Grendel LMG

[stanc]

A steel penetrator design based off the 7N6 or 7N10 would facilitate the same velocities as a standard FMJ.

I haven't seen a sectional view of the 7N6 and 7N10, but in any case, what I was thinking of is the use of mild steel cores in 7.62x54R ammo, and the possibility that the V4 would also use the same construction in bullets for 6.5 Grendel, should they adopt it.

Just look at the 5.45x39 velocities for those at 2900 fps out of a 16.3" barrel, with projectile weights at 56gr. M4 with M855 62gr out of 14.5" barrel is 2900+. A 120gr 6.5 running quick with the narrow steel rod would smoke some steel.

Maybe, but you're not going to get anywhere near 2900 fps with a 6.5 120gr. According to Bill W, in a 19.5" barrel the 123gr SMK ammo from Black Hills did only 2550-2575 fps, and he considered that a hot load. If MV is kept down to 2500-2525 fps, it'll only be doing ~2400 fps from a 14.5" tube.

Either way, you're looking at no less than 4 different projectiles for the dismount force logistics structure: Standard AR load, Standard LMG, AP, Tracer.

IMO you're being optimistic about getting two different Ball loads adopted, but otherwise I agree.

I think for the near term, what's most needed is a good Ball projectile, most likely non-fragmenting FMJ (assuming the V4 intend to continue strictly abiding by Hague Declaration III).

Notice we haven't even covered DM/Sniper, which is where this cartridge really shines as well, with the 123gr Scenar/SMK types.

True. That's for another thread, perhaps.