New USMC Sniper Rifle?

[FL-NC]

The Sierra Matchking and other "open tipped match" bullets have been approved for use by the military as the hollow point is a part of the manufacturing process designed to ensure uniformity in the ultra-critical base of the projectile, and not to initiate expansion or fragmentation. The Hague Accords ban bullets specifically designed to expand or flatten inside the body. The match bullets were not designed to expand or flatten inside the body. Sierra claims its match bullets were designed for accuracy with little or no thought given to terminal ballistics at all, which is why they recommend against them for hunting. I believe the military started calling them "open tipped match" bullets inside of "hollow point boat tails" specifically to distance them from the negative association with expanding hollow points.

This is also true. OTM bullets are also used in 300 WM, and in SOF units 5.56 77 gr MK262. No restrictions for anti personnel use.

 

[KansasSasquatch]

"That's my point. The U.S. isn't signatory so there's no requirement, even if the government chooses to abide by it."

You do realize that the above statement makes absolutely no sense.

Yes it does. The U.S. isn't signatory to the Hague Convention or any other treaties that limit militaries to FMJ or non-expanding bullets. But the U.S. government for some reason mostly abides by it. Just because they choose to abide by it does not mean they are required to.

In my first post I guess I should have said that most service members may be required to use FMJ, but only because our government orders them to. There's nothing stopping our government from ordering them to carry different ammo.

 

[Casefull]

Your statement makes no sense because our government enforces the rule whether they are signatory or not. You are arguing as though our soldiers have a CHOICE because the government did not sign The agreement. Your argument is ridiculous and without merit.
I won't continue to argue with you as it appears you can do that yourself.

 

[Nature Boy]

This is true, in 308. 175 grain SMK/OTM. Nomenclature is M118LR. Replaced the M118 (173 grain) and M852 ( 168 grain Match)

I also belive the chosen nomenclature “open tip match”, used for it’s military application, versus “hollow point boat tail” as it’s know commercially, was because of the international moratorium on the latter

 

[FL-NC]

I also belive the chosen nomenclature “open tip match”, used for it’s military application, versus “hollow point boat tail” as it’s know commercially, was because of the international moratorium on the latter

That sounds familiar. I believe the JAG corps got involved in this when these rounds were first coming out.

 

[Robert]

Not sure how we got off into the weeds about ammo, and I don't really care. Lets get back to talking about RIFLES or we will be done here.

 

[243winxb]

Found cost of some firearms. https://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/Documents/defbudget/fy2019/fy2019_CTEF_JBook_Final.pdf

 

[243winxb]

These don't look like ours? But looks like we will supply them.

 

[d2wing]

If I really want to know I will ask my Nephew who is a Marine sniper.