[rangerX]

I think the problem is the 62 grain penetrator round, versus the old 55 grain FMJ. The 62 grain round is a lot more stable than the 55 grain, which tended to yaw as soon as it hit flesh, and then cause massive trauma and/or exit wounds similar to what we saw with the beltway sniper recently. The 62 grain round, being designed to penetrate body armor, is stable, doesn't yaw or fragment, and just sails right on through with small entrance and exit wounds. The Rangers in Somalia complained about the same problem. Go back to the old 55 grain, 5.56mm round and the problem will diminish significantly.

[Buffalo Head]

The M16 and M16A1 had a 1:12" twist. The 55 grain M193 bullet was just barely stablized. That is why it tumbled upon the change of density in the media in which it traveled. (VC versus air)

The M16A2 and M4 have a 1:7" twist. They had to be that fast to stablize the M856 Tracer round which is even longer than the M855 Penetrator round. The M855 is essentially over-stablized during its flight to the enemy, but is still stable while passing through them. It leaves a much smaller permanent cavity than did the M193 round when it went unstable and sideways while passing through VC in Vietnam.

[sneakypete]

I think the problem is the 62 grain penetrator round, versus the old 55 grain FMJ.

I agree. The trade off is that the newer 62 gr round is more accurate at long range.