Which of these marginal calibers? .30 Carbine vs .223?
07-21-2011, 09:53 AM
#1
Fork Horn
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: New York State
Posts: 154
Which of these marginal calibers? .30 Carbine vs .223?
A .30 Carbine or .223 for deer hunting? Okay, I know these two calibers are questionable at best and always bring out some very strong opinions. I DO NOT hunt with either one of these(I use .45-70 and .303 Brit
). But just for fun, if these were your only two options, which would you use for deer hunting?? Not limited to military ball of course.
). But just for fun, if these were your only two options, which would you use for deer hunting?? Not limited to military ball of course.
07-21-2011, 10:19 AM
#2
Typical Buck
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 872
ive heard of people using a .223. you need good shot placement and it will get the job done. I think it could take a deer down better than a.30 carbine though. i wasnt familiar with the ballistics of it so i googled it. said it had half the energy of a 30-30 winchester. i wouldnt use either really but i go with the .223. i'd try to make a heart shot or head shot.
Last edited by huntingkidPA; 07-21-2011 at 10:21 AM.
07-21-2011, 12:17 PM
#4
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Texas and Arkansas
Posts: 1,496
Neither, if you feel that they are marginal (I do). My father used an M-1 30 cal. carbine in the 60's and killed a deer with it. Then he got smart and upgraded to a 30-06 (which I still have).
07-21-2011, 07:20 PM
#8
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location:
Posts: 5,130
The .30 caliber carbine, but only at bow range. LOL !!!
I do like the .223 as a Predator/Varmint round though !
I always want to use enough gun..........I owe it to the animals I hunt.
I do like the .223 as a Predator/Varmint round though !
I always want to use enough gun..........I owe it to the animals I hunt.
Last edited by Sheridan; 07-22-2011 at 10:14 AM.
07-22-2011, 05:30 AM
#9
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Illinois
Posts: 1,482
The .30 Carbine has approximately the energy of a .38 special. Not exactly what I would want to take deer hunting. The .223 is much more powerful, but still on the small side for deer. If I had to take one, I would take the .223 loaded with a 60 grain Nosler Partition or a 64 grain Power Point. With good shot placement, either will take a deer at reasonable ranges.
07-22-2011, 02:01 PM
#10
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: IL
Posts: 6,575
I remember reading an article that I believe stated the .30 carbine had more energy at 100yds than a .44 mag did at 25yds, something to that affect, and just how the .30 is often states as being too light for deer, but almost no one would 2nd guess using a .44mag on a deer up close.