What's the successor cartridge to the 5.56 NATO?

[Blackhawk41]

Re: What's the successor cartridge to the 5.56 NATO?

IMO there will be a transition back to the .308 at least for the more "elite" units. I've heard marsoc is starting to field scar heavys more now. On the cheaper side I think the military will try to push for something that shoots better outside the 500m mark or at least should.

 

[Tangodown911]

Re: What's the successor cartridge to the 5.56 NATO?

I like the idea of a light 6.5mm of 7mm round in a 5.56mm case. I think the 300blk is nifty beacuse of its multi uses in the subsonic world but the trajectory is not for me. I'd rather see something flatter shooting to make hits easier in the field for our guys like 6.5s or 7s. And they still bring more energy than 5.56.

 

[splean]

Re: What's the successor cartridge to the 5.56 NATO?

The M-16/5.56mm combination will probably be in service another fifty years if not more. Upgrades to the projectiles and propellant will likely occur over the years but an all out replacement of the 5.56mm for another round of conventional construction probably won't happen. Some new technology that replaces "ball and powder" (ie. caseless, explosive, guided rounds, lasers etc.) or a new form of body armor will likely be the catalyst for change.

 

[rusty815]

Re: What's the successor cartridge to the 5.56 NATO?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tango__Down</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like the idea of a light 6.5mm of 7mm round in a 5.56mm case. I think the 300blk is nifty beacuse of its multi uses in the subsonic world but the trajectory is not for me. I'd rather see something flatter shooting to make hits easier in the field for our guys like 6.5s or 7s. And they still bring more energy than 5.56. </div></div>

Hate to revive threads, but this one interested me.

I like those size rounds as well, a 7mm round chambered in an AR would be great, since the 7mm has a great selection of bullets, though not as good as the .30.

I can't believe no one has mentioned the 6.8SPC yet, I personally love the ballistics of the round, I find it to be a better performer than most other AR rounds. I certainly wouldn't mind if our military adopts the 6.8 in the future.