[Raellus]

Too continue the thread-jacking...

I also think that the 7.62mm round is a little too powerful for an automatic rifle/assault rifle. The recoil, especially during automatic fire, is stronger than 5.56mm and, for most shooters, this adversely affects accuracy.

I've heard it said several times that if the VC/NVA had been equipped with a 5.56mm weapon instead of the 7.62mm AK-47, they might have won the war years earlier. The average diminutive Vietnamese soldier had a hard time keeping the AK on target, especially on full auto. Many American and allied servicemen owe their lives to this phenomenon. This is also why a lot of British Army Ghurka units were issued with M16s instead of SLRs in the '80s.

Also, a rifle firing the 7.62mm round needs to be sturdier and that adds to the weight of the weapon. Compare an M14 to an M16, a G3 to a G36, or an FN SLR to an L85 and there's a significant difference in weight (and length). In built-up terrain (including jungle), the size of the weapon does make a difference and engagement ranges usually don't favor the 7.62mm weapon.

In open terrain were engagement distances are longer, then a 7.62mm weapon is preferable.

IMO, an intermediate round would be a good compromise. I'm not sure why this idea doesn't have a lot of traction.