New Army "Caliber Configuration Study"

[stanc]

Limited ammunition carrying capacity is a result of the heavy ammunition, which fills the same amount of space with more weight. Weight is what makes you tired trying to lug it.

Gun-mounted ammunition feed solutions, which we don't have and haven't ever had with the M60 and M240, unless you were in a unit that purchased after-market COTS solutions (i.e. not big Army who could give a crap about it, obviously).

The video you posted is a shining example of so many of the things I'm talking about.

* Burn through starter belt on initial contact....check
* Scream to the enemy, "Here I am with the most casualty-producing weapon!".....check (just a reality with 7.62 NATO weapons, especially in dry/dusty environment)
* Make a tactical pause while reloading the gun when I could be slaying bugger-eater/goat rapers....check
* Hope the gun works as I belt-feed it exposed with no drum or ammunition pouch for the pig.....check

Compare that with the RPD and PKM we've fought against. They always have had a purpose-built canister for carrying at least 100rds on the gun, which is what you need to be effective with an LMG.

Thanks. But, you still haven't said how you expect to make your idealized 6.5mm machine gun a reality.