Still, if I have to go for a long fight with no chance of resupply, I'd rather take 390 rounds of 5.56 in four mag pouches, (13x30), than 180 rounds of 7.62, (9X20) in the same space at the same weight. IOW, you can carry double the ammo in 5.56.
Yep...and in close and intermediate ranges it has good stopping power. It's a fine round/weapon, but the freakiness has little to do with that.