05-11-2011, 12:28 AM
Tony, I was just rereading your "Next Generation" article ( http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk/The%20Ne...ration.htm ) and was intrigued by the following comment:
At first, I thought that was a great idea, as one might even be able (albeit at some expense) to buy up enough 7x43 rounds for preliminary testing. Unfortunately, as I looked at the photo of the 7x43 and 7.62x51 side-by-side, it occurred to me that the old .280 British has the same problem in using M13 links as does 6.5 Grendel with the M27 link design, only more so.
I see no way that 7.62x51 links can be used to feed 7x43, because the foward link loop would extend beyond the 7x43 shoulder almost up to the neck. See attached.
Quote:Ironically, the EM-2's 7x43 cartridge might actually prove to be a good basis for such tests since it has the same case diameter as the 7.62 NATO, so rebarrelling existing 7.62 weapons should in principle be easy. Even the same belt links can be used.
At first, I thought that was a great idea, as one might even be able (albeit at some expense) to buy up enough 7x43 rounds for preliminary testing. Unfortunately, as I looked at the photo of the 7x43 and 7.62x51 side-by-side, it occurred to me that the old .280 British has the same problem in using M13 links as does 6.5 Grendel with the M27 link design, only more so.
I see no way that 7.62x51 links can be used to feed 7x43, because the foward link loop would extend beyond the 7x43 shoulder almost up to the neck. See attached.