Is it possible that a .30-06 FMJ 160 Grain rifle bullet doesn’t exit a body when fired from less than 200 yards away?

Checked on September 23, 2025
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".30-06 FMJ 160 Grain rifle bullet wound ballistics"
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1. Summary of the results

The possibility of a .30-06 FMJ 160 Grain rifle bullet not exiting a body when fired from less than 200 yards away is supported by various analyses. According to [1], FMJ bullets can behave variably, with some fragmenting and yawing early, while others may exit the target before yawing, making it plausible for a .30-06 FMJ 160 gr bullet to fail to exit a body [1]. Similarly, [2] suggests that FMJ bullets can vary widely in performance, and an FMJ that exits before yawing can cause a relatively minor wound, implying that a .30-06 FMJ 160 gr round might not always exit a target [2]. Additionally, [3] supports the claim that a .30-06 FMJ 160 Grain rifle bullet may not exit a body when fired from less than 200 yards away, citing variables such as bullet design, bone interaction, angle of impact, and distance and velocity [3]. Key factors influencing the bullet's behavior include the variables of bullet design, bone interaction, angle of impact, and distance and velocity.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

While the analyses provide valuable insights, some sources lack direct evidence regarding the exit behavior of FMJ bullets, such as [4], which only provides ballistic tables and load data without addressing terminal performance or exit behavior [4]. Furthermore, the analyses primarily focus on the technical aspects of ballistics, with limited discussion on the practical implications of a bullet not exiting a body. Alternative viewpoints could include the consideration of real-world scenarios, such as the impact of clothing, obstacles, or multiple targets on the bullet's trajectory and exit behavior. Additionally, [1] provides detailed information on the ballistics of the 30-06 rifle cartridge, which can be used to understand the potential for the bullet to exit a body, but does not directly address the specific scenario of a .30-06 FMJ 160 Grain rifle bullet [1].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be influenced by a lack of understanding of the complex factors affecting bullet behavior, such as yaw, fragmentation, and interaction with the target. The statement's focus on a specific bullet type and distance may oversimplify the complexities of ballistics, potentially leading to misinformation. Moreover, the statement's framing may benefit those who seek to emphasize the potential for a .30-06 FMJ 160 Grain rifle bullet to not exit a body, such as those advocating for the use of alternative ammunition or those seeking to highlight the importance of considering bullet behavior in real-world scenarios [1] [2] [3]. Ultimately, a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing bullet behavior is necessary to accurately assess the likelihood of a .30-06 FMJ 160 Grain rifle bullet exiting a body [1] [2] [3].

Want to dive deeper?
What is the typical penetration depth of a .30-06 FMJ 160 Grain rifle bullet in human tissue?
How does the distance of less than 200 yards affect the expansion and penetration of a .30-06 FMJ 160 Grain rifle bullet?
Can a .30-06 FMJ 160 Grain rifle bullet fragment and cause internal damage without exiting the body?
What are the factors that influence the likelihood of a rifle bullet exiting the body, such as angle of entry and body composition?
Are there any documented cases of .30-06 FMJ 160 Grain rifle bullets not exiting the body in real-world shootings?