[Thumper1960]

I'm of the position that whatever it takes to make sure the troops are fully prepared and equipped with the tools to do the job right, the first time, cost is a minor issue. Even speaking as a taxpayer.

[ctdonath2]

See #150.

"Cost" includes time, effort, and disruption. Retooling ammo factories, doubling inventories & processing, transitions, sorting out problems with new stuff, etc. - all is huge.

Yes it can be done, and has been done before. Not something one wants to do unless the benefits are dramatically superior and cannot be achieved any other way.

These "5.56 sucks" discussions tend to not note that the new Mk.262 round (a 5.56 subtype, a hot & heavy 77gr HP) seems to be doing quite well. Yes, the M855 is a problem - because it wasn't meant for that application. The Mk.262 is apparently doing quite well, and was designed for that application.

Much better to go with something that works AND fits the existing supply line.