[r9etb]

I have always wondered why we decided on a "varmit" round for targets in the "white tail" deer weight range. Seems like something in the 30.30 class would be more appropriate.

I think the rationale was put in terms of weight and number of rounds carried. The lesson from Vietnam was that most rounds aren't even aimed -- it was several thousand rounds expended for each person hit. Also, the thinking at the time was that fighting was done at relatively close range, so the heavier bullet (and its longer range) was not necessary.

[skyman]

"The lesson from Vietnam was that most rounds aren't even aimed -- it was several thousand rounds expended for each person hit."

According to a book on snipers that I've read:
average bullets fired by US solders per kill
WWII -25,000
Korea-50,000
Viet Nam-200,000
Snipers-1.3

I think our military is much better trained than Viet Nam so there is less tendancy to "spray and pray" today