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Interesting.....
The US military is buying M-4 replacements chambered in 7.62 NATO, because they need its penetration and range.
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What they are buying are replacements for the M14 in the designated marksman role....
The M4 is too short and light to attenuate the Punishing recoil of the 308 Winchester.
Didn't the DOD already learn something along these lines in the 1960's with that Weapon frame?
SPQR, take note of the Full Article link:
"The rifle must pass tests using the M80A1 Enhanced Performance Round, which industry insider website The Firearm Blog has tracked, tested and reviewed ballistic performance on for years. The site gave the round substantially high marks for penetration and accuracy."
...
"In May, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley told Congress that the Army had developed a bullet that would penetrate 5.56 mm-resistant body armor. The four-star was quizzed by Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, as to whether the Army was looking at a new rifle to replace the M4 and if the new bullet would need a new rifle.
"Milley said at the time that it might require a new rifle."
In the 70s, I was a deputy marshal in a small rural community. I packed an HK-91 because it was the heaviest 7.62 automatic rifle of the day and it kicked like the proverbial Missouri mule if not shouldered just right.
Actually, I packed the HK-91 because I wanted a 7.62 rifle in case I had to shut down a pickup truck with AP. I believe that the recoil was actually worse than the Garand. The rifle was as reliable as any AK although it wouldn't cycle Remington Accelerators. It was was amazingly accurate with 150 grain bullets. The weight was tolerable because I didn't have to carry the gun and ammunition for 30 miles. Finally, the rifle was short enough that it handled well in close quarters.
Today, I would probably carry an AR-10. The weight is less than the HK-91. Reliability has improved from early versions. Accuracy is acceptable with good ammunition and at least the AR-10 doesn't make the recoil worse.
Except that regular 7.62x51 won't penetrate the armor either, still need new ammo development