New Cartridge Developments and Implications for Dismounted Infantry Soldiers

[stanc]

Stan, a bullet is different from a cartridge.

Of course. In the context of what you wrote, I wasn't sure that "bullet" is what you really meant.

As you know there is already activity to get a new bullet for the 7.62X51. The opportunity is that folks might be able to allow that balance to move away from shoulder fired weapons in optimizing that new bullet and consider requirements derived only from vehicle and aircraft mounted roles. This might mean, e. g., a 165 grain bullet for the 7.62X51 that could be more effective at barrier defeat at the longer ranges.

I don't know if they've looked at anything heavier than 149 grains for M80A1, but yes, a 165gr bullet might have better hard target penetration at long range.

However, such a heavy (unleaded) bullet would be very long, and occupy a not-insignificant amount of powder space in the case. That would reduce muzzle velocity, and adversely affect penetration at long range.