets make it acceptable in the hands of a careful, and calm hunter.


Last edited by Takujualuk; 07/11/09.