US Military Takes On 2 New Calibers Of Rifle Ammo

Published on October 20, 2025
Duration: 8:38

The US Army is transitioning to the 6.8x51mm NGSW, with production underway at Lake City. While 5.56 NATO remains primary, the military is increasingly utilizing 6.5 Creedmoor for precision roles due to its flat trajectory and 7.62x39mm for close-quarters combat and AK variants. Older calibers like .338 Lapua Magnum and .300 Win Mag are still in use, but 6.5 Creedmoor is favored by many for its ballistic performance and lighter weight.

Quick Summary

The US Army is transitioning to the 6.8x51mm caliber for its Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW). While 5.56 NATO remains primary, 6.5 Creedmoor is gaining favor for precision roles due to its flat trajectory, and 7.62x39mm is seeing increased use in specific units for close-quarters combat.

Chapters

  1. 00:05US Army's 6.8x51mm NGSW Transition
  2. 00:30Lake City Ammo Plant Production
  3. 00:595.56 NATO as Primary Round
  4. 01:48.338 Lapua Magnum as Sniper Round
  5. 02:06.300 Win Mag Usage
  6. 02:376.5 Creedmoor's Growing Attention
  7. 03:03Ballistics of 6.5 Creedmoor
  8. 03:43Future of 6.5 Creedmoor in Military
  9. 04:227.62x39mm Gaining Traction
  10. 04:36US Special Operations Using 7.62x39mm
  11. 05:05Increased Military Use of 7.62x39mm
  12. 05:32Preferred Calibers for Different Roles
  13. 06:02Use Cases for .50 BMG
  14. 06:20Impact of 6.8x51mm on Future Trends

Frequently Asked Questions

What new calibers is the US Army adopting for its rifles?

The US Army is transitioning to the 6.8x51mm caliber for its Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW). While 5.56 NATO remains primary, 6.5 Creedmoor is gaining favor for precision roles, and 7.62x39mm is seeing increased use in specific units.

Why is the 6.5 Creedmoor becoming popular in the US military?

The 6.5 Creedmoor is favored for its exceptionally flat trajectory, making it ideal for precision shooting at long distances. It also offers advantages in terms of lighter weight and increased magazine capacity compared to larger calibers.

Where is the new 6.8x51mm ammunition for the US Army being produced?

The 6.8x51mm ammunition for the US Army's Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) program is being produced at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, which is undergoing construction and upgrades for this purpose.

Which calibers does the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant currently produce?

The Lake City Army Ammunition Plant currently produces 5.56 NATO, 7.62 NATO, .50 BMG, and 9mm ammunition. They are also in the process of establishing production for the new 6.8x51mm caliber.

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