Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
AR Sponsor
8/20/2026 11:39:27 AM EDT
I've had problems with smoke obscuring targets at night matches.
We go out to 180ish yds
With dots or low magnification its a complete whiteout using visible light.
I thought it was my handloads using 4895 but I tried some surplus British ammo I had on hand and I didn't notice meaningful difference.
I know flash suppressants are added to GI spec powder and I thought this may alleviate smoke too but not in my experience.

Does anyone have experience with ammo that is less smokey for white light use?

I have three changes in mind:


1. Change powder to WC844
2. Take the brake off and use a A2 flash hider.
   My thinking is the brake disburses gasses (smoke) and a flash hider would get smoke
   farther away from muzzle.
3. Go to visible laser.
8/20/2026 12:50:50 PM EDT
[#1]
I shoot alot at night, and have encountered this at times.

Do they allow you to change positions, laterally, between shots,  just a couple of feet?  That works very well.

I use A2 cages, and a YHM Phantom.  Doesn't help with the smoke effect, but they are damn good at flash suppression, the YHM being noticeably best.

No experience with brakes at night, so no frame of reference there, but I'd say ditch them still for other reasons.

Having a light with a lower setting can sometimes help too.  One gun has a G2X on it, and the lower setting on first tap is better for not illuminating so much of that "fog".

No experience with the laser idea, might be worth a try.
8/20/2026 3:48:57 PM EDT
[#2]
Shoot and move, or go thermal/nvg, both are better imo
8/20/2026 3:52:46 PM EDT
[#3]
Pretty normal. I'd say get off the X and reengage from a clearer line of sight.
8/20/2026 10:22:40 PM EDT
[#4]
What light? You need a light than punch through smoke. Higher candela lights can help push through a photonic barrier
8/21/2026 12:09:15 AM EDT
[#5]
Thank you for the comments.

The biggest problem is long range engagements from V-Tac barricade ports.
After 3 rounds with no wind, the smoke just hangs in front of the wall.

Yes I agree that closer targets benefit from less light.

I'll have to get something with a more focused center spot.

In the lights & lasers forum another fellow suggested humidity can cause this and it was unusually humid the last 2-3 might matches.

Sign up to continue the discussion

Create a free account to share your thoughts, follow topics, and connect with the AR15.COM community.

Already a member? Sign In

AR Sponsor