What if Stephen Willeford grabbed a .30-30 instead of a .223?

[gejohnston]

I'm old enough to remember when (and in rural areas) lever action .30-30s were not uncommon patrol rifles as well as being popular hunting rifles. In fact, one of my cop relatives had a Marlin scabbard under his sheriff's car seat. (Yes, it was in Wyoming, but his name isn't Longmire.)
Given the worthless POS was wearing armor, and Mr. Willeford aimed his AR to avoid the kevlar plates.
My alternative history? There wouldn't be a high-speed chase with a mortally wounded thug.

[AncientGeezer]

1. I hadn't heard the scumbag was wearing armor...Tac vest yeah but armor?

[yagotme]

2. Depends entirely on type of armor.

Some of that stuff is rated for 30-06 AP. For some reason, high velocity, small diameter bullets do better at close distances than their bigger relatives as far as defeating armor, even some of the plate stuff. Heavy duty soft armor may have absorbed a .30-30, where a .223 55 FMJ may penetrate. Any way, perp dropped his gun, and didn't hurt anyone else, except himself. Still think a .308 or '06 would have been a little better choice against the bad guy, but you dance with the one ya brought.