Is the new 6.8mm(.270) caliber M16 cartridge far from the .308 caliber?

Question

Basically if someone is going to rim up to the .270, than how many less bullets are one soldier going to be able to carry? Also, what's the increased range one will be effectively using the M16, M4, and related cartridges at?

The US military is experimenting with the 6.8 mm SPC to replace the 5.56 caliber, that is why I ask

Answer 1

Greetings,

This is what I know.

NATO .308 cal. 7.62x51 mm 147grain bullet generally at about 2800 feet persecond. Effective Range 800 meters. M1-A 20 round magazine.

6.8mm .270 cal. 110-115 grain bullet generally at 2600 feet per second. Effective Range 600 meters. M-4/ 25 round magazines.
Flatter Trajectory than .308

5.56mm/ .223 cal 55-62 grain bullet generally 3100-3200 feet per second. Effective Range 500 meters. M-4 30 Round Magazines.

Instead of carrying 30 rounds it will be 25 instead, a little heavier, but not close as much as the .308. I havene't fired this round yet, but I've looked at them up close and they seem to be the perfect fit for a standard assault rifle. less wieght than the 7.62 x 39 "AK-47 Round" and more mass than the .223. I liked what I saw. The magazines are the same for both .223 and 6.8mm except for the follower, which is molded to fit the appropriate round. The Military has not yet replaced the 5.56 with the 6.8mm round. However, they are looking into it and testing it out. I think it may be a good idea.

Answer 2

The 308 and 300 are the same caliber. Your asking which cartrage is better for long range. Im guessing your talking about one of the 300 magnums. if that's the case then they all have longer ranges with the same barrel length as the 308. If your talking the 300 savage then the 308 will have more range.

Answer 3

The .308 is a 7.62 mm round. So, we're talking .82 mm difference. Range of the round would depend on the barrel length, grains of powder, etc.

I have been out since '98. They aren't using the 5.56mm rounds in the M16 anymore? I would have to read about it to see what the difference in range is.