What will be the next "big" SA cartridge?

[bustin]

Every discussion forum has a little different crowd so just to hear different opinions what will be the next big semi auto cartridge? Is CQB the only reason for an AR? is the 5.56 enough? varmints? hunting? 6x45? 6.8? DMR? 6.5G/264LBC? Tactical comps? 6BR/BRX? 308, 6.5x47, 260,243,6x47?
Has anyone heard a large ammo manufacturer may start loading the 6x45? Will lightweight 308s become the rage? It seems to me the 308 AR is becoming more popular but most dislike the heavy weight. More seem to want more powerful cartridges so are larger cartridges in the AR15 the answer or lighter weight 308 platforms the way to go? This isn't about my choices but about the way the market is heading.

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: What will be the next "big" SA cartridge?

The way I see it is that the gas gun community already has its established platforms and cartridges. I don't see much variation in the future unless we see an absolute revolution in the industry itself. Just looking at the hottest AR platforms at the Shot Show, and you're not seeing huge advances in technology, as much as you're seeing refinements of tried and true platforms. The SCAR is the exception, but with SOCOM dropping that contract, that shows you how risk averse the gas gun market is.

I think a big part of the AR market is also the SHTF crowd. Everyone wants to have that one rifle when the zombies start eating brains, and they are going to choose either an AR or an AK 9 out of 10 times. In that scenario specifically, the standard calibers are going to be by far the biggest sellers. You don't want to have a SHTF weapon that's hard to feed. The classic cartridges (5.56mm, 7.62mm NATO, and the 7.62x39mm) will still win the day. Why? Because you can buy your SHTF rifle, and then get a case of the ammo to handle the braineaters.

 

[bustin]

Re: What will be the next "big" SA cartridge?

Understandable ZL and on that note I forgot the little 5.45x39 with ammo being $140/1080 rounds and less in some cases.