[Kevmo]

Nobody gives a fuq about penetration at the time of firing. They care about accuracy, deterrence, and remaining ammo.

[Chainmail]

Don’t know where you’ve served, but killing effectively, first shot, is what I cared about. From 0 meters to 600, when they were behind walls or heavy vegetation or gravestones.

“Deterrence”? What the heck is that? Noisemaking?

I’m still here, so it must have worked.

M14.

[rdcbn1]

Agree with every thing - but the original question what is the best battle rifle and penetration power or lack thereof is a concern.

I actually care very much about penetration (over penetration specifically) in any non military, self defense application because ensuring that non involved, innocent bystanders are not hit is job one. In my defense, ballistic penetration has been a focus of what I do , so I'm biased :-)