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What can we conclude from this small test?
First, any serious, bet your ass testing needs to use a larger sample, more equipment, and better methodology. Having said that, if we accept these results as typical, we can see that there are some interesting trends. In the M4, the PMC (slower M193 clone) should be able to launch a bullet that will frag reliably, but only for a very short range. By 100-150 meters, the bullet has certainly dropped below the 2700fps certain frag threshold, and probably lost the 300 fps needed to occasionally break up and fragment. I suspect that the standard issue M855, being heavier and launching at a slower velocity, probably will not make reliable frag velocity very far beyond the muzzle of the M4. The BH 77gr. will not make frag velocity at all from the 14.5" barrel. The BH 77gr., loaded with a cannelured bullet as the Mk 262 for the military at a slightly higher velocity and pressure will not frag from an M4 for more than a few meters, and not at all from the shorty. The BH ammo does show excellent accuracy potential though, with generally consistent ES measurements. The LeMas CQB makes excellent velocity, breaking 3300fps from the M4 and 3000fps from the shorty, but seems from the ES numbers to be unsuited to the 10.5" barrels. IMHO, the LeMas LW round makes the 10.5" a viable option once you get out of a close indoor gunfight. Smoking at 3500fps plus from the M4 and over 3100 from the LMT, with acceptable to excellent ES numbers, (especially with the suppressor attached) the LW round seems to make the shorty carbines effective out to impressive ranges, possibly equal to or exceeding the performance of the M193 and M855 from a full 20" rifle. Determining the velocity and accuracy at longer ranges and the threshold velocities for the LeMas bullet to function would be necessary to substantiate that fully. Lab tested pressure data would also be desirable, but frankly, based on my observations today on a fairly hot afternoon, I am confident enough that I would carry the LW ammo as is in my shorty carbine.
The LeMas pistol rounds are flat out smokin' from even short handgun barrels. The .40 shoot verified what I suspected. I have burned through significant metal plate and soft body armor with the LeMas, even from short pistols like the P-12, and shot tissue with them with spectacular effects. IMHO, I have no problem recommending them for duty use for those with that sort of need. I am just glad that LeMas limits distribution of this ammo to military and LE customers.
I hope to hit the flat range soon to do an accuracy test through the same two rifles, and possibly add an SPR to check the BH and CQB in a longer tube. I would also like to shoot the M855 as a part of this test, or at least a comparably loaded 62gr. bullet, and swap the PMC for a better M193 clone, like the Winchester Q3131.
Hope this was of interest, sorry for the length. Time to sign off and go clean the guns!
TR
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"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." - President Theodore Roosevelt, 1910
De Oppresso Liber 01/20/2025
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