New Army "Caliber Configuration Study"

[LRRPF52]

My prediction:

5.56 NATO polymer case with heavier projectile

7.62 NATO polymer case with some new bullet

They will run into issues with the polymer cases in high-volume, but it will be such that they feel they can improve upon them enough to be viable. Someone will ask if we can have a new .257 or 6.5mm in polymer case to cover all the individual shoulder-fired weapons, which can be converted to with the quick-barrel change system at a later date, while the 5.56 and 7.62 polymer case chamberings are used to test long-term viability of in the current weapon systems to get a fleet survey over x number of years.

The polymer case and quick barrel change capabilities combined will revolutionize soldier's load if the polymer case proves viable. Existing weapon designs for shoulder-fired will likely include:

* LMT MRP AR15 frame
* LMT 7.62 MWSE
* FN SCAR-H

This is an area where the Grendel would actually hold an advantage against all the other polymer cartridges for a shoulder-fired system, and in a word: pressure.

The performance demands for NATO chamberings traditionally have relied on the US's infatuation with cramming high mv performance into as small of a case as possible, which is hard on weapons. It's going to be even harder on "space-aged" plastic/metal hybrid cases. Physics says that a lower-pressure cartridge will allow longer strings of fire, and longer weapon life, in more extreme operating environments (like high temps in the desert, as well as low temps in the arctic).

The best possible outcome would be the phase-out of 7.62 NATO, as long as an equally-capable cartridge and system with less weight and more efficient projectiles replaces it.

Even if they keep 7.62 NATO in a polymer case that is viable in the long-term, it will be a God-send to dismounted Infantry and Combat Arms soldiers.