Choosing a Rifle Caliber for Home Defense and Hunting
Thursday March 26, 2009
More and more folks want to own a gun for home defense, especially in these increasingly-uncertain times. Many rifles are available, and many cartridges are available for them. How do you decide on one? This discussion and comparison of cost, availability, and effectiveness should help you determine the best choice.
Comments
How much research went into this blog post? Why is the 308 rated fair and the 30/06 rated poor? I do not believe that there is enough difference in the cartridge (150 fps?)to warrant a change in rating. Why is the 223 going to over penetrate when the 44 mag will not?
I, sir, do not believe that this post accurately portrays a picture of good self defense choices, perhaps I am biased and feel that bullet choices should have been covered to some extent.
I will however put up my 223 with varmint bullets against your 44 mag with any ammo you care to load it with and check penetration.
Perhaps you are think more about suitable rifle types?
The 308 can be had in a more suitable rifle than the 30-06 – at least for home defense.
As I mentioned in the article, lots of the ratings were based on available rifles of suitable type.
Compare velocity and penetration of the 223 and the 44 mag. You’ll find that the high-vel 223 is generally more of a penetrator. Can the 44 over-penetrate through walls and whatnot? Sure.
Varmint bullets? Why would you use tiny, fast, light bullets for self-defense?
hi russ
have you tested gunbutter as a lube?
jim
Howdy Jim,
No, I haven’t tried Gun Butter.
Russ