Aluminum-cased M855

[Slater]

I was under the impression that aluminum cases had been tinkered with over the years but without satisfactory results:

https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=8d53cae96c5d96965da8330ec64c3948&tab=core&_cview=0

I know they work great for larger calibers such as 30mm.

[Iraqgunz]

From what I remember from my days of ammunition/ ordnance training the larger calibers work because of the method of operation of the weapon. I know that when I used to shoot Blazer in my Glock and my old MAC-11 my results weren't that great. I wonder what is driving this program again?


I was under the impression that aluminum cases had been tinkered with over the years but without satisfactory results:

https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=8d53cae96c5d96965da8330ec64c3948&tab=core&_cview=0

I know they work great for larger calibers such as 30mm.

[dewatters]

In the past, it has been driven by the weight savings, particularly for machinegunners. The most recent project was part of the Lightweight Family of Weapons and Ammunition (LFWA) program, which evolved into LSAT.

[Slater]

Possibly cost might be the primary factor here, given the dramatic price increases of metals in recent times.

In the case of the 30mm PGU-13/-14/-15 series of ammo for the A-10's GAU-8cannon, weight savings was the driver behind the adoption of aluminum over brass or steel cases, and it has the additional advantage of somewhat lower cost. The cases are surprisingly tough. Dropping a round on a concrete surface usually won't damage the case, although if it hits on the primer end you pucker for a second :D