Best .30-30 self-defense ammo while hiking?

[MachIVshooter]

Sectional density, momentum, bullet construction. Kinetic energy means nothing in terminal ballistics. It's marketing. Nothing to do with penetration

You have much to learn, young grasshopper

The kinetic energy a round develops directly translates to it's ability to do work. That work is penetration and expansion. More kinetic energy=drive the same bullet deeper, expand it wider, or both.

No, it's certainly not the only factor. But it is an important number to consider. You understand that momentum is important; What do you think momentum is? A product of Mass and velocity. Guess what KE is? That's right: A product of Mass and velocity.

 

[RhinoDefense]

Let's get two things straight: I am not young and I am not a grasshopper. Lastly, kinetic energy is NOT momentum. Both are derived mathematically using velocity and mass; one has velocity squared the other does not. That's where the similarity ends, especially in terminal ballistics. Kinetic energy is not a measurement of killing power or terminal ballistic performance. A .30 caliber bullet at 3,000fps does not kill faster or better than the same bullet at 2,000fps. Period.

 

[jmstevens2]

Scotty:
Captian! I canna change the laws of physics!

Spock:
Well, in theory.......



Seriously, let us not forget a CNS hit. I do not suggest head shots, but a shot in the mouth of a bear as he roars may get the brain, or spinal cord, in either case it is rug time. When they are close that would be a good choice for a last shot. Ask any hunter that missed ant hit high getting the spinal cord, drop right there.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Let's get two things straight: I am not young and I am not a grasshopper.

Simmer down and try the decaf. That was meant to be a bit more light hearted than simply saying "you're dead wrong".

Both are derived mathematically using velocity and mass; one has velocity squared the other does not.

The fact that using they are calculated using different formulas and units of measurement doesn't change that they are inseparable components of terminal ballistics. You can't have one without the other, unless you live in a world where the laws of physics somehow don't apply.

Kinetic energy is not a measurement of killing power or terminal ballistic performance.

Not in and of itself, no. I never said it was. I tried to explain it to you in very simple terms, but you clearly don't get it.

A .30 caliber bullet at 3,000fps does not kill faster or better than the same bullet at 2,000fps. Period.

There are a whole lot of people who will disagree with you there. Many of them are very prominent wound ballistics experts with exceptional credentials who PROVE that your theory is wrong. You can believe whatever you want, but don't present your misinformed opinion as fact.

 

[natman]

Sectional density, momentum, bullet construction. Kinetic energy means nothing in terminal ballistics. It's marketing. Nothing to do with penetration.

Kinetic energy is not a measurement of killing power or terminal ballistic performance. A .30 caliber bullet at 3,000fps does not kill faster or better than the same bullet at 2,000fps. Period.

I'm afraid you've contradicted yourself. In the first quote you indicate, correctly, that momentum is an important factor. Since momentum is mass X velocity, the 30 caliber bullet at 3000 fps has half again as much momentum as the same bullet at 2000 fps.

Now I agree that energy does get misused as a measure of terminal effectiveness, but velocity does make a difference. As an empirical example, let's say you were facing a charging grizzly. You're going to get one shot at his chest. Would you rather have a 180 grain from a downloaded 30-30 at 2000 fps or a 180 grain 300 Winchester Magnum at 3000? (Now I realize that for crackshot internet shooters a 30-30 would drop the grizzly instantly, but you get my point.)