MSNBC, Ari Melber just did a fantastic report on the AR15.

[Zeitghost]

13. Not quite

The .223 Remington cartridge and the 5.56mm military cartridge that is based on it are fairly mild mannered rifle rounds that have less power than most traditional rifle cartridges you might find in hunting rifle. It is generally considered a "varmint round" suitable for ground squirrels and coyote and in many jurisdictions it is not legal for deer hunting due to a lack of power. It's primary reason for being chosen as a military cartridge had to do with it's lighter weight when compared to 7.62mm or the old .30-06, which allowed soldiers to carry a full load of ammunition at a much lighter weight.

Not trying to defend the use or ownership of the AR-15 by civilians. Simply trying to shed some light on the subject. Carbines like the AR-15 or the AK-47 were designed specifically to fire less powerful ammunition than other rifles.