Originally Posted by bubbatime
Everyone has already figured out a 6.5mm round is the ideal infantry cartridge. China extensively studied the issue, came to the same conclusion. They invented a new caliber, and new guns, to go with that caliber, because they rightfully found that 6.5mm is the sweet spot with knock down power, weight, and long range effectiveness.
So yeah, we SHOULD have went with that pederson round back when it was developed. But we got stuck with the 7.62 instead. And then the 5.56.
Pedersen wouldn't have gained us anything over the 7.62x51.
It really wouldn't. Same size round.
Now, a 6.8 SPC, a 6.5 Grendel, that sort of thing makes sense to me from a ballistics perspective. A couple of Middle Eastern countries have selected the 6.8 as their infantry weapon. M-16/M-4 lower commonality, so there is some cost efficiency there. Magazines aren't much different (if any) so there is some efficiency there. No new manual of arms/training for the troops, so there is some efficiency there as well.
But from a re-tooling perspective, it's hugely expensive. We change uppers, get rid of billions of rounds already made, get all new optics and gear. Force our NATO Allies to do the same.
China can do that. Nice to be a totalitarian government acting alone, in this case. Decide on a course of action, then execute.
The hue and cry of contractors, suppliers, and others who stand to lose would be huge, as would the cry of those interested in keeping costs down. Lots of political pressure to keep the platform we've got. Lots of interested parties in that democratic decision.
For the record, I never was an M-16/M-4 fan. Lightweight, ergonomic, easy to shoot, I own one (and several lowers) because, well, it's fun to shoot an AR-15.
Not because it's particularly effective.
Great platform for teaching newbies because of the low recoil. My youngest daughter learned to shoot one when she was 12. She had a great time, did very well with it.
For me, personally, if I needed a rifle for all purposes, my DMPS AP-4 in .308 would be the go-to in my safe. AR-15 ergonomics. Up to 25 rounds with MagPul SR magazines. Good, effective round in a high capacity, lightweight, ergonomic rifle.
For fun, I've got Garands, but that's another story.
I think that there are much better rifles available today than the M-16/M-4. I would love our troops to have the best. I am simply realistic about the reality of that happening.