Jason Gillis, a former Army staff sergeant, first witnessed the M855’s shortcomings in 2004 on the streets of Baghdad. He was a squad leader with 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, on patrol when a vehicle began speeding toward his unit.
After several warnings, “both of our M249s opened up instantly, forming a crisscross pattern of tracer that met at the vehicles engine compartment and wind- shield. Within seconds, riflemen and grenadiers were executing magazine changes while the vehicle kept rolling and finally stopped 10 meters from my lead troops,” Gillis recalled in an e-mail to Army Times. He is now a free-lance writer who often focuses on military small-arms issues.
“Assuming the driver was most likely riddled beyond recognition, we were all astounded to see the driver emerge from the vehicle completely unscathed,” Gillis wrote. “Closer inspection revealed that the M855 ammunition had failed to effectively penetrate the vehicle’s windshield despite the fact over 400 rounds were expended at extremely close range and on target.”
I guess the M855 is perfect for our war in Afghanistan where our objective is to "not hurt anyone".
I would still like to see a more powerful weapon as the main battle rifle. I don't think a lighter round will have the energy at long range to effectively stop a threat.
400 rounds expended?
What about HITS?
If you put 400 rounds on a windshield, it’s going to DISINTEGRATE from the mass alone. That’s why anecdotal “evidence” is suspicious.
Whoa. Good find. See, we can change our ROE in Afganistan without any serious impact.
I like .30-06 - Garand, BAR...