5.56x30mm MARS - Revision history

Admin at 23:19, 11 May 2023

2023-05-11T23:19:54Z

Admin at 07:44, 2 April 2021

2021-04-02T07:44:46Z

Admin: Admin moved page 5.56×30mm MARS to 5.56x30mm MARS

2021-03-22T23:25:49Z

Admin moved page 5.56×30mm MARS to 5.56x30mm MARS

Admin at 11:31, 22 March 2021

2021-03-22T11:31:34Z

Admin at 11:30, 22 March 2021

2021-03-22T11:30:25Z

Admin at 11:04, 22 March 2021

2021-03-22T11:04:16Z

Admin at 11:03, 22 March 2021

2021-03-22T11:03:47Z

Admin at 10:58, 22 March 2021

2021-03-22T10:58:09Z

Admin at 09:54, 22 March 2021

2021-03-22T09:54:46Z

Admin: Created page with "File:Colt-5.56x30mm-MARS-556-30-mm-9x30mm-9-30-Cartridge-Comparison-Firearm-Wiki-FirearmWiki.jpg|frame|right|A cartridge comparison showing major intermediate cartridges, as..."

2021-03-22T09:51:40Z

Created page with "File:Colt-5.56x30mm-MARS-556-30-mm-9x30mm-9-30-Cartridge-Comparison-Firearm-Wiki-FirearmWiki.jpg|frame|right|A cartridge comparison showing major intermediate cartridges, as..."

New page

[[File:Colt-5.56x30mm-MARS-556-30-mm-9x30mm-9-30-Cartridge-Comparison-Firearm-Wiki-FirearmWiki.jpg|frame|right|A cartridge comparison showing major intermediate cartridges, as well as various PDW-type cartridges including Colt's experimental [[5.56x30mm MARS]] (fourth in line), as well as their [[9x30mm MARS]] (second from right).]]

The '''5.56x30mm MARS''' was a PDW / Assault Rifle cartridge created by Colt during the development of their experimental [[Colt MARS]] ("Mini Assault Rifle System") program.

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:19, 11 May 2023
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−	[[File:Colt-5.56x30mm-MARS-556-30-mm-9x30mm-9-30-Cartridge-Comparison-Firearm-Wiki-FirearmWiki-1.jpg\|frame\|right\|A cartridge comparison showing major intermediate cartridges, as well as various PDW-type cartridges including Colt's experimental '''5.56x30mm MARS''' (fourth in line), as well as their [[9x30mm MARS]] (second from right).]]	+	[[File:Colt-5.56x30mm-MARS-556-30-mm-9x30mm-9-30-Cartridge-Comparison-Firearm-Wiki-FirearmWiki-1.jpg\|frame\|right\|alt=A cartridge comparison showing several calibers, including experimental Colt 5.56x30mm MARS and 9x30mm MARS.\|A cartridge comparison showing major intermediate cartridges, as well as various PDW-type cartridges including Colt's experimental '''5.56x30mm MARS''' (fourth in line), as well as their [[9x30mm MARS]] (second from right).]]

	The '''5.56x30mm MARS''' was a PDW / Assault Rifle cartridge created by Colt during the development of their experimental [[Colt MARS]] ("Mini Assault Rifle System") program. It was created by cutting down [[5.56 NATO]] cases, and re-forming with custom dies during the program, and continued to use .224 caliber bullets. It never saw any major use, adoption or otherwise.		The '''5.56x30mm MARS''' was a PDW / Assault Rifle cartridge created by Colt during the development of their experimental [[Colt MARS]] ("Mini Assault Rifle System") program. It was created by cutting down [[5.56 NATO]] cases, and re-forming with custom dies during the program, and continued to use .224 caliber bullets. It never saw any major use, adoption or otherwise.

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:44, 2 April 2021
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	[https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/02/21/modern-personal-defense-weapon-calibers-005-the-5-56x30mm-mars/ '''The Firearm Blog:'''] - An excellent article by Nathaniel F. at The Firearm Blog, which further discusses the 5.56x30, as well as the MARS project. Most notable are the trajectory comparisons shown, compared to other cartridges.		[https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/02/21/modern-personal-defense-weapon-calibers-005-the-5-56x30mm-mars/ '''The Firearm Blog:'''] - An excellent article by Nathaniel F. at The Firearm Blog, which further discusses the 5.56x30, as well as the MARS project. Most notable are the trajectory comparisons shown, compared to other cartridges.
		+
		+	[[Category: Wildcat Cartridges]]

@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 Ultimately, the program was scrapped along with the 5.56x30mm cartridge.
-A counterpart to this round also existed - the [[9x30mm MARS]]. It used [[10mm Magnum]] cases, necked down to accept .355 caliber projectiles (as is used by the [[9mm Luger]].
+A counterpart to this round also existed - the [[9x30mm MARS]]. It used [[10mm Magnum]] cases, necked down to accept .355 caliber projectiles (as is used by the [[9mm Luger]]).
 == Development ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:30, 22 March 2021
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	'''[http://www.smallarmsreview.com/display.article.cfm?idarticles=1239 "Colt's 5.56x30 MARS (Mini Assault Rifle System) Program"]''' - An in-depth analysis of Colt's "MARS" program by Christopher R. Bartocci of Small Arms Review. Includes information on detailed changes to the AR-15 / M16 rifle platform, as well as information for the 5.56x30mm MARS and 9x30mm MARS experimental cartridges.		'''[http://www.smallarmsreview.com/display.article.cfm?idarticles=1239 "Colt's 5.56x30 MARS (Mini Assault Rifle System) Program"]''' - An in-depth analysis of Colt's "MARS" program by Christopher R. Bartocci of Small Arms Review. Includes information on detailed changes to the AR-15 / M16 rifle platform, as well as information for the 5.56x30mm MARS and 9x30mm MARS experimental cartridges.
		+
		+	[https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/02/21/modern-personal-defense-weapon-calibers-005-the-5-56x30mm-mars/ '''The Firearm Blog:'''] - An excellent article by Nathaniel F. at The Firearm Blog, which further discusses the 5.56x30, as well as the MARS project. Most notable are the trajectory comparisons shown, compared to other cartridges.

@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 Ultimately, the program was scrapped along with the 5.56x30mm cartridge.
-A counterpart to this round also existed - the "9x30mm MARS". It used [[10mm Magnum]] cases, necked down to accept .355 caliber projectiles (as is used by the [[9mm Luger]].
+A counterpart to this round also existed - the [[9x30mm MARS]]. It used [[10mm Magnum]] cases, necked down to accept .355 caliber projectiles (as is used by the [[9mm Luger]].
 == Development ==

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 [[File:Colt-5.56x30mm-MARS-556-30-mm-9x30mm-9-30-Cartridge-Comparison-Firearm-Wiki-FirearmWiki-1.jpg|frame|right|A cartridge comparison showing major intermediate cartridges, as well as various PDW-type cartridges including Colt's experimental '''5.56x30mm MARS''' (fourth in line), as well as their [[9x30mm MARS]] (second from right).]]
-The '''5.56x30mm MARS''' was a PDW / Assault Rifle cartridge created by Colt during the development of their experimental [[Colt MARS]] ("Mini Assault Rifle System") program.
+The '''5.56x30mm MARS''' was a PDW / Assault Rifle cartridge created by Colt during the development of their experimental [[Colt MARS]] ("Mini Assault Rifle System") program. It was created by cutting down [[5.56 NATO]] cases, and re-forming with custom dies during the program, and continued to use .224 caliber bullets. It never saw any major use, adoption or otherwise.
-Ultimately, the program was scrapped along with the 5.56x30mm, which never saw any use outside of the MARS.
+Ultimately, the program was scrapped along with the 5.56x30mm cartridge.
 == Development ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:58, 22 March 2021
Line 1:		Line 1:
−	[[File:Colt-5.56x30mm-MARS-556-30-mm-9x30mm-9-30-Cartridge-Comparison-Firearm-Wiki-FirearmWiki-1.jpg\|frame\|right\|A cartridge comparison showing major intermediate cartridges, as well as various PDW-type cartridges including Colt's experimental [[5.56x30mm MARS]] (fourth in line), as well as their [[9x30mm MARS]] (second from right).]]	+	[[File:Colt-5.56x30mm-MARS-556-30-mm-9x30mm-9-30-Cartridge-Comparison-Firearm-Wiki-FirearmWiki-1.jpg\|frame\|right\|A cartridge comparison showing major intermediate cartridges, as well as various PDW-type cartridges including Colt's experimental '''5.56x30mm MARS''' (fourth in line), as well as their [[9x30mm MARS]] (second from right).]]

	The '''5.56x30mm MARS''' was a PDW / Assault Rifle cartridge created by Colt during the development of their experimental [[Colt MARS]] ("Mini Assault Rifle System") program.		The '''5.56x30mm MARS''' was a PDW / Assault Rifle cartridge created by Colt during the development of their experimental [[Colt MARS]] ("Mini Assault Rifle System") program.
		+
		+	Ultimately, the program was scrapped along with the 5.56x30mm, which never saw any use outside of the MARS.
		+
		+	== Development ==
		+
		+	According to Colt, this new cartridge was developed "to enhance accuracy, range and lethality over current cartridges such as the 9mm NATO and [[5.7x28mm]], and current small submachine guns in general. It used ball pistol-type powder to achieve high velocities in the platform's short 10.5 inch barrel. It was to be effective out to 300 meters or beyond.
		+
		+	The 5.56x30 was a wildcat cartridge that never saw any real production. It was only ever hand-loaded by Michael Harris during testing of the new platform by cutting down cases and using custom dies.
		+
		+	== Ballistic Performance ==
		+
		+	{\| class="wikitable"
		+	\|-
		+	! Bullet Weight / Type !! Velocity !! Muzzle Energy
		+	\|-
		+	\| 55 Gr. BT (M193) \|\| 2,620 fps \|\| 838 ft lbs
		+	\|}
		+
		+	'''Note:''' It was found that there was excessive pressure with the cartridge and case was prone to bulging or rupture.
		+
		+	== Other Experimentation ==
		+
		+	'''(Info sourced from Small Arms Review, referenced below.)'''
		+
		+	Colt experimented with other projectiles such as the M855 (62 gr. boat tail w/ steel core penetrator), as well as with tracers. They noted that the cartridge could basically be loaded with any mission-specific projectile needed, including armor piercing, hollow points, soft points and so on.
		+
		+	They opted to load the cartridge with magnum pistol-type ball propellant in order to achieve higher velocities in the MARS' short 10.5" barrel. Projectiles were able to penetrate kevlar helmets and vests at 300 meters.
		+
		+	== References ==
		+
		+	'''[http://www.smallarmsreview.com/display.article.cfm?idarticles=1239 "Colt's 5.56x30 MARS (Mini Assault Rifle System) Program"]''' - An in-depth analysis of Colt's "MARS" program by Christopher R. Bartocci of Small Arms Review. Includes information on detailed changes to the AR-15 / M16 rifle platform, as well as information for the 5.56x30mm MARS and 9x30mm MARS experimental cartridges.

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:54, 22 March 2021
Line 1:		Line 1:
−	[[File:Colt-5.56x30mm-MARS-556-30-mm-9x30mm-9-30-Cartridge-Comparison-Firearm-Wiki-FirearmWiki.jpg\|frame\|right\|A cartridge comparison showing major intermediate cartridges, as well as various PDW-type cartridges including Colt's experimental [[5.56x30mm MARS]] (fourth in line), as well as their [[9x30mm MARS]] (second from right).]]	+	[[File:Colt-5.56x30mm-MARS-556-30-mm-9x30mm-9-30-Cartridge-Comparison-Firearm-Wiki-FirearmWiki-1.jpg\|frame\|right\|A cartridge comparison showing major intermediate cartridges, as well as various PDW-type cartridges including Colt's experimental [[5.56x30mm MARS]] (fourth in line), as well as their [[9x30mm MARS]] (second from right).]]

	The '''5.56x30mm MARS''' was a PDW / Assault Rifle cartridge created by Colt during the development of their experimental [[Colt MARS]] ("Mini Assault Rifle System") program.		The '''5.56x30mm MARS''' was a PDW / Assault Rifle cartridge created by Colt during the development of their experimental [[Colt MARS]] ("Mini Assault Rifle System") program.