are 7.62 x 51 mm rounds too big too be fired at 900 rounds per minute from a battle rifle, NOT AN LMG?

Answer 1

It is possible. The MG3 fires at over 1200rpm using a delayed blowback recoil operation. Adapting that bolt system to a smaller rifle would be possible, keeping the higher rate of fire. Keeping that on target, however, would be pretty difficult, especially when fired from the shoulder. Building it, as well as firing it in short bursts, would be entirely possible.

Answer 2

Yes, they are too big be fired at 900 rounds per minute. This is mostly due to the fact that the 7.62x51 is a higher grain bullet and has a higher velocity, thus more recoil. Recoil is relevant because with Battle Rifles/ Assault Carbines (such as an M4 or M16), they operate with a rotating bolt. Some 7.62x51mm LMGs, (or General Purpose Machine Guns) can reach up to 1150 RPM- Such as the Rheinmetall MG3, which is roller locked and recoil operated. The MG3 though, is not normally carried and is tripod mounted. The M60 however, is operated by an open bolt, so it takes longer for the next round to be struck & fired. The M60 can only fire 550 RPM. There are LMGs that fire 5.56x45mm, like the M240. They can reach up to 950 RPM, since they use a gas operated rotating bolt. It all depends on the gun (Carbine V.S. LMG), it's firing configuration, and the ammo that's being put in it. The AK- 47 assault rifle uses a rotating bolt, but can only fire 600 RPM since it uses the 7.62x39, which is large compared to 5.56x45.

I too, have never heard of a Battle Rifle firing 7.62x51mm ammo at a cyclic rate of 900 RPM.

Answer 3

To my knowledge there is no such thing as a "Battle Rifle" that is capable of a cyclic rate of fire of 900 rounds per minute. The select fire M-14 was only capable of 750 rounds per minute, but was magazine fed with only a 20 shot magazine. The only other weapons are LMG's like the M-60 with a cyclic rate of fire of 550 rounds per minute. Certainly no weapons that are carried by a single soldier anyway...

Answer 4

Yes. They produce too much recoil to control in a light, man portable rifle. That is why the Army eventually converted all the M-14's to semi-automatic.

Doc

Answer 5

Only if the rifle is designed for a cyclic rate of fire of 900rpm. Non select fire firearms need not apply.

Answer 6

Up to 750rpm from the old M14 - not sure if any more modern weps use it