Centerfire Rifles vs Chickens .223 5.56 7.62x39 .270 Win .450BM

Published on March 24, 2024
Duration: 11:29

This video from Buckeye Ballistics compares the terminal ballistics of several centerfire rifle calibers (.223/5.56, 7.62x39, .270 Win, .450 BM) when fired into chickens. The instructor notes that FMJ loads were used for .223/5.56 and 7.62x39, while expanding ammunition (ballistic tip and soft point) was used for the .450 BM and .270 Win due to availability. The results highlight significant differences in projectile behavior and damage, with the .270 Win and .450 BM causing more extensive fragmentation.

Quick Summary

Buckeye Ballistics tested .223/5.56, 7.62x39, .270 Winchester, and .450 Bushmaster calibers on chicken targets. While .223/5.56 FMJ showed minimal damage, 7.62x39 FMJ performed more typically. The .270 Win and .450 Bushmaster, using expanding rounds, demonstrated extensive fragmentation and destructive power.

Chapters

  1. 00:15Introduction & Previous Tests
  2. 01:00Calibers & Ammunition for Test
  3. 02:24Target Preparation & Sizing
  4. 03:05Rifle Platforms Used
  5. 03:52.223/5.56 Test Results
  6. 04:46Initial Thoughts on .223/5.56 vs 7.62x39
  7. 05:447.62x39 Test Results
  8. 07:037.62x39 Wins This Round
  9. 07:08.270 Win & .450 BM Introduction
  10. 07:28.270 Winchester Test
  11. 08:54.450 Bushmaster Test
  12. 10:13.450 Bushmaster Results & Analysis
  13. 10:49Comparison Recap & Meat Salvage
  14. 11:07Conclusion & Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What centerfire rifle calibers were tested against chicken targets in the Buckeye Ballistics video?

The video tested .223 Remington/5.56x45mm NATO, 7.62x39mm, .270 Winchester, and .450 Bushmaster. Standard FMJ loads were used for the first two, while expanding ammunition was used for the latter two due to availability.

How did the .223/5.56 FMJ perform compared to the 7.62x39mm FMJ in the chicken test?

Surprisingly, the .223/5.56 FMJ passed straight through the chicken with minimal damage, unlike its typical tumbling behavior. The 7.62x39mm FMJ showed more expected damage and fragmentation, leading the instructor to give it the win in this specific comparison.

What type of ammunition was used for the .270 Winchester and .450 Bushmaster tests?

Due to the unavailability of FMJ rounds for these calibers, the .270 Winchester was tested with a 130-grain Federal soft point, and the .450 Bushmaster used a 250-grain Hornady ballistic tip. Both demonstrated significant destructive power.

What were the key differences observed between the .223/5.56 and the more powerful calibers like .270 Win and .450 BM?

The .223/5.56 FMJ showed minimal terminal effect initially, while the .270 Winchester and .450 Bushmaster, using expanding ammunition, caused extensive fragmentation and significant damage, ejecting material considerable distances.

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