Opinion
Ft Collins, CO –-(Ammoland.com)- Follow-up on my recent Military Rifle Calibers thoughts:
There has been 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
About John Farnam & Defense Training International, Inc
As a defensive weapons and tactics instructor John Farnam will urge you, based on your own beliefs, to make up your mind in advance as to what you would do when faced with an imminent lethal threat. You should, of course, also decide what preparations you should make in advance if any. Defense Training International wants to make sure that their students fully understand the physical, legal, psychological, and societal consequences of their actions or in-actions.
It is our duty to make you aware of certain unpleasant physical realities intrinsic to the Planet Earth. Mr. Farnam is happy to be your counselor and advisor. Visit: www.defense-training.com
120 years old and still a proven shooter 6.5×55, 110 to 140 gr
Be Smart! Go back to the 30-06! It’s still the best round of the 20th-21st Centuries! The 7.62×51 was just a Bullshit way of making NATO Happy!
Can I just say what a aid to find someone who actually is aware of what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know easy methods to carry an issue to mild and make it important. Extra folks have to read this and understand this aspect of the story. I cant imagine youre not more standard because you undoubtedly have the gift.
our US government credo , spending money we don’t have on stuff we don’t need to impress people we don’t like or care about , or how about if it aint broke don’t fix it , but I do like reading/seeing all of the great ideas/solutions to questions that haven’t been asked , good stuff 😉
I think the US military should approach this with a universal concept. Use the lower of the current M-4’s and M-16’s and use that incredible variety of uppers that are available and match the barrel to mission need. Clearly all the above suggestions have merit. Keep the 5.56 (SS-109 is my current favorite), 6.8 and some of the 7.62’s. The U.S Armed Forces has an incredible an logistics system.
I still feel since so many bcgs in 762, shrinking the 308 cartridge down to fit m4 sized rifle, blow out the shoulders weatherby style keeping a slight taper for ejection, neck to a 7mm, use 130grn cartridge, best overall midfange. Not the 500, 450, or 458 for cqb, but double the bullet weight in cqb vs 556 62 grn. Again, I think someone may have made something similar but not all characteristics. Someone said dod would never change from 556. 556 was chosen for 22 training round costs. Boom, there it is. Just like the Garand was chosen because… Read more »
How about a 7.62 x 45mm cartridge with 130-150 grain bullet, puts it better than the 7.62 x 39 and lighter than 7.62 x 51.
The biggest pain is that the 5.56 was designed for crowed control, never plan to buy one and have no interest in buying one, the bad taste in my mouth will never fade from Nam, first two firefights we got into I almost got killed, it didn’t take long to find a 60 and I carried it for 111/2 months, no problem, I would rather carry that than an M16, more fire power!!!!!! Oh it’s to heavy!!!!!
6.5 Grendel….. Outshoots 6.8spc all day long. Some people say, oh 6.8 has more velocity. Match bullet weight and 6.5 matches velocity with better long range ballistics. I have both and will pick up my Grendel first in any circumstances.
I like 7-08, or .243 my concern is the sectional density to give the next generation more penetration and flatter ballistics.
I used to have to carry the M60(late 90s), then I go to Iraq with the M-4! I hate the flimsy thin barrel in that. if you are clearing buildings I guess it’s ok, but a sub gun works way better. There is no truly perfect rounds or systems for all missions. The sopmod m4 was kitted to make it a bit more flexible, not perfect.