6 mm SAW
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| 6 mm SAW | ||
|---|---|---|
 6 mm SAW, first on left. |
||
| Type | Rifle | |
| Place of origin | United States | |
| Production history | ||
| Designer | Frankford Arsenal | |
| Designed | Early 1970s | |
| Specifications | ||
| Bullet diameter | 6.17 mm (0.243 in) | |
| Neck diameter | 6.63 mm (0.261 in) | |
| Shoulder diameter | 9.72 mm (0.383 in) | |
| Base diameter | 10.26 mm (0.404 in) | |
| Rim diameter | 10.36 mm (0.408 in) | |
| Case length | 45.01 mm (1.772 in) | |
| Overall length | 65.54 mm (2.58 in) | |
| Primer type | Boxer | |
The 6 mm SAW describes an experimental series of cartridges developed in the 1970's for the US Army. The cartridges were produced in a variety of sizes and from a variety of materials. The intent was to develop a cartridge that would replace all 5.56 x 45 mm NATO weapons as well as most 7.62 x 51 mm NATO rifles and machineguns in the US military. Eventually, the 5.56 mm was retained and only the machinegun portion of the SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon) competition was successful. That program led to the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon.
Note that the dimensions listed to the right are for 6 x 45 mm SAW rounds.[1] Three version were produced for testing in the early 1970s. An aluminum-cased version was developed, as well as the 6 mm SAW Long which was slightly longer (by about 5 mm)[2]
[edit] References
- ^ Municion.org on the 6 x 45 mm SAW (translated)
- ^ Municion.org on the 6 x 50 mm SAW Long (translated)
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