New Army "Caliber Configuration Study"

[woohoo]

At least some of the belt-fed weapons systems and DMR's need to meet or exceed 7.62x54R capabilities. You will understand if engaged from a distance with one. That system does have reach, penetration, and the PKM is lightweight, unlike out 7.62 NATO belt-fed weapons.

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That's it, if we don't have something that can match their 7.62x54 out of 24" barrels we are in the same boat as now. They sit just out of our range and engage us at will.
I know the US mil is going to shorter barrels and that is why I'm trying to match their 7.62x54 ballistics with a cartridge and 16" barrel combo. It can be done and with a DI AR type firearm that weighs 7lb bare. The SCAR weighs around 8lbs and that is the best battle rifle they could come up with. 1/2" in action length if done right doesn't add that much weight. All of the AR10 variants are too heavy IMO.
As for the LMG, I've already checked on converting a MK48 or Minimi to the Carcano based cartridges and know it can be done and will last longer than the MK48 308 version.
These cartridges with the bullets I'm talking about when shot from 24" barrels will come very close to the exterior ballistics of the 300 win mag sniper load. That is fairly good ballistics out of an 8lb semi auto rifle.