12-31-2011, 01:56 PM
I don't need to run calculations to tell that, for the same velocity, a 65 gr 6mm bullet will be less effective than a 62 gr 5.56 bullet. This is certainly true of barrier defeat and is true in wound channel generation.
My impression is that, absent an implementation in a weapon that clearly satisfies the size, weight, and ergonomic needs of the rifleman or for support troops, that a debate on this cartridge will go much the same way as all the other 5.56 replacement discussions.
Bottom line, the weapon/cartridge combination trades a little terminal effectiveness for slightly increased round count and smaller weapon, BUT not enough to make a compelling difference.
My impression is that, absent an implementation in a weapon that clearly satisfies the size, weight, and ergonomic needs of the rifleman or for support troops, that a debate on this cartridge will go much the same way as all the other 5.56 replacement discussions.
Bottom line, the weapon/cartridge combination trades a little terminal effectiveness for slightly increased round count and smaller weapon, BUT not enough to make a compelling difference.