New rifle, bigger bullets: Inside the Army's plan to ditch the M4 and 5.56

Hopefully the troops get a round that will match the punch of the 7.62. These are good arguments made in the article, though we have seen substitutes for the M16 being tested for the last 2 decades at least. The last replacement was the M4, who'd figure that? But seriously, a lot has changed in manufacturing in 20 years, they might be able to do this. Next is the acquisition trick.

I will add to this that there is a weight cost to all this. A basic load of 5.56 is 210 rounds. We would carry 2 basic loads. In Beirut we had FALs and 200 rounds of 7.62. Big weight difference. That was with a 20 round magazine. Just points to ponder. Smarter minds with prevail ad we had to carry all on our back.

I believe the M4 carbine is fine for about 3/4s of the Army. Support troops (including Artillery and Armor) need a weapon that is easy to carry and provide 5.56mm firepower in an emergency. Its the Infantry and Special operators that needs the full sized battle rifle in 7.62mm for extra range and penetration. I predict the M4 platform will stick around at least for another twenty years with an M110 or M14 Enhanced Battle Rifle type platform to augment the force. Anything else would only offer marginal improvement and unnecessary expense.