U.S. Special Operators Will Soon Be Using This 6.5mm "Assault" Machine Gun

[DaveTooley]

6.8 has been anointed for the next caliber in squad weapons.

http://soldiersystems.net/2019/05/23/sofic-19-sig-sauer-exhibits-next-gen-squad-weapons/

 

[hoz53]

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zo...-soon-be-using-this-6-5mm-assault-machine-gun

FN America has unveiled a prototype of its new Mk 48 Mod 2 machine gun in the 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridge, which it developed in response to a U.S. Special Operations Command requirement. American special operations forces are interested in acquiring an “assault” machine gun in this caliber, which would offer better range than existing weapons that use the smaller 5.56x45mm cartridge, but would still be lighter than more traditional light machine guns....

i dont pretend to know anything about this stuff because i dont but didnt SOCOM just adopt 300 Norma for something. mabie to replace 338 lapua for snipers?

 

[DaveTooley]

Only a few were using the 338 Lapua. The new ASR rifle by Barrett is to be a 300 Norma with the 338 Norma as the anti material round. For the common knuckle draggers this is a big step up from the 300 WM. But it's one of those "be careful what you wish for" things.

 

[ebb]

"this is not the 6.8 from a decade ago, it is something totally new with performance close to a 270 Winchester short mag." WOW

 

[DaveTooley]

Each company submitting has their own cartridge. What absolutely doesn't make sense is to get the performance they want pressures are running 80K PSI. NOW WHAT COULD GO WRONG?

 

[hoz53]

Only a few were using the 338 Lapua. The new ASR rifle by Barrett is to be a 300 Norma with the 338 Norma as the anti material round. For the common knuckle draggers this is a big step up from the 300 WM. But it's one of those "be careful what you wish for" things.

Thanks Dave

 

[DaveTooley]

here's a bit more info
interesting the different approaches to the ammo

http://soldiersystems.net/2019/06/0...-small-arms-technology-demonstrator-in-6-8mm/

 

[hogpatrol]

Nineteenth century technology for a twenty first century war. Meanwhile the bad guys are still using AK47s and RPGs. Military intelligence, the original oxymoron. More taxpayer money pissed away to keep someone in a job.

 

[DaveTooley]

everyone is looking for a material solution to a training problem

 

[ebb]

Is that why the cartridge shown has a steel base?

 

[TAJ45]

Interesting read. Aspects such as materiel damage vs anti personnel - had not thought of that differentiation.
The 6.8 dia? Never could figure that. But as I follow, I'm finding out even more I didn't know or had even considered.
The 80k pressure figure - I'd like to do some reading on your info source Dave. Hope you won't have to kill me after you tell me.

 

[DaveTooley]

Interesting read. Aspects such as materiel damage vs anti personnel - had not thought of that differentiation.
The 6.8 dia? Never could figure that. But as I follow, I'm finding out even more I didn't know or had even considered.
The 80k pressure figure - I'd like to do some reading on your info source Dave. Hope you won't have to kill me after you tell me.

Nah all this is open source. The 6.8 supposedly is the smallest diameter that lets them develop all the different projectiles needed. There's always one requirement that drives these things. They needed 80K psi to get to a level of performance to defeat level body armor at 600yds. Sounds simple enough but if 80K is normal operating pressure then the system has to function when pressures are 90K+. There's a gov document somewhere but I haven't been able to find it yet.

 

[rr2030]

The thought crossed my mind that 1000 years from now, military historians will be talking about the Creedmoor, and not a word will be spoken about the other 6 and 6.5 chamberings. Creedmoor will live on ...........