Tactical Life posts that the military is changing to the 6.8 in SAW and M4

[n9nwo]

I just calculated some rough numbers using one of my .270WSM samples, took off 30% to simulate the polymer case weight savings, then multiplied that times 210 rounds. I came up with 9.26 lbs for the ammo alone, not including the 11 mags it would take to carry them. 10 mags on your kit will weigh an additional 3.5lbs assuming they weigh the same as 7.62 NATO PMAGs (they will most likely be heavier due to the taller mag requirement).

If the .270 WSM is the basic case form factor, you're looking at taller 20rd mags with a length that may fit SR25 mag COL, but a width that should be wider, meaning no double-stacked mag pouches. You will either need 10 single, or 6 singles, and 2 doubles for the sides. These will be taller and deeper mag pouches on your armor and LBE to make the 210rd count. 210 is a 30rd mag final count load, not a 20rd or 25rd, but they are specifying 210rds for the NGSR.

This will compete with locations for the radio, IFAK, GP pouches, Blue Force Tracker, and NODs, unless you put the IFAK at 6 in your back where you can't get to it. Keep in mind everyone has NODs and key leaders are getting Thermal/IR ENVG-III PSQ-20s already.



We're back to cutting weight on the ammo, so that with the super magnum performance we end up carrying 100lbs of lightweight equipment again. Bad, bad, bad.

Why do we have these huge night vision NOGs? Why not a camera then use something like Google glasses? Or a helmet with the cameras built in then a visor with heads up display.