.280 Enfield...Ahead of its time

[adamjp]

I believe the solution lies in building an LMG around a belt-fed Grendel. Imagine having as good as or better than 7.62 NATO performance, out of an LMG that is lighter than a SAW/Minimi, and reliable as a MAG58. That is what the Infantry Sqaud/Section needs more than anything else right now, to balance the current maneuverability weakness that SAW's and M240's present, without sacrificing any performance.

The Grendel displays the characteristics that would make a solid cartridge for small arms, and a LMG on this line could be made a little lighter than the Minimi whilst still providing the volume needed.

I am not convinced that the Grendel is exactly the cartridge I would adopt. A little more taper in the case would be suitable, so possibly a case with a little more taper, but slightly longer (yes a little like the SPC). The opportunity exists to work out what you want to do, and then design the bullet to achieve that, and the cartidge to project it, and the rifles/LMGs to direct it. This is what the SPC folks tried to do, IMHO they chose to be constrained by currently available products and focussed narrowly on an SF requirement.