In reality, which is the more effective combat round?

[BIGJACK]

The .223 simply because a hit with it is more likely to wound than kill than does the 06 caliber. Takes a lot more people to care for a wounded man than it does a dead one.

 

[USSR]

The .223 simply because a hit with it is more likely to wound than kill than does the 06 caliber. Takes a lot more people to care for a wounded man than it does a dead one.

I think it should be noted, "A wounded man can kill you - A dead man can't". You don't go into combat to wound somebody.

Don

 

[lycanthrope]

You guys have never drilled varmints with 5.56 loads and ballistic tips. Softball sized holes will slow most people down I wager.

 

[Spencer]

The recoil on the .223 is not nearly that of a 30-06 so it would be alot easier to keep your rifle on target. .223 can be carried in larger quantities and fired faster so it is ideal for automatic weapons.

I have heard that in a few cases .223 can actually knock people down; not by force, but because of the shock of the wound, even if they dont get hit in the torso.
I would choose the .223 for combat.