[SLB]

I had not heard of the XM-8 being scrubbed. If this is true, it is one of the best things the guys and gals at the Infantry School has ever done. IMHO they should erase all preconceived notions of 5.56, 6.8, and 7.62 and start from scratch. Rather than design a rifle around a caliber, figure out what the best caliber compromise is (yes it will be a compromise) and then design the rifle around the caliber.

[Lauretij2]

I hadn't heard it being shelved either.

[JudgemAll]

You got that right, the bullet is the most important design.

[sit-rep]

I have never been in combat, but I do think there are a few reasons to stay where we're at. The first is your typical field belt caries 3 to 5 magazine pouches...that would be 270 to 450 rounds in 5.56. I do not know how many rounds a practical carry would be in 7X62...

The other is the wound factor. It is a fact that if there is a wounded soldier, it takes two or three others out of action to take care on them...one of the reasons 5.56 was created. The other is close quarter combat. A 16 to 20 inch barrel would be preferred I think...

Again, I have never been in combat so I cannot voice strongly on the need for more "knock down" power. If one does change what they shoot, this has it's pros and cons as well...meaning if they enemy gets yer gun, his bullets will fit into it...

[Sender]

We know what the 7.62 can do, and we know how to load lots of them. The only 'problem' was the extra weight of all that brass.

Why not mold 7.62 cases out of high-tech polymer like they did with Spectrum PCA? Then you'd still have the heavy bullet and power, without most of the weight.

[chudogg]

Its was shelved awhile ago. But the stated reason was not the caliber round. They wanted the weapon to be modular "in the field", and the designers made it so it could be modified by the soldier to go from a small Carbine, to a standard Infantry rifle, into a sniper rifle. But the Army wanted a rifle that could be modified to a light machine gun ala M249, which H&K couldn't do. So they shelved the whole program until a designer can do that. The Army is not as dissastisfied with the 5.56 round as civillian gun enthusiasts. I wouldn't count on anything larger than the 6.8mm. Those who think the M-14 would seriously be brought back into service are nuts!

[Squantos]

I can't locate the XM-8 of late nooooze either......

Not that I care for it.....I really don't.