The Marine Corps is looking to reduce the weight of its .50 caliber ammunition in an effort to increase speed and survivability for Marines on the battlefield.
On Sept. 26, Marine Corps Systems Command posted a request for information, or RFI, to potential vendors in providing lightweight .50 caliber ammunition. According to the RFI, the Corps is interested in a belt of 100 .50 caliber cartridges weighing 20.3 pounds to 22.3 pounds, which would offer a weight savings of 24% to 30%.
The command told Military.com that a “factory-packed box” consisting of two cans with 100 rounds each of .50 caliber ammunition currently weighs 77 pounds — a significant load for troops to shoulder.
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The Corps expects to deliver the lighter .50 caliber ammo to the fleet by the end of 2026, according to Ashley Calingo, a spokesperson for Marine Corps Systems Command, or SYSCOM.
The desire to reduce the .50 caliber ammo’s weight is part of the Corps’ continuing effort to lighten its infantry and increase speed on the battlefield.
“Agility and speed are critical to battlefield survivability, and we are continuously looking to reduce the weight of ammunition Marines must carry into the fight,” Calingo told Military.com.
“This weight reduction will also reduce fuel consumption and other transportation costs, and may reduce weapon system maintenance…
