New Bullet Calibers for the US Army: What's on the Horizon?
The US Army is constantly seeking to improve its firearms and ammunition to stay ahead of the curve in modern warfare. In recent years, there has been a significant focus on developing new bullet calibers that offer improved performance, range, and lethality. Here are five new bullet calibers that are being considered or have been recently adopted by the US Army:
1. 6.8mm Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW)
The 6.8mm NGSW is a new caliber developed by the US Army as part of its Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program. This caliber is designed to offer improved performance over the existing 5.56mm and 7.62mm calibers, with a focus on increased range, penetration, and lethality. The 6.8mm NGSW is expected to be adopted by the US Army in the near future, with the first deliveries of the new rifles and ammunition scheduled for 2023.
🔫 Note: The 6.8mm NGSW is still in the development phase, and its performance and specifications are subject to change.
2..338 Norma Magnum (NM)
The.338 NM is a high-powered sniper caliber that has been adopted by the US Army as part of its Advanced Sniper Rifle (ASR) program. This caliber offers improved range and penetration over the existing.300 Winchester Magnum (WM) caliber, with a maximum effective range of over 1,500 meters. The.338 NM is currently being used by US Army snipers in various theaters of operation.
3..260 Remington
The.260 Remington is a new caliber that is being considered by the US Army as a potential replacement for the existing 5.56mm caliber. This caliber offers improved performance over the 5.56mm, with a focus on increased range and penetration. The.260 Remington is currently being tested by the US Army, with a decision on its adoption expected in the near future.
🔫 Note: The.260 Remington is still in the testing phase, and its adoption by the US Army is not guaranteed.
4. 7.62x51mm NATO Enhanced Performance Round (EPR)
The 7.62x51mm NATO EPR is an improved version of the existing 7.62mm NATO caliber, with a focus on increased performance and lethality. This caliber features a new bullet design that offers improved penetration and expansion, making it more effective against soft targets. The 7.62x51mm NATO EPR is currently being used by the US Army in various theaters of operation.
5. 12.7x99mm NATO (.50 Caliber)
The 12.7x99mm NATO (.50 caliber) is a high-powered caliber that is used by the US Army for long-range engagements and anti-material purposes. This caliber is effective against soft targets, as well as lightly armored vehicles and equipment. The 12.7x99mm NATO (.50 caliber) is currently being used by US Army snipers and designated marksmen in various theaters of operation.
| Caliber | Muzzle Velocity (m/s) | Effective Range (m) | Penetration (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.8mm NGSW | 945 | 1,000 | 15 |
| .338 NM | 915 | 1,500 | 20 |
| .260 Remington | 855 | 800 | 12 |
| 7.62x51mm NATO EPR | 855 | 800 | 15 |
| 12.7x99mm NATO (.50 caliber) | 1,020 | 2,000 | 30 |
In conclusion, the US Army is continually seeking to improve its firearms and ammunition to stay ahead of the curve in modern warfare. The five new bullet calibers discussed in this article offer improved performance, range, and lethality, making them valuable assets on the battlefield.
What is the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program?
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The NGSW program is a US Army initiative to develop a new generation of squad-level firearms that offer improved performance, range, and lethality. The program includes the development of new rifle and ammunition systems, as well as enhanced optics and accessories.
What is the difference between the 6.8mm NGSW and the 5.56mm caliber?
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The 6.8mm NGSW offers improved performance over the 5.56mm caliber, with increased range, penetration, and lethality. The 6.8mm NGSW also features a new bullet design that is optimized for improved expansion and penetration.
What is the maximum effective range of the.338 NM caliber?
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The maximum effective range of the.338 NM caliber is over 1,500 meters, making it an effective choice for long-range engagements and anti-material purposes.
Is the.260 Remington caliber currently in use by the US Army?
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No, the.260 Remington caliber is currently being tested by the US Army, but it has not yet been adopted for widespread use.
What is the purpose of the 12.7x99mm NATO (.50 caliber) caliber?
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The 12.7x99mm NATO (.50 caliber) caliber is used by the US Army for long-range engagements and anti-material purposes, including the engagement of lightly armored vehicles and equipment.
