Testing, testing...

[LRRPF52]

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?pr...g-_-462149



And I really like the .260 rem

But if it were a new weapon design the 6.5x47 Lapua uses the case capacity more efficiently.

Think of it as the Grendel on performance enhancing drugs

108grain Scenar # Muzzle Velocity: 2952 fps
# Muzzle Energy: 2090 ft. lbs.

139 Scenar # Muzzle Velocity: 2690 fps
# Muzzle Energy: 2231 ft. lbs.

These appear to be mild loadings

Notice there is not a case intrusion problem on these

IIRC it works from existing 7.62NATO mags, therefore it would work from a .260 Mag

I have a friend shooting one, he says the cases are abnormally tough and can take far higher pressures than what the factory ammo is loaded to.

He shoots it in his AI.

A few guys I know have 6.5x47 Lapua's in AI's and other custom actions. My partner for FinnSniper last year used one, and made continual 1st-round hits at 900m on E-type silhouettes pushing 140gr Berger VLD's at well over 2900 fps. It's an awesome sniper round, and would be great for the M110.

I think barrel life would be an issue in an assault rifle and definitely an issue in an LMG. The small rifle primer with a .473" diameter case head could prove problematic in extreme cold weather as well. If the metallurgy is there with some of the treatments gaining popularity, it would be interesting to see barrel life increase with it, but we're talking about pressures way in excess of the 7.62 NATO.

It is a great caliber, but I think a bit much in case size for an assault rifle. An assault rifle still needs to be able to fit the basic profile of a shoulder-fired weapon that has the firepower of an SMG. That case diameter will not allow feasible 30rd mags, and remember that trends in mag capacity are increasing well above 30rds, not decreasing. Examples are the new Russian coffin mag for the AK100 series and An-94, as well as the Surefire and Magpul high-capacity mags.

The Grendel and 7.62 short are where I would draw the line on case diameter for a practical assault rifle. The MP44 presented problems with causing a larger profile for the shooter while in the prone, as does the AKM and variants, while the AR15 does not, even with a 30rd mag, which also serves as a great monopod.