Optimized Caliber

[stanc]

Back to the new MultiRole LMG concept.

I was thinking you could take existing M27 links and run them through an expander mandrel after heating them, so they open up to the Grendel case body for a prototype LMG.

I just remembered something. You may wish to check with Bill A about that idea. Perhaps 6-8 years ago, he posted a photo of a few rounds of 6.5 Grendel belted together in M27 links. He never said if he altered the links to increase the loop diameter, or if he just forced the rounds in.

But, the question isn't if the 6.5 round can fit into such a link. That's already been demonstrated. Bill A did it with 5.56mm M27 links, and I did it with 6mm SAW links (which I recently gave to Bill W), which are identical to M27 links except for larger loop diameter and longer indexing tabs.

The real issue is compatibility with the feed mechanism. With 5.56, the front feed pawl pushes against the cartridge shoulder, and the cartridge stop also engages the shoulder. With 6.5, there appears to be too little case shoulder ahead of the link for that to work. See attached photo.