Quoted:
This is why the 5.45x39 is a better performer. Its round is designed to give max performance from a 16" barrel. It is also designed for a more realistic 300 yards and in effective range.
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I'm sorry, but this is [bs].
All of the problems Louis is referring to are a result of the combination of M855 and short-barreled rifles (14.5" or less). These problems are well-known, and I've covered them in the Ammo Oracle. A simple switch back to M193 as standard issue for everything but the SAW would solve the bulk of the problem. Switching to a heavy match round (which, admittedly, would cost FAR more money) would do even better.
M855 performs acceptably from 20"-barreled rifles, such as the M16 and the SAW. This was proven AGAIN in IRAQ. But a 14.5" barrel robs this round of too much velocity, and the variances in bullet construction in combination with low velocity can restrict fragmentation range to a max of about 50 yards, and to as little as 5 yards. THAT AIN'T ENOUGH.
The US military made a huge mistake in issuing M855 in combination with carbines. That's the problem.
Awerbuck's niche is selling shotgun training. He's been losing huge numbers of customers in the last few years, as LEOs are switching from shotguns to ARs en masse. You don't think he has any bias, do you?
On the other hand, if you are looking for shotgun training, Awerbuck is one of the best.
-Troy