by Jim in Houston » Sun Jan 23, 2011 1:15 pm
Interesting point about the range of the 450 versus theh 5.56 / 223. When I said long range, I was thinking of an effective hunting range. My thought was that a range above 300 yards was about as far away from a deer as you would want to be. I doubt the 55 or 62 gr 223 would have enough mass to take down a deer-sized animal at that range (or even closer, which is why they are not used in deer hunting), even if it was going faster than a 250 gr 450. Since Energy is 1/2 the mass times the velocity, at 300 yards, the 223 would have to be going 5 times faster. Whether or not the 450 would be enough at 300 yards, despite its mass, is something I don't know. Yes, due to its lighter weight bullet and higher muzzle velocity, the 223 probably has a longer range on a target.
My observation was also that the 5.56 / 223 is well suited for tactical situations at close quarters. Multiple shot sequences are possible with the rifle in a less than optimum shooting position and at closes quarters (under 25 yards) you could probably put all the rounds center mass. Try shooting a mutiple shot string while moving to cover with a 450 and i doubt that you would be satisfied with the results. Of course, you might only need one hit.
Any discussion on the effectiveness of the two rounds at range?
Life Member, Texas State Rifle Association; Patron LIfe Member, NRA