The US Army's Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) cartridge — the first new US military rifle cartridge since 5.56mm NATO. The hybrid steel/brass case allows operating pressures of up to 80,000 PSI, exceeding SAAMI limits for conventional brass cartridges. Selected with the SIG MCX-SPEAR (XM5) rifle to defeat near-peer body armor at extended range.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 2022, United States
Parent case: None
Standardization: SAAMI
Bullet diameter: 0.277" (7.04 mm)
Case length: 2.015" (51.18 mm)
Overall length: 2.825" (71.76 mm)
Max pressure: 80,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimless
Primer: Large Rifle
Typical twist rate: 1:8
Muzzle velocity: 2830–3000 fps
Muzzle energy: 2402–2780 ft-lbs
Effective range: 600 yd
Common bullet weights: 135, 140 gr
Primary use: Military, Hunting, Target
Production status: Active
Also known as: 6.8x51mm · 6.8 Common Cartridge · 6.8 NGSW
History: Selected by the US Army in April 2022 as part of the NGSW program to replace the M4/M16 and M249 in frontline units. The driving requirement was defeating current and projected enemy body armor at 600+ meters — a capability gap identified after analysis of near-peer adversary protection. The .277 Fury uses a hybrid case with a steel head and brass body to contain the unprecedented 80,000 PSI…
Notable firearms: SIG MCX-SPEAR (XM5), SIG MG 6.8 (XM250)
Military use: United States
Similar cartridges: 6.8 Remington SPC, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Winchester