New Army "Caliber Configuration Study"

[stanc]

Listening to the experiences LRRPF52 relates, the CLAWS cartridge is not likely to be much larger than the 5.56mm NATO. Whether that translates to something like the 6mm or 25 cal based on the NATO cartridge (25-45 Sharps) or a (less likely) 6mm or 25 caliber variant of the 6.8 SPC like the 6.5 x 40 posted in another thread, is not real clear.

No, it sure isn't at all clear. Whether or not a 5.56 replacement would be of minimum size and weight, as LRRPF52 wants, depends on several (sometimes conflicting) factors.

What magazine capacity is desired?

How important are weapon and ammunition weight and size?

How important is extended range capability? (The .25-45 Sharps won't do much in this regard, due to its low-BC bullet.)

How important is the ability to defeat hard body armor? (This may require a round as big and heavy as 6.8 SPC, if not bigger and heavier.)