Optimized Caliber

[stanc]

Here are the specs I would like to see, and I guarantee that soldiers and small unit leaders would welcome:

1) System replaces M249 SAW and M240 machineguns for dismounts
2) Cartridge offers ballistic improvements over 5.56 NATO in trajectory, wind drift and penetration of mud brick, cinder block, and vehicles at 500m
3) Cartridge weighs less than 7.62 NATO, allowing at least a 20% threshold increase in ammunition carrying capacity in linked form, with an objective of 30%...without losing any elevation trajectory or penetration of equal mediums at 700m

How about 37% lighter than 7.62 NATO, and 8% lighter than 6.8 SPC or 6.5 Grendel, with flatter trajectory than any of those?

For an optimized military cartridge, 6x41 looks really good to me. Not only for a new LMG, but also for conversion of 5.56 rifles.
http://68forums.com/forums/showthread.ph...post154811