It looks like evolution has come up with the 7.62x51 NATO round. All its competitors have fallen by the wayside, the 30-40 Krag, 30-06, 303 British, 7.7 Jap and perhaps ultimately the mighty 7.62x54r may someday disappear in favor of its rimless ballistic twin. It would be hard to argue with how good a full power battle rifle cartridge the 7.62x51 is.
Is it the very best caliber for this case? Would a 7mm-08 be a better full power battle rifle cartridge? What about a .270 6.8mm area?
If the military is looking for a new full power load that is in the same class as the current 7.62x51 but wanting better…what do you think would be better?