New Cartridge Developments and Implications for Dismounted Infantry Soldiers

[stanc]

What about heat management without the brass cartridge case?

I'm not sure IIRC, but I think I read that there is less heat transfer through the plastic case to the chamber, thereby creating fewer heat issues than with brass cases? If my memory is faulty on that question, I trust someone will correct me.

Also, how much more space does the larger diameter cartridges take up? Maybe not much, but they do appear fatter.

Trading weight (great to reduce it!) for possible heat issues or too bulky ammo containers for number of rounds carried? I don't know squat about it, just wondering out loud....

The LSAT 5.56mm cases are a little less than 0.5" diameter, ~20% fatter than brass cased 5.56 NATO, which would make the height and width of a 30-rd LSAT magazine comparable to a 30-rd 7.62 NATO or .45 ACP magazine. That might be a bit too bulky for some people's taste. (And keep in mind, 6.5mm CT rounds would be even fatter...)







OTOH, because of the link dimensions, it appears that there would not be much difference in capacity for 5.56mm machine guns.