[Paul R.]

Cont’d...

This brings me to a question to which the available information is to me a bit muddled. Taking our two most discussed options for example, it would seem that effective range (effective targeting) of the 9mm carbine is about 100 yards, the .223 is usually cited at 400 - 600 yards. (The .223 is the better choice of the two for sure in the SHTF scenario!) What I guess I’d call “risk range” (of an unintended injury to someone) is as you say much greater: The .223 is sometimes cited with a potential of 3800 yards or so: Over 2 miles. I’m still a bit confused on that number for the 9mm, but I think we are talking about a mile, perhaps?

HOWEVER! Those numbers state no elevation of the muzzle. No way under any scenario besides an attacker that has me “down” or true SHTF stuff am I ever firing either rifle on my property at an elevation above “0”. I suppose some sort of ricochet might elevate a round’s trajectory, at some loss of velocity, regardless, for now that goes in the “I’m already worrying too much” bin.

Distilled, my practical question is: Open, level terrain and sea level clear weather conditions assumed, how far will a typical 9mm round fired @ 0 deg. from a 9mm carbine 5’ high travel B4 it hits the ground? Then ditto that question for the .223?

[CurlyDave]

...how far will a typical 9mm round fired @ 0 deg. from a 9mm carbine 5’ high travel B4 it hits the ground? Then ditto that question for the .223?...

The way I read the ballistic tables, the 9mm will drop 60" in about 250 yards, the .223 will drop 60" in about 460 yards.

As a practical matter, both rifles would be sighted to zero at some reasonable range, probably 100 years for the 9mm and 250 yards for the .223. This wold start both bullets on a slightly upward trajectory at the muzzle. The 9mm will not gain significant range from this but the .223 might gain 150 yards or so.

I don't think it matters a lot, unless you are seeing varmints or stray dogs the size of horses you are going to be firing down with nearly any shot you take. Essentially, double the distance to the target from your position and you have a reasonable carry range for the bullet.

For dispatching varmints and marauding dogs on your property think hard about a 20 gauge shotgun.

[Big Red Badger]

Yup,
You worry to Much,FRiend.
Are You an Aviator ?!
;)

[gnarledmaw]

Of course I would split the difference and go with a 223mm :-)

Rather than trusting my own ciphering and gazintas or that of fellow posters, I would offer a calculator like this: GunData.Org ballistic calculator.