Another caliber comparison

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Don357

Don357

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7.62x51r/.30-30 150gr vs 7.62x39 120gr vs 7.62x33/.30 Carbine 110gr. (I have a thing for .30 cal which is why I did'nt mention 5.56x45/.223) How would these stack up as a home defence round. I know how they compare in price, and local availability, and on paper ballistically. I'm more interested in actual get down and dirty usability.
 
A lot depends on the firearm they'll be fired from in this hypothetical. All that aside, from a pure knock-down ballistics and energy perspective, the biggest case capacity will yield the best results there. Heavier bullets have higher ballistic coefficients (if we're talking about all 30 cal in this conversation), which translates to better air resistance in flight. That might not really matter in home-defense assuming close quarters.
 
I suppose I should have been a little more specific. As for the .30-30, a Win '94 or equivalent, 7.62x39, an AK or equivalent or SKS, as for the .30 Carbine, a M1 carbine of course. All having 16-18" barrels. Basic carbine length.
 
The 7.62 NATO, 30-30, and 7.62x39 have way too much penetration to be considered a HD round for 99.999% of situations. That would leave the 30 Carbine, with a hollowpoint or soft point bullet from what you list.

There is a better round for HD than the 30 Carbine and that is the 5.56 NATO IMO. You are not going to shoot at any long ranges. The only way you'd be shooting 25 yds is if you have a very large house. Remember in a HD situation you need to justify why the target is a threat.
 
Griz, you are absolutely correct about the 7.62NATO having way to much penetration. Apparently you missed the R behind the 7.62x51 in the OP. 7.62x51R is the metric (European) designation for the .30-30 which is a ballistic equivalent to the 7.62x39 on paper.
 
I didn't know they used the French System in that part of Alabama.

For urban or suburban home defense with a shoulder weapon, I would prefer the M1 Carbine. It is powerful enough and short and light enough to be handy in close quarters.

A pistol caliber lever action would be almost as good, but you said .30 cal.
 
Don357, you are correct I did miss the r but those cartridges you list still have way too much penetration for a HD round. Also, a 5.56 NATO is a much better round for HD than a 30 carbine.
 
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