elChupacabra!
member
- Joined
- May 29, 2008
- Messages
- 562
I Agree with Tactical_Rubber_Duck that the real problem isn't the round or the rifle its being fired from but the combination of both. I've spent a good bit of time reading the Ammo Oracle and they make a pretty good argument about the velocities at which M855 and also M193 fragment - both generally have to be going at least 2700 fps or thereabouts to fragment, but coming out of that short 14.5" barrel, that velocity is bled off at only 45-50 meters - that means that, beyond 50m, you can't reliably expect the round to fragment and you get a .22cal wound. Alot of shooting in Iraq takes place beyond 50m, and even more in Afghanistan (by comparison, M193 fragments at about twice the range - 95-100m from the M4, and from the M16's 20" tube, M193 is still above 2700fps at 190-200m - a truly effective cartridge / rifle combination).
Of course, the real problem is that a 14.5" barrel is a real necessity in urban warfare, and is probably alot more useful than a longer 20" barrel, which can be a PITA to get around corners etc. So to me, that means that a new round should be introduced.
I like the Mk262 Mod 1 as a general-purpose round, retaining its fragmentation characteristics at proportionally lower velocities and, thus, longer ranges. I don't think it should be restricted only to SF operators and DMR shooters - I think it's a true solution to the problems in urban warfare, although it does trade off the penetration M855 has. Either way, people won't be happy about it.
This all sorta reminds me of the stories from Korea of the M1/M2 Carbine not penetrating the quilted coats of the Chinese, with 15-30 rounds going into one charging enemy without effect. I find that kind of hard to believe for a round with ballistics similar to .357Mag and close to .223 Rem out to 100m - I wonder if, heaven forbid I say it, the issuance of those fully-automatic M2s didn't cause the shooter to MISS 15-30 rounds? Of course that wouldn't happen today.... Every shot those complaining soldiers fire is a good COM hit, without any question or doubt...
This is all just my opinion, of course, but it seems reasonable to me.
Of course, the real problem is that a 14.5" barrel is a real necessity in urban warfare, and is probably alot more useful than a longer 20" barrel, which can be a PITA to get around corners etc. So to me, that means that a new round should be introduced.
I like the Mk262 Mod 1 as a general-purpose round, retaining its fragmentation characteristics at proportionally lower velocities and, thus, longer ranges. I don't think it should be restricted only to SF operators and DMR shooters - I think it's a true solution to the problems in urban warfare, although it does trade off the penetration M855 has. Either way, people won't be happy about it.
This all sorta reminds me of the stories from Korea of the M1/M2 Carbine not penetrating the quilted coats of the Chinese, with 15-30 rounds going into one charging enemy without effect. I find that kind of hard to believe for a round with ballistics similar to .357Mag and close to .223 Rem out to 100m - I wonder if, heaven forbid I say it, the issuance of those fully-automatic M2s didn't cause the shooter to MISS 15-30 rounds? Of course that wouldn't happen today.... Every shot those complaining soldiers fire is a good COM hit, without any question or doubt...
This is all just my opinion, of course, but it seems reasonable to me.