[Squantos]

Over All Length OAL of the .243 is between 2.6 and 2.7 is gonna put the rifle in a 7.62 x 51 mag well size lower which holds the nato round OAL around 2.75..... So think SR-25 or AR-10 size rifle.....Mk 11 Hk series. More than a just a barrel swap sadly. The 243 with a 105gr ball round runs around 2900 fps...... love the load. Plus....as we’re not in a fight with a uniformed enemy go to a boat tail hollow point to use on ISIS style enemies.

Stay Safe !

[familyop]

OAL and magazines, yes! A different case would be required, along with rifles and other big costs. Then, less ammo could be carried.

So they’re looking more at what can be done with 5.56mm for most soldiers. I can see carrying 14.5” barrels to drive vehicles or clear buildings, but there’s nothing wrong with using a rifle with a 20-inch barrel for the field and getting more intimate with dirt. Might lend to running a little more bullet length, if bullets didn’t get impacted in cases too much in the field (from going in and out of chambers too many times).

Improving on what’s already done can be complicated, eh? ;-)

[familyop]

"Plus....as we’re not in a fight with a uniformed enemy go to a boat tail hollow point to use on ISIS style enemies."

Yes. Really, even good personal equipment doesn't stop a group from losing the strength of a man who's hit for at least one battle (ouch!). And good armor on armored vehicles, earth, rock and the like don't yield to rounds from standard rifles.

It appears that match bullets would be the best way to go all around for two soldiers designated by highest range scores in each regular infantry/engineer platoon. Leave barriers to grenadiers, light AT weapons and the like. Let some of the volume fire soldiers get off their hienies with their hardball and go flank, if there's no easy air support.

[Farmer Dean]

I seem to remember Springfield armory offering their M1A in .243.I think .243 would feed from a .308 mag with no problems.