The US military will abandon the 5.56 NATO cartridge and switch to a more powerful, longer range 6.8mm round instead, according to reports.
It would be a heinously expensive move to ditch the foot soldier’s round of choice and we’re not entirely sure it’s going to be a complete stepchange. Even if it is, it will be phased in over years..
This is the end of a love affair that has lasted more than 50 years. FN invented the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge all the way back in 1961. By 1963, the US military was starting to use this utilitarian, cheap and reliable round.Â
The new bullet should combine the strengths of the 5.56 NATO, the 7.62x39mm and possibly even the 6.5 Creedmoor. If the US military can produce a round somewhere in the sweet spot of those three rounds then the whole firearms industry will change overnight.
If…
There do still seem to be some variables here and I’m not totally sold. The military doesn’t normally make rash choices like entirely new rounds, there is enough proven technology out there and this might just have been taken out of context.
Colt M4 Replacement – Revolution Not Evolution
Still, some sources say the Next Generation Squad Weapons will come with a 6.8mm and the government has invited tender bids from arms manufacturers for the Colt M4 replacement and the spiritual successor to the M249.
We just published a list of the world’s best assault rifles and the 5.56 NATO basically dominates the top 10. The simple truth is that the rest of the world will follow America’s lead when it comes to guns and ammunition. That’s not arrogance, it’s a simple case of free market economics.
New US Army Rifle Due in 2021
This change won’t actually take effect for a while, though, and that’s a good thing. This is a serious stepchange for the gun manufacturers, gunbroker, just about everybody. A lengthy, 27-month development period is built in to the schedule and there is no way these guns will land in US military hands until 2021.
So, don’t stress, you have plenty of time to enjoy your 5.56 NATO. Just know that this era is coming to an end and the next generation AR-15 will come with a 6.8mm thumping bullet that gives you the best of the AR-15 and AK-47.
Until then, save money with our list of the
best AR-15 rifles you can buy for $500.
We cannot wait to try one out and let you know what we think. But that won’t be for a good long while…
Not sure which caliber is right for you? Our complete rifle caliber guide compares every major caliber — 5.56, .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 Blackout, and more — with ballistic data, cost analysis, and use-case recommendations.
-
Nick is an industry-recognized firearms expert with over 35 years of experience in the world of ballistics, tactical gear, and shooting sports. His journey began behind the trigger at age 11, when he secured a victory in a minor league shooting competition—a moment that sparked a lifelong obsession with the technical mechanics of firearms.
Today, Nick leverages that deep-rooted experience to lead USA Gun Shop, one of the most comprehensive digital resources for firearm owners in the United States. He has built a reputation for cutting through marketing fluff and providing raw, honest assessments of guns your life may depend on.
Beyond the range, Nick is a prolific voice in mainstream and specialist media. His insights on the intersection of firearms, lifestyle, and industry trends have been featured in premier global publications, including Forbes, Playboy US, Tatler Asia, and numerous national news outlets. Whether he is dissecting the trigger pull on a new sub-compact or tracking the best online deals for the community, Nick’s mission remains the same: ensuring every gun owner has the right tool for the job at the right price.
View all posts
Editor/Chief Tester
14,752+ Gun & Ammo Deals
Updated daily from 10+ top retailers. Filter by category, caliber, action type, and price.
