12-15-2012, 01:21 AM
My problem with General Purpose Cartridges is that they aren't well-suited for important engagement scenarios, and soldier's load considerations, particularly when you understand the relationship between soldier's load and combat endurance.
If there is one candidate for a GPC, the Grendel is the cartridge to beat, but you would still need 2 or 3 different loads for it ideally:
An assault rifle load with a lighter projectile of 100gr or less, with high velocity
A Light Machine Gun Load pushing a high BC FMJBT of 130gr at 2600fps or more
A DM/Sniper load of a 123gr BTHP pushed at 2600fps
That kinda makes the assault rifle load questionable in comparison to the 5.56, since 5.56 is an awesome little cartridge that I can carry a ton of, resulting in the extended fighting duration of my unit.
7.62 NATO should be the cartridge that is phased out, and replaced with a 6.5mm LMG and DM/SASS cartridge.
If there is one candidate for a GPC, the Grendel is the cartridge to beat, but you would still need 2 or 3 different loads for it ideally:
An assault rifle load with a lighter projectile of 100gr or less, with high velocity
A Light Machine Gun Load pushing a high BC FMJBT of 130gr at 2600fps or more
A DM/Sniper load of a 123gr BTHP pushed at 2600fps
That kinda makes the assault rifle load questionable in comparison to the 5.56, since 5.56 is an awesome little cartridge that I can carry a ton of, resulting in the extended fighting duration of my unit.
7.62 NATO should be the cartridge that is phased out, and replaced with a 6.5mm LMG and DM/SASS cartridge.