Stubob
09-23-2007, 11:20 PM
One of our great Vets e-mailed this to us -
I always found the .45 auto a good combat weapon. Changing to 9mm just didn't seem a good choice. I think the military should have developed an entirely new cartridge. That probably would have been a necked cartridge and a pistol round using a boat tail spitzer for a high velocity, range and accuracy. Both the .45 and 9mm are near century old
technologies.
As for the M-16, now M-4, I never liked it. Furthermore Russia China and everyone else is using the 5.56X45 mm cartridge. That gives us no advantage in that department other than our superior optical and night sights. And the cartridge 40+ years old. I say time for something new and more advanced. Also noted that the M-4 has only a 16-1/2 barell and the
velocity loss has been known to cause performance problems. I have been reading of M-4 jamming in Iraq. Reminescent of Viet Nam. They are recommending thourough cleaning after 250 rounds or after dust exposure. Not really too likely in many situations.
I was just looking and Midway carries my .41 Long Colt at $54 a box. I have a good quantity of the original made prior to 1935. Also have reloading dies, bullet mold and lubricator sizer. And the brass from a 30/30 Winchester can be used. Not sure why the caliber didn't survive. Billy the Kid liked it. I find it superior to .38 Special in all regards. Pretty accurate as it has a hollow base that expands to fit the barell. Actual
diameter is .386 and the bullets either 195 or 200 grains depending on brand. I have yet to have commercial ammo match accuracy of my hand loads. On rifle I prefer heavy boat tail bullets which give the flatest trajectory. And favorite 7mm because that has a superior BC. Likewise with pistols I use heaviest hollow point bullets. .357 in 158 gr,200 gr hollow point for .45 auto.
I always found the .45 auto a good combat weapon. Changing to 9mm just didn't seem a good choice. I think the military should have developed an entirely new cartridge. That probably would have been a necked cartridge and a pistol round using a boat tail spitzer for a high velocity, range and accuracy. Both the .45 and 9mm are near century old
technologies.
As for the M-16, now M-4, I never liked it. Furthermore Russia China and everyone else is using the 5.56X45 mm cartridge. That gives us no advantage in that department other than our superior optical and night sights. And the cartridge 40+ years old. I say time for something new and more advanced. Also noted that the M-4 has only a 16-1/2 barell and the
velocity loss has been known to cause performance problems. I have been reading of M-4 jamming in Iraq. Reminescent of Viet Nam. They are recommending thourough cleaning after 250 rounds or after dust exposure. Not really too likely in many situations.
I was just looking and Midway carries my .41 Long Colt at $54 a box. I have a good quantity of the original made prior to 1935. Also have reloading dies, bullet mold and lubricator sizer. And the brass from a 30/30 Winchester can be used. Not sure why the caliber didn't survive. Billy the Kid liked it. I find it superior to .38 Special in all regards. Pretty accurate as it has a hollow base that expands to fit the barell. Actual
diameter is .386 and the bullets either 195 or 200 grains depending on brand. I have yet to have commercial ammo match accuracy of my hand loads. On rifle I prefer heavy boat tail bullets which give the flatest trajectory. And favorite 7mm because that has a superior BC. Likewise with pistols I use heaviest hollow point bullets. .357 in 158 gr,200 gr hollow point for .45 auto.