Everyone knows the 5.56mm was forced upon NATO (and by extension
most other militaries outside NATO) by the US. Some have argued
this was a big mistake and we should go back to larger calibre
rounds. There are grumbles that going back to 7.62mm might be the
way to go in order that lethality can be increased.
The reality is no army in the world is seriously looking at
issuing 7.62 as standard because that means you will increase the
combat load of already overloaded soldiers. That is not to say
however, that it is not doable; that would be utter nonsense - The
British Army used 7.62 in its FN FAL prior to being forced to adopt
5.56 and consistently won battles.
What I am trying to get at is that it isn't a simple
argument.
What say you? There are several new (ish) calibres in
development. If you know about them feel free to enlighten us!
on one side of the balance is better stopping power...on the
other side is the capacity to carry more bullets.
which side to tilt the balance depends on what would its use
be...its like there is no use giving a sniper 1000 rounds when all
he needs is 1....no use giving an infantry man 20 rounds when he
needs 1000 to clear a large area of enemy combatants.
5.56mm is in the middle(I think)...so I guess I am fine with it
as the standard issue.
