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Posted: 7/22/2001 7:55:54 PM EDT
Curious to your opinions, freind of mine says the only reason he's leary of 223 is it's tendency to "deflect to much" in heavily wooded areas. I assume he is comparing to the 308 because of his general preference of rifles. Do you agree that this is a legitimate concern?
Link Posted: 7/22/2001 8:14:27 PM EDT
[#1]
Depends on what the actual enviroment and conditions are.  All bullets are deflected some degree in brush.  That's simple physics.  The bigger the mass of something, the less it gets deflected.  Even big caliber stuff, like .45-70 will deflect.  It's just a matter of how much brush is between the target and the gun.  How tough that brush is to get through.  How close the target is to the brush (and therefore more likely to get hit even if something deflects.  Other factors may include deformation/destruction of the projectile, and energy/velocity loss.  

I'd say the lighter bullet will deflect easier, but it will depend on the enviroment as to whether it's a legitimate concern or not.  

Ross
Link Posted: 7/22/2001 10:12:06 PM EDT
[#2]
According to some articles in Outdoor Life, and such, there is no such thing as a "Brushbusting Bullet" All bullets deflect. They tested Light/Fast Vs Heavy/Slow and everything in between.  Came to the conclusion, that heavy/fast bullets seem to do better, unless they fragment. However, the .223 ball will penetrate Saplings,branches, 2x4's, sheet metal, etc, with little deflection and plenty of energy left over.  Try a comparison next time you go to the range.  At any rate, precise aimed fire usually beats "recon by fire" as a technique, especially when ammo is to be conserved.
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