45One, the Army did three lubrication tests that year alone in dust conditions and every single one replicated the results from the earlier 2001 Crane Dust Tests that compared wet lubes to dry lubes for desert use.
The Crane test summary is basically this: The wet lubes won every time because while they do attract more gunk initially, the presence of the wet lube allows the gunk to migrate to non-critical areas of the firearm. Dry lubes do not attract as much gunk; but once that gunk gets between the chambers and locking lugs (and that happens quick in blowing, fine, sand), it doesn't allow it to move as much.
The Crane test also tested a bone dry M16 as well. It malfunctioned about six times more frequently than the CLP M16 (although it still beat four of the other tested lubricants). I've posted a quick summary of the results of the Crane test as lubetest7.jpg and the chart showing malfunctions as lubetest22.jpg.
The key to reliable AR15/M16/M4 operation is:
1. Good lubrication. ARs can be run wet and dirty; but not dry and dirty. Key areas for lubrication (where you should see a visible sheen of oil) are every part of the bolt but the bolt face and face of the locking lugs, cam pin, and the rails of the bolt carrier.
2. Good magazines. I know USGI and PMags work, so I don't bother trying anything else.
3. Good ammunition. I've never had any stoppage with Black Hills. Beyond that, the ammo that has been most successful has been brass-cased, military type ammo such as Guatemalan 55gr, Federal XM193, Federal AE223, Winchester Q3131A, etc.