The recoil energy of the 277 is about the same as a 30.06. In a light rifle this is ridiculous. They want every troop flinching? If it’s for special uses only then there’s little reason to come up with a new cartridge at all.
Follow the money.
See 49
It’s a 10 lb rifle, probably more with the fancy XM-157 optic/fire control system. A reviewer noted:
“The recoil is actually smoother, better controlled than that of the A4 but powerful enough to momentarily shift your weight backward. If standing, you need, as always, to have the right body mechanics but you lean more into the XM-7.”