05-24-2011, 11:11 PM
stanc,
Since the introduction of the FN P90, a new breed of ammunition suitable for PDW use has emerged, that being governed by the parameters of 1) being able to fit within a pistol frame, as the P90 and FN Five-Seven, the new Russian rounds, the Chinese 5.8 PDW cartridge, etc. while 2) pushing velocities closer to the rifle spectrum. I have been a big fan of the 7.62x25 in that respect, and the 6.5x25 seems even more promising with regards to velocities from a pistol-size cartridge.
The Grendel seems pretty overkill for a PDW since 5.56 NATO is considered such already, hence the KAC 6x35 PDW. Another major selling point and trend that PDW's have gone directionally is ammunition capacity per weight and more importantly: space. Unfortunately, the Grendel moves in the opposite direction from those parameters.
The possible solutions for a Grendel PDW would involve a lightweight projectile, and some type of unconventional magazine with a quad-stack fed into a dual stack like the Surefire and Magpul mags that are being introduced currently. The brass weight would still be an issue compared to other modern PDW cartridges, but the Grendel would of course offer better effective range than any PDW I can think of. Combined with an improved recoil system, these features would help mitigate the penalties of a larger cartridge under the universal caliber concept, if that's what one is looking for.
As I have already stated, I lean towards caliber-specific roles to enhance the system in its function, rather than trying to fit one niche caliber to a role that isn't ideal. In the PDW role, I would want maximum ammunition in the most concealable space profile, with suitable wound and penetrative capacity within 100m. That would include the ability to shoot through vehicle structures from within the vehicle compartment, and some type of noise suppression option for plainclothes work.
LRRPF52
Since the introduction of the FN P90, a new breed of ammunition suitable for PDW use has emerged, that being governed by the parameters of 1) being able to fit within a pistol frame, as the P90 and FN Five-Seven, the new Russian rounds, the Chinese 5.8 PDW cartridge, etc. while 2) pushing velocities closer to the rifle spectrum. I have been a big fan of the 7.62x25 in that respect, and the 6.5x25 seems even more promising with regards to velocities from a pistol-size cartridge.
The Grendel seems pretty overkill for a PDW since 5.56 NATO is considered such already, hence the KAC 6x35 PDW. Another major selling point and trend that PDW's have gone directionally is ammunition capacity per weight and more importantly: space. Unfortunately, the Grendel moves in the opposite direction from those parameters.
The possible solutions for a Grendel PDW would involve a lightweight projectile, and some type of unconventional magazine with a quad-stack fed into a dual stack like the Surefire and Magpul mags that are being introduced currently. The brass weight would still be an issue compared to other modern PDW cartridges, but the Grendel would of course offer better effective range than any PDW I can think of. Combined with an improved recoil system, these features would help mitigate the penalties of a larger cartridge under the universal caliber concept, if that's what one is looking for.
As I have already stated, I lean towards caliber-specific roles to enhance the system in its function, rather than trying to fit one niche caliber to a role that isn't ideal. In the PDW role, I would want maximum ammunition in the most concealable space profile, with suitable wound and penetrative capacity within 100m. That would include the ability to shoot through vehicle structures from within the vehicle compartment, and some type of noise suppression option for plainclothes work.
LRRPF52