Regardin the M-16 rifle's problems early on, it was a situation that was FAR more complex than just unsuitable ammunition.
Agreed, but if you take the unsuitable ammo out of the picture, the other problems would have had a lesser effect.
There were a whole host of problems -- issues with the ammo,
Absolutely.
issues with the rifle's design,
Not sure exactly what you are referring to here.
issues with maintenance, and issues with training.
Agreed, and 100% entirely the Army's fault, and responsibility.
Stories I've heard, from people who were there, range from the kind of thing that raises an eyebrow to things that seem impossible and unbelievably stupid. Some of them, no doubt are ..embellished, but others have the ring of truth, despite the apparent idiocy they describe.
One guy told me he got his M16 in "Nam", fully 6months before cleaning kits were available "in country". Another told me about how his NCOs told them the new rifles were "magic" and didn't need cleaning!
Factions in the Army tried very hard to sabotage the M16, in the (misguided) hope that it would be replaced with a "proper" rifle. They failed, but cost a number of GIs, their lives in the process.
As to the .45-70 ammo, I will send my research gnomes back into the vaults, to re-check the ancient scrolls. It's not impossible they gave me flawed information, or partially accurate information, that was not the answer I was seeking. Either way, the floggings will continue, until morale improves!