08-18-2011, 10:17 AM
stanc Wrote:Perhaps this would be a good question for the iaaforum?
Done, thanks!
Quote:While it would clearly provide a significant weight reduction for machine gunners, it'd mean a weight increase for riflemen. Not only would the ammo be at least 50% heavier than 5.56mm, it would (for US troops) likely necessitate a switch from lightweight aluminum magazines to heavier steel mags, further increasing the carry load. And it'd require a bigger, heavier rifle, too.It would result in an ammo weight increase for riflemen used to carrying 5.56mm, yes, but there has been some interesting feedback from the Royal Marines on their use of rifles. They have commented that troops are far readier to use up large quantities of 5.56mm ammo, while the 7.62mm riflemen pick their targets so get through far less ammo. This may in part be because it's the better riflemen who are given 7.62mm guns, but I suspect that a harder-hitting, longer-ranged intermediate round would encourage more careful shooting.
I doubt that a rifle in an intermediate calibre would weigh any more than the L85A2!