opps typing faster then I was thinking.... or the irish whiskey sorry, not the MOH :-[
Yeah I agree the .338 has much better down range performance then a 7.62NATO that's a given. The biggest factor is the guy pulling the trigger, we just don't teach long range shooting skills except for the few and far between snipers. I agree with everyone that thinks there should be a range of weapons available to trained sniper teams. I just don't think giving up on a smaller lighter weight weapon (7.62NATO) is a smart option. Not all battles, i.e. sniping will be done in the long ranges we're seeing in Iraq and Afgainistan. Granted that is our current focus these days. Each caliber choice has it's disadvantages and advantages, let's make sure we're giving the sniper comunity ALL the tools they need, not limiting them to a few big-bore choices. Weight is becoming a large factor today. But that being said, Body armor is becoming much more commonplace and something with a little added impact downrange is nice to have at hand.
One, and probably not a big concern, of the .338 or any other non-military round is availability on the battle field. It's nice to think the supply boys will keep up and always have all the ammo the Sniper teams need, but what if? (or better said WHEN) With 7.62NATO one can rob the machine gunners (since the 7.62NATO MAG58/M240 series can't be replaced with the M249 in my opinion). Same goes with the .50 cal family of sniper rifles. Granted this belt-fed ammo ain't match grade, it still reaches out there further then one can swing an empty .338.
Without ammo, it's just a club.
Bigger isn't always better, bigger rifles have bigger recoils, bigger dust signatures, and the all important weight, weight and weight.
I'm not saying the folks the guys on the pointed end of the spear are shooting at aren't good, but if we face an even more determined, beter armed, more numorous enemy with our supply lines slow or cut it will limit the snipers options. Granted a well trained sniper with ANY weapon is a threat. Flexibility is key.
Combined Arms should be the better choice for very long range sniping. There is nothing better then watching 8" howitzers friing for effect. No need to clean your weapon afterwards ethier, or giving away your position. I had the pleasure of watching some 16" HE land on targets in Hooterville oh so many years ago, one never forgets the effects of counter-sniper ops with Naval Gunfire. No need to find the eacact window thier shooting from, you take out the entire building.
In my humble opinion I'd rather carry a 7.62NATO, a nice laser rangerfinder/GPS and a radio with the Arty on the other end then hump a big ass fifty. But that me. Hitting something with a .50 or arty, I'll take the arty anyday. HE fuse quick will kick up body parts better then a .50 cal.
If one is sniping at a group of vehicals at 2000-3000m away, why give them the chance to scatter on foot or in surviving vehicals when you can "scattering" the whole mess of them at once with a simple call for some arty.
But bottom line, give the sniper comunity everything they want and all the ammo they can ever hope to shoot be it 5.56mm to 2000lbs Mk82's.
