And you're right, the AR-15 (.223) has it's place - like the jungle & swamps, or as in Vietnam1 (which I believe I previously stipulated). And yes the heavier bullet will drop more (darn laws of physics again), but look at the 300yd ft-lb comparison; 620 for the .223 & 1144 for my 8mm - almost double the energy.
However, keep in mind that the intention of Stoner with his AR & smaller .233 round was to cause casualties - which would then theoretically slow down the enemy in tending to his wounded (IIRC taking 3 men out of a battle). While previously the idea was to kill the enemy; 30-06 '03 Springfield & M-1 Garand and .308 M-14.
BTW, that must have taken some time to post all that data - good job. And how you got the data for the .223 over 200yds is beyond me as Remington stopped there. Again, good job.
Oh, this fall I'll try North Dakota for Gorilla ;-)
1; That is once they went back to the originally spec'd clean burning powder which did not require a chrome receiver, issued cleaning kits and stopped the jamming/fouling problem.
BTW, that must have taken some time to post all that data - good job. And how you got the data for the .223 over 200yds is beyond me as Remington stopped there. Again, good job.
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The data is from a excel spreadsheet.
Everything you said I agree with. Vietnam etc. Today's fight is at 300 to 1000 yards and the troops need a little more energy at impact.
The new 6.8mm round about to be adopted by the military is the old 30 30 round only a little shorter and without a shoulder for magizine loading.
I use a Horus scope for gorilla's and the supplier of the scope says they are using them in Iraq with kills up to 1550 meters. These are great scopes for distances over 300 yards.
Many gorillas over 500 yards working on 1000 yards. longest today is 822yardds.