05-15-2011, 02:20 PM
JASmith Wrote:Tony -- Reference cartridge weight, I missed, or forgot, whether the weight reduction included the adoption of plastic cases.
The weight reduction from 7.62mm in my original spec assumes brass cartridge cases. Obviously, switching to plastic LSAT would save a lot more weight whichever calibre is chosen - although this saves most in percentage terms with 5.56mm as this has relatively light bullets. 5.56mm M855 bullets weigh only 33% of the total brass-cased cartridge weight, 6.5mm probably 45% and 7.62mm around 40%.