1 Aug 18
Follow-up on Military Rifle Calibers:
Much comment on this subject:
224 Valkyrie and 6.5 Creedmore are currently all the rage among long-distance, recreational shooters, but will just burn-up barrels in heavy-use, autoloading rifles, particularly in LMGs. And, out of short barrels, which the Pentagon likes, most advantages of these skinny screamers is negated.
Yet, I see Springfield Armory is now building their M1A in 6.5 Creedmore. Maybe they know something we don’t!
6.8SPC still makes a lot of sense and has more than a few fans!
300Blk makes some sense, at least from the standpoint of maximizing use of rifles and magazines in the current inventory.
7.62×51 (308) represents a great choice, with a great track-record. It is surely the best choice among all
cartridges based on the 308 case, but many will see its selection as “going backward.”
7.62×39 (Soviet) is a great choice too, but out of the question, because of the “NIH” (Not Invented Here) Syndrome!
I suspect the Pentagon will want to get away from the Stoner system and go back to a gas-piston rifle.
However, I don’t think they will be asking any of us for our opinion!
I trust DOD is looking at this issue from more than just a long-range, target-shooter’s point of view!
“Yesterday’s ‘advanced weapons platform’ is today’s museum exhibit!”
Weapons designer’s axiom
/John
