MountainGun44
New member
I think this is a very important topic. If we play nice, maybe we won't get sent to our rooms again.
Based on my own completely non-scientific experience and "testing" I would be afraid to use a .223 rifle in a home defense situation if a shotgun was an alternative.
Here is my logic:
1) Your target may not always have his back to an exterior wall. What if it is an open door? A window? A garage wall? An interior wall?
2) If the .223 round manages to slip between studs and exit the stucture I believe that it has more potential to do damage.
3) If it were to cause accidental damage you would be far more likely to be held liable for negligent behavior- despite the expert reports that I have read to the contrary.
I have had .223 rounds skip off of car windshields without penetration. I have had a .223 round completely disintegrate when it hit a nail in a wall stud. I have fired standard 55 grain FMJ bullets through steel plates and cinder block. You just don't know what will happen.
At ranges under 7 yards shot charges of 4's, 6's, and, even 8's will be extremely effective. I personally don't think you need buckshot. If a happy medium is required, go for #4 buck.
I am talking about home defense. Not urban combat. I don't think you can anticipate the angles or directions a projectile will be fired in these situations. Maybe you bachelors in cement-walled apartments don't have to be as careful, but I would rather be unarmed than accidentally hit a neighbor's or my own child.
As far as setting up a "scientific" test is concerned, all I want to know is the result of an impact with the thinnest, least protected part of the structure. That might be an open door, as I said earlier.
Regards,
Dave
Ps I always laugh when we get in heated discussions. You know that if we were in a room together we would all get along like the best of friends. Lets try to remember that!
Based on my own completely non-scientific experience and "testing" I would be afraid to use a .223 rifle in a home defense situation if a shotgun was an alternative.
Here is my logic:
1) Your target may not always have his back to an exterior wall. What if it is an open door? A window? A garage wall? An interior wall?
2) If the .223 round manages to slip between studs and exit the stucture I believe that it has more potential to do damage.
3) If it were to cause accidental damage you would be far more likely to be held liable for negligent behavior- despite the expert reports that I have read to the contrary.
I have had .223 rounds skip off of car windshields without penetration. I have had a .223 round completely disintegrate when it hit a nail in a wall stud. I have fired standard 55 grain FMJ bullets through steel plates and cinder block. You just don't know what will happen.
At ranges under 7 yards shot charges of 4's, 6's, and, even 8's will be extremely effective. I personally don't think you need buckshot. If a happy medium is required, go for #4 buck.
I am talking about home defense. Not urban combat. I don't think you can anticipate the angles or directions a projectile will be fired in these situations. Maybe you bachelors in cement-walled apartments don't have to be as careful, but I would rather be unarmed than accidentally hit a neighbor's or my own child.
As far as setting up a "scientific" test is concerned, all I want to know is the result of an impact with the thinnest, least protected part of the structure. That might be an open door, as I said earlier.
Regards,
Dave
Ps I always laugh when we get in heated discussions. You know that if we were in a room together we would all get along like the best of friends. Lets try to remember that!