What caliber is the us military switching to?

It took a few years for the Army to decide on a caliber, but they ultimately chose the “intermediate” 6.8mm to replace the existing 5.56mm used in the M4, M16 and M249. The 6.8mm is similar in size to the classic .

Is 6. 8 spc the new Army round?

The U.S. Army has selected a new round to replace those equipping its M4A1 carbine and M249 Squad Automatic Weapons. The Army selected five companies to produce prototype weapons in the new, mysterious 6.8-millimeter round. Since the 1960s, the U.S. Army has used the 5.56-millimeter round.

What caliber is an M16 rifle?

5.56-mm
It measures 100 cm (39 inches) long, has a 20-round or 30-round magazine, and fires 5.56-mm (. 223-calibre) ammunition at a rate of 700–950 rounds per minute.

What caliber is a squad automatic weapon?

5.56mm
The M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, or SAW, is an individually portable, gas operated, magazine or disintegrating metallic link-belt fed, light machine gun with fixed headspace and quick change barrel feature. The M249 engages point targets out to 800 meters, firing the improved NATO standard 5.56mm cartridge.

What type of 5.56 does the military use?

M855A1
The new M855A1 round is sometimes referred to as “green ammo.” The new round replaces the current M855 5.56mm cartridge that has been used by U.S. troops since the early 1980s.

What is the difference between the 7-62 and the 556?

The 5.56 has greater bullet selection over the 7.62 The 7.62 holds its velocity slightly greater over longer distances, even if the muzzle velocity is lower The 7.62 produces more muzzle kinetic energy The 7.62 produces slightly more recoil energy (AKA, felt recoil is likely to be a little more noticeable)

What is the difference between 223 and 556 NATO cartridges?

The 5.56 started off as a military cartridge in 1950 and was technically called 5.56x45mm NATO. However, by the 1960s, Remington decided to release a much similar cartridge, the 223. Since the release of the second cartridge, people have had difficulties in determining the difference between the two.

How has the 556 NATO changed over time?

During the 5.56 NATO’s history, projectile weight has changed a good bit, much like my wife when she randomly changes outfits before we go out. Since the .224″ caliber projectile is popular with the .223 Remington, reloaders can really fine-tune a cartridge for maximum accuracy at the range or in the field.

Why do people hate the 556 round?

People overly criticize the 5.56 saying it lacks “stopping power”, however if you take a 5.56 round to the pelvis you are out of the fight. There’s only so much you can say about this bastard of a round. What? I’m not biased!