Originally Posted by driftrider

One thing that I notice with the above (hand drawn, so there is no guarantee of accurate scale) representations, is that the scale is different between the .223 illustration and the 30-30 one. Assuming that the pictures are accurately drawn, if one scales up the 30-30 illustration to match the horizontal scale of the 223 illustration, then the 30-30 permanent wound channel is virtually the same size vertically, the temporary stretch channel is larger, and the penetration is almost 22cm (about 9 inches) deeper. 23.5cm is 9.25", which is just deep enough to go through the vitals of a deer, assuming only soft tissue is encountered and the shot is direct through the ribs broadside. Since the above tests seem to have been conducted without hitting bone, we don't know how the .223 would perform attempting to pass through the shoulder, and on a quartering shot, the penetration would be marginal to inadequate. The 30-30, on the other hand, demonstrates roughly twice the penetration of the 223, which would suggest that it would have far fewer problems penetrating bone and dense muscle, or driving deep enough to get through to vitals on a quartering/shot.

I would also say that the bullet used for the 223 test was a 50 grain SP which, based on the age of the data being sometime between 1981 and 1988, would have likely been a varmint bullet. A modern .224" bullet designed for more controlled expansion and in a heavier weight meant for deer sized game, like the Barnes TSX or Nosler Partition, would likely demonstrate better penetration at the cost of a somewhat narrower wound channel than a fragmenting varmint bullet creates by virtue of near instant disintegration on contact.

Mike