US SOCOM has provided an update on its small arms plans. It will use 6.5 mm Creedmoor more widely:
1⃣ 6.5 mm CM Assault Rifle
2⃣ 6.5 mm CM Light Machine Gun*
3⃣ .338 NM Medium Machine Gun
LMG on hold pending NGSW outcome.
soldiersystems.net/2020/05/14/uss…
1⃣ 6.5 mm CM Assault Rifle
2⃣ 6.5 mm CM Light Machine Gun*
3⃣ .338 NM Medium Machine Gun
LMG on hold pending NGSW outcome.
soldiersystems.net/2020/05/14/uss…
The US Army's NGSW 6.8 mm calibre is fired at 3,000 feet per second requiring chamber pressures of 80,000 psi. This is likely to reduce barrel life and accelerate wear and tear on the bolt and carrier. Recoil plus weapon and ammunition weight will also be issues. 
Basically, 6.5 mm Creedmoor is a hedge against NGSW failure. If a tungsten AP round could be developed and used in conjunction with the standard NGSW steel round, it might offer an ideal compromise. What is clear is that US Army cartridge size will increase again.
SOCOM's new piston-operated assault rifle chambered in 6.5 mm Creedmoor could well become the basis for a new US Army assault rifle.
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