Strykervet
member
- Joined
- Nov 16, 2010
- Messages
- 1,610
I ran an SDM course in the army. That 14.5 M4 is capable of hitting a point target at 600m with a stock military rifle and M855 (we used XM193 for one course, all we could get, and it didn't work out as well --accuracy). Today I use the same SOPMOD M4 I used in the army, but I have a Geissele 3gun trigger instead of burst (which I only used once... Good for stitching targets up the center when running towards them). I prefer the 3gun, and I only shoot at the range but I feel very comfortable having it around.
I can't have SBR's in WA, but we just got suppressors, so this particular barrel has the AAC mount permanently attached. I like the 14.5 anyway, when you train so long with something it is hard to go back. If they ever come out with rail guns and Gauss guns, I'll still probably tote an M4.
If you think that round won't do any damage at 600m, I dare you to stand up in front of a KD target and catch one. I guarantee the are supersonic, you can hear 'em overhead. They SNAP! when they pass if still super. When sub, they don't. One time one skipped off the berm and passed through the outhouse next to the pits. One dude just came out when it passed all the way through --that would have been his ticket out.
How much damage will it do? Well, it won't blow apart when it hits like it does at 300m, but it sure will punch a hole. Especially with M855.
For biking around, can't beat a 10mm (it happens to be my favorite round, I carry it and have three tens, so I'm biased here). It will take out anything on legs in these parts (yours included). 200gr. FMJ's at 1100+ fps will take down the black bears we have here (if for some chance you see one come at you, I've only ever seen their tails going the other way!). The 10mm, believe it or not, is accurate to a point target at least to 100m (with a G29) and past 200m with a Smith 1006. I know this from experience. 180gr. Speer Gold Dots clock 1344fps from my 1006. Nasty.
Also had another instructor, my boss actually, he nailed a point target (which is considered to be a single silhouette target, they use two side by side spaced a foot or two apart for area targets on MG ranges) with an HK .40 USP when one kid stood up and said "these 14.5" barrels are no good at these distances!"
My personal best is 5 out of 7 shots on a steel silhouette at 300m with a 686+ 6", standing (I think one handed, but I can't really be sure) using 140gr. Hornady XTP handloads and factory adj. iron sights. This revolver is the tits for what you are describing.
I'd never carry a rifle on a bike trip. Not unless it is some kind of collapsible or like an M6 Scout or something. An AOW like a Serbu might be the ticket too, but I still think a powerful magnum load handgun is better. While an AOW may be useful, I still wouldn't want to be out wandering around with an NFA item. I consider them toys, but I suppose if I had to uphold and defend the Constitution and it came to violence, well, the gloves come off. I know it isn't illegal, I just wouldn't want to do it. Main thing is if the shooting is not justified on your behalf, but you would only get manslaughter and say probation (it happens if the shooting is "almost" justified) that changes with federal sentencing guidelines using an NFA weapon in a crime. Just my pocket change, spend it as you will.
As for the best round in 5.56, best bullet weight in a short barrel, well, you need to do either do the math or look it up. The best one damage wise will be the one that has the highest kinetic energy, and the one that will be the most accurate at range will be the one with the highest BC, your barrel considering (so the 1/7 is a good choice). I like the 70gr. T1 for accuracy personally, but if I were to load them for defense, I'd use the one with a cannelure and use a roll crimp. Folks may disagree, but unless you've dragged the rifle around in the rain and mud, sand and dust, and had minimal time to clean it, you will appreciate the roll crimp (especially in an open bolt MG, particularly the SAW).
The highest BC will be the 80gr., but the military uses a 77gr. SMK for the Mk262 (I think that is right). Considering the barrel length, 10.5", I'd GUESS that you'd be best served with the higher BC bullet because you may not get the velocity you desire to make the smaller bullets shatter (at extended ranges). To bring up something that is kind of non-sequtr, a 6.5 Grendel in a short barrel would have served you best. You don't lose a whole bunch going short. Phenomenal round, my favorite.
BTW, good luck proving SD at long ranges. Especially with an NFA item. It will be used against you in court, and I gurantee you it will look worse on you than any handgun would. I'm also kind of jealous that you, just down the street basically, can get an SBR (and MG's!). I have a bunch of AR's and Glocks, and a few Smiths. I REALLY need something different.
Yeah, I'd implore of you to pick a magnum handgun with a longer barrel, it'll do what you need, be lighter, and not such a liability. .357, 10mm, .41, .44. Keep the SBR for the home and range (and don't use it for defense, even if it is justified, do you want to be thinking about that when in peril?). Think about it.
You also have another problem I just thought of. You'll be concealing a loaded rifle, right? Thought it had to be a handgun.
