[OldEagle]

"They showed firing pin marks on the primers, neglecting to say that the non-existant problem started in 1936."

Usually this is caused by the rifle being designed with no return spring on the firing pin. The casual movement of the pin is often enough to make a small dent in the primer, but nowhere near strong enough to fire the primer.

I like the idea of an M14 or two in a squad.

[Shooter 2.5]

Those firing pin marks scared me when I first saw them so I bought some Mil Spec primers.

Ten years later, I still haven't used them after getting used to the marks.

I found that Winchesters are pretty good and I use them for everything.

A friend e mailed me and asked for my pet M1A load. It's AA2520 with 168 grain Sierra MatchKings, Remington Brass and Winchester Primers. Sorry, I don't post powder charges.

[tortoise]

I like the idea of an M14 or two in a squad.

It's a bad idea logistically. Much better to just configure an M16 for longer range use; the military .223 has about the same effective range as a military .308 out of a given barrel length, but the rifles they are using aren't configured for it. With a different selection of ammunition, a 20" barrel will keep .223 accurate and supersonic past 1000 yards.

I'd say forget the M14 -- too expensive -- and just put a suitable optic on some 20" M16 upper. That will give you all the accuracy and lethality you need out past 800 meters or so, and with minimal logistical overhead or cost.