I love the 7.62x51mm rd but the simple fact is it's too big and kicks too much for the average joe.
I'm sure weapons ca be made to drastically reduce the kick of the weapon so we are still left with the size/weight of the round and the amount of ammo that a footslogger can carry.
The obvious answer is to move to the 6.8mm IMO.
The Brits worked out post WWII that a 7mm/.280 cal round was the ideal for modern combat, many many years later others have caught up and developed the 6.8mm round which would address IMHO most if not all of the problems we currently have with the existing ammo.
I have heard a few knowledgeable people saying a heavier 5.56mm will do the trick, I don't know about that, I have know knowledge of it.
I am certain the 6.8mm will do all we require of it. :2c:
I've said it before and I'll say it again. The HK 416 should be the standard weapon for all US Armed Forces. I only dislike the fact that it takes 5.56mm when we should be using 7.62mm. It can take up to four bullet holes to the chest with an M4 before the average combatant goes down...that's just not right.
I am a firm supporter of the "one shot, one kill" standard. And I shouldn't have to aim for the head to get those results with a rifle.
As for the SCAR, I am still evaluating it's performance.