What caliber is the M249 SAW?

The M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) is classified as a light machine gun and is designed to provide support fire for infantry units. It is chambered for the 5.56mm NATO cartridge, which is known for its lightweight and high-velocity characteristics. This caliber allows the M249 to effectively engage targets while maintaining manageable recoil, making it suitable for sustained automatic fire in a variety of combat scenarios. The 5.56mm caliber is also standard in many of the U.S. military's individual weapon systems, facilitating logistics and ammunition compatibility across different platforms. Using this caliber allows soldiers to carry more ammunition for the same weight compared to larger calibers, enhancing mobility and operational effectiveness.