Deer cartridges 223 vs 30-30

[Fox]

Actually the most deer load offerings for 223 is from 55-64 grains. With stout bullets offered under 65g, twist rate shouldn't be a problem.

Ya, under that weight sure but then you are looking at a sectional density 0.171 for a 60gr bullet which is really quite low for penetration. Shot placement would be key, a low SD like that would tend to blow up hitting bone. The 70gr GMX is at 0.199, 0.2 seems to be the threshold of acceptable for deer size game, based on powers that be on the internet.

If you can get that pill into the vitals though that deer is dead.

[canadaman30]

Any of the controlled expansion/deer factory rounds offered will get the job done. A 55g TSX is also available.

[Fox]

Any of the controlled expansion/deer factory rounds offered will get the job done. A 55g TSX is also available.

Well a 50gr varmint bullet to the head is going to drop them like that too, and so would a 22LR.

The 30-30 would kill them just as dead as the 223 under that bullet placement.

[blasted_saber]

I would use a 223 but I'd be looking for a perfect shot opportunity. The numbers probably support the 3030 being no better through a brush screen but I can't wrap my head around it.

Ive killed two deer with a 3030, they took a combined 0 steps between the two of them. I can't argue with that.

[Bushwhacker]

I've found my .223 to be extremely accurate & deadly on large coyotes. Would not hesitate to take a broadside shot on deer within say 100 yards.

[Fox]

I've found my .223 to be extremely accurate & deadly on large coyotes. Would not hesitate to take a broadside shot on deer within say 100 yards.

With the right bullet, a large coyote is 60lbs live, a deer is much larger than that and much thicker, you better get in to the vitals.

[Badenoch]

I've owned half a dozen .223 rifles over the years and never felt the need to use one to hunt deer. I suppose it might be possible with a properly constructed bullet but I've always had better cartridges for the tasks. The .30-30 meanwhile was a ground breaking cartridge in its day that was faster and shot flatter than most cartridges on the market at the time. The .30-30's day was over a century ago. Many better cartridges have come along since then.

Both will work. Neither are ideal choices.

[Fox]

Both will work. Neither are ideal choices.

For the 30-30 it depends on where you are hunting, no different than the 308 Win or 3006 when you compare effective range. Same bullet diameter and same impact energy, just a shorter range.

Yes there are newer cartridges but the day is still not nearly over and all the dead deer, bear and moose every year speak to that.