I can add a little: as I understand it, the 5.56 was not performing well at the distances of typical engagements in Iraq and Afgh. US Forces started reaching for the M14 (7.62mm) because of its greater reach and knock-down power. The Aust Army purchased a series of sniper rifles in heavier calibres to cover the intermediate range of engagements incl .338 Lapua. I have a DVD somewhere of a brief given by DMO about the acquisitions.
This was not a new 'problem': the same difficulty of not enough knock-down power was also experienced in SVN in the late 60s.It came up several times in interviews I conducted with veterans of SVN.
It may lead to the adoption a new improved calibre once the F88 fleet reaches LOT (life of type) in 2020 or 2025. Remember that the 5.56 was simply a light game hunting round in its earliest form, not developed from scratch as a military round.
Mike C
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13-01-13, 01:31
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