Quick access to main page (top) Direct access to main contents Quick access to main page (bottom)

Why is the U.S. Military Switching to 6.8mm Ammo? Bigger Bang, Better Accuracy

Eugene Park Views  

The most commonly used bullets
The pros and cons of both are clear
Currently transitioning to 6.8mm

7%ED%83%84%EC%9D%84 %EC%82%AC%EC%9A%A9%ED%95%98%EB%8A%94 %EA%B8%B0%EA%B4%80%EC%B4%9D

There is a tongue-in-cheek saying, ‘If you get shot gently by a bullet, you’ll survive.’ Of course, this is a nonsensical statement, as any bullet hitting any part of the body could cause fatal injuries. Military writers will know that bullets used in rifles or machine guns, like the 9mm, have enough killing power.

So why are the representative bullets commonly used in rifles and machine guns, the 5.56mm and 7.62mm, used separately? Today, let’s look at the pros and cons of these two bullets and their alternatives.

%EC%B4%9D%EC%95%8C %EC%B0%A8%EC%9D%B4
Most U.S. military rifles use 5.56mm bullets
5.56%ED%83%84
NATO standard 5.56mm bullet

U.S. military standard bullet 5.56mm
The thinness of the bullet is a disadvantage

The 5.56mm bullet is the most commonly used assault rifle bullet in the U.S. and its allies. From the M-16, which was used as a standard rifle from the Vietnam War, to the K-2 in Korea, and the M4 carbine rifle used by the U.S. military until most recently, all use 5.56mm bullets. The small size of the bullet allows for large quantities to be carried, and its low recoil makes it very effective in close combat.

However, the small size of the ammunition is a significant disadvantage when trying to suppress enemies. It is said that there were often cases where enemies, high on drugs and attacking, were not stopped even after being hit with seven 5.56mm bullets. This was a disadvantage of the relatively weak penetrating power of the 5.56mm bullet.

%EB%B2%A0%ED%8A%B8%EB%82%A8 %EC%A0%84%EC%97%90 %EC%82%AC%EC%9A%A9%EB%90%9C ak 47
AK-47 used in the Vietnam War
7.62mm %ED%83%84
7.62mm bullet

The longest used 7.62mm
Being too thick was the problem

The 7.62mm bullet is a venerable bullet used since the 19th century. It has been used worldwide, and the AK-47, the most-produced assault rifle in the world, also uses this bullet. In other words, it could be the most used bullet globally. Because of its thick caliber, it has high penetration and long range, making it very advantageous in long-range combat, and unlike the 5.56mm bullet, it is effective even at long range.

However, on the contrary, guns using 7.62mm bullets have a very high recoil, so they have the disadvantage of low accuracy, and the bullet’s stability was also said to be lower than that of the 5.56mm bullet.

%EC%86%8C%EB%A7%90%EB%A6%AC%EC%95%84 %EB%82%B4%EC%A0%84 %EB%8B%B9%EC%8B%9C %EB%AF%B8%EA%B5%B0%EC%9D%98 %EC%A3%BC%EB%A0%A5 %EC%86%8C%EC%B4%9D%EC%9D%80 5.56%ED%83%84%EC%9D%B4%EC%97%88%EB%8B%A4
Capture from the movie Black Hawk Down / The 5.56mm bullet has been criticized for its significantly reduced ability to suppress individuals.
6.8mm %EC%B4%9D%ED%83%84%EC%9D%84 %EC%82%AC%EC%9A%A9%ED%95%98%EB%8A%94 %EA%B8%B0%EA%B4%80%EC%B4%9D
Machine gun using 6.8mm bullets

The 6.8mm combines only the advantages
Adopted as the next-generation rifle bullet

If both being too thin and too thick are problems, then using a bullet of exactly medium size would be the solution. The next-generation standard bullet selected from this idea is the 6.8mm. It is the most ideal bullet, with the accuracy of the 5.56mm bullet and the destructive power of the 7.62mm bullet or more.

The 6.8mm bullet is already scheduled to be introduced as the next standard bullet of the U.S. Army. Still, since so many 5.56mm and 7.62mm bullets have already been produced as NATO standards since the Cold War, it is expected to take a long time to replace them.

Eugene Park
content@www.kangnamtimes.com

Comments0

300

Comments0

[KOREA] Latest Stories

  • MrBeast Effect: How His Surprise Cameo Shakes Up YouTube
  • Rob Schneider's Stand-Up Scandal: Actor's Racially Insensitive Remarks Shock Politicians
  • FIFTY FIFTY: Second Phase and Comeback in the Works
  • Seoul City Threatens to Cut Power to Controversial Adult Video Festival
  • 'City Fisherman' Season 5 Wraps Up with Thrilling Final Showdown
  • Genesis Magma Division Sets New Standards in Performance

Weekly Best Articles

  • New Electric Sedans and SUVs: Volvo Expands Its EV Lineup with Bold Designs
  • Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Tech for Model 3 and Y Set for 2025—Can It Overcome Safety Issues?
  • California Police Frustrated by Tesla Model 3: Too Cramped, Not Practical
  • Trump vs. Harris: Which U.S. Election Outcome Will Boost Stocks the Most?
  • Kim Sejeong on Kiss Scene Prep: ‘It’s Like Laying the Foundation for a Building!’
  • Kim Tae Ri’s Character Faces Devastating Setback in ‘Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born’
  • Lee Seung Gi Goes Bald! Shocking Change for His Role in ‘About Family’
  • Man Who Sponsored $1.2M to Streamer Juice Se Yeon Says She Blocked Him After Scandals
  • BTS Music Video Star and Tattoo Model Kim Woo Young Remembered 6 Years Later
  • Outback’s Last Ride: Subaru Launches 30th Anniversary Edition with Exclusive Features
  • Chrysler’s 2025 SUV: A Glimpse into the Future of Electric Vehicles
  • Fiat’s ‘Ugliest Car’ Makes a Comeback with Hyundai’s Pixel Design Twist

You May Also Like

  • 1
    Kim Nam Gil Spills Secrets About The Fiery Priest 2—Why Fans Should Be Excited

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 2
    Google's Tax Tricks: How They Pay Pennies on Billions in Korean Revenue

    BUSINESS 

  • 3
    BJ Juice Se Yeon Deletes ‘Suspicious’ Photo with Kim Haon—Fans Speculate Romance

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 4
    G-Dragon’s Secret Addiction? The K-pop Star Can’t Stop Watching Dating Shows

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 5
    Chef Triple Star Shows Up at Event Despite Explosive Cheating and Embezzlement Claims

    ENTERTAINMENT 

Popular Now

  • 1
    Jaehyun Joins the Military—Here’s What Happens to His Career While He’s Away

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 2
    BMW M3 to Feature 600 HP Mild Hybrid Powertrain—No Plug-in Hybrid Here!

    TECH 

  • 3
    Subaru BRZ Purple Edition: Only 500 Units Available in North America for $35,445

    TECH 

  • 4
    Brazil’s Beloved Nivus Gets a Facelift: New GTS Model Starts at $24,480

    TECH 

  • 5
    Tesla’s Roadster Returns: 621 Miles on One Charge and Insane Speed

    TECH 

Weekly Best Articles

  • New Electric Sedans and SUVs: Volvo Expands Its EV Lineup with Bold Designs
  • Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Tech for Model 3 and Y Set for 2025—Can It Overcome Safety Issues?
  • California Police Frustrated by Tesla Model 3: Too Cramped, Not Practical
  • Trump vs. Harris: Which U.S. Election Outcome Will Boost Stocks the Most?
  • Kim Sejeong on Kiss Scene Prep: ‘It’s Like Laying the Foundation for a Building!’
  • Kim Tae Ri’s Character Faces Devastating Setback in ‘Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born’
  • Lee Seung Gi Goes Bald! Shocking Change for His Role in ‘About Family’
  • Man Who Sponsored $1.2M to Streamer Juice Se Yeon Says She Blocked Him After Scandals
  • BTS Music Video Star and Tattoo Model Kim Woo Young Remembered 6 Years Later
  • Outback’s Last Ride: Subaru Launches 30th Anniversary Edition with Exclusive Features
  • Chrysler’s 2025 SUV: A Glimpse into the Future of Electric Vehicles
  • Fiat’s ‘Ugliest Car’ Makes a Comeback with Hyundai’s Pixel Design Twist

Must-Reads

  • 1
    Kim Nam Gil Spills Secrets About The Fiery Priest 2—Why Fans Should Be Excited

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 2
    Google's Tax Tricks: How They Pay Pennies on Billions in Korean Revenue

    BUSINESS 

  • 3
    BJ Juice Se Yeon Deletes ‘Suspicious’ Photo with Kim Haon—Fans Speculate Romance

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 4
    G-Dragon’s Secret Addiction? The K-pop Star Can’t Stop Watching Dating Shows

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 5
    Chef Triple Star Shows Up at Event Despite Explosive Cheating and Embezzlement Claims

    ENTERTAINMENT 

Popular Now

  • 1
    Jaehyun Joins the Military—Here’s What Happens to His Career While He’s Away

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 2
    BMW M3 to Feature 600 HP Mild Hybrid Powertrain—No Plug-in Hybrid Here!

    TECH 

  • 3
    Subaru BRZ Purple Edition: Only 500 Units Available in North America for $35,445

    TECH 

  • 4
    Brazil’s Beloved Nivus Gets a Facelift: New GTS Model Starts at $24,480

    TECH 

  • 5
    Tesla’s Roadster Returns: 621 Miles on One Charge and Insane Speed

    TECH 

Share it on...