[TESTING TUESDAY] Is It Possible For The Internet To Be WRONG?!? Testing The Twist Rate Tale

Published on June 15, 2021
Duration: 14:12

This expert-level analysis debunks the myth that the M16A1's 1:12 twist rate produces more severe wounds than the M16A2's 1:7 twist rate. Through ballistic gel testing with M193 ammunition, the video demonstrates no significant difference in wound characteristics between the two twist rates. The myth's origin is attributed to misinterpretations of field observations related to different ammunition types used with each rifle.

Quick Summary

Ballistic gel testing debunks the myth that the M16A1's 1:12 twist rate causes more severe wounds than the M16A2's 1:7 twist rate. With M193 ammunition, both twist rates showed identical neck lengths and similar fragmentation, indicating no significant difference in terminal ballistics.

Chapters

  1. 00:08Introduction & Myth Testing
  2. 00:54Rifling and Twist Rate Explained
  3. 01:27M16A2 Ammo & Wounding Theory
  4. 02:04Skepticism & Testing Setup
  5. 02:47Ammunition & Gel Setup
  6. 03:171:12 Twist Gel Test & Analysis
  7. 06:191:7 Twist Gel Test & Analysis
  8. 10:05Conclusion: No Significant Difference
  9. 10:43Why Twist Rate Irrelevance in Gel
  10. 11:32Myth Origin Explained
  11. 12:20M193 for Defensive Use

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the M16A1's 1:12 twist rate cause more severe wounds than the M16A2's 1:7 twist rate?

No, ballistic gel testing with M193 ammunition shows no significant difference in wound characteristics between the 1:12 and 1:7 twist rates. The perceived difference in field observations is likely due to the ammunition used, not the twist rate itself.

Why is twist rate less relevant in ballistic gel compared to air?

Ballistic gel is over 800 times denser than air. This extreme density overwhelms the minor stability differences imparted by twist rate, making its effect on bullet yaw and fragmentation immeasurable in gel, unlike its significant impact on stability in air.

What ammunition was used in the M16 twist rate myth-busting test?

The test utilized Lake City M193 55-grain Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ammunition produced in the year 2000 for consistency. This ammunition was fired from both the 1:12 twist BRN-601 clone and the 1:7 twist Colt AR-15A2.

What is the origin of the myth about M16 twist rates and wound severity?

The myth likely originated from field observations where M16A1s appeared to produce 'uglier' wounds than M16A2s. This was actually due to the M193 ammunition (common with A1s) fragmenting more reliably than the M855 ammunition (common with A2s), not the barrel twist rate.

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