Because of crony capitalism in the area of procurement, the M16 was initially equipped with ammo powered by smokeless powder not designed for the weapon. This caused most of the problems with the M16.
100% correct, plus the army ordinance folks wanted to up its cyclic rate a small amount, using that as an excuse to change powders. The original 16 used by Kennedy was better than the
AK47.
The army tried to save money by using WC846/844 ball powder instesd of the IMR type powder that was really the proper propellant.Too much calcium carbonate in the ball powder clogged the gas tube.
- and because the M-16 has an inaccessible chamber, wasn’t properly tested in the environment that it was to be used in battle, and the round itself was anemic and not effective against human targets in its initial fielding.
The m4 still has the forward assist. .. just sayin.