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Articles proclaiming this and that are abundant, but I can't see 5.56 being dumped any time soon for general issue. At least not till a good polymer-cased round is selected?? Metal-cased ammo has pretty much run its course and is at an evolutionary dead end. For all the whining done about the 5.56, all of the advantages that encouraged its adoption in the first place still apply and Big Army still knows that. So do its downsides of course.

Since the acquisition rules changes some years ago, various .mil organizations will continue to pick and choose what they like and run with them, with civilian projects glomming on to proclaim "adoption by the military" to help market their product.

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Another huge consideration/advantage of the polymer case is weight being carried by the individual soldier..huge difference in weight between the two..metal vs polymer..

http://www.gunsandammo.com/editorial/true-velocitys-new-polymer-cased-ammunition/247607

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Ripp that is, to my limited knowledge of caseless ammo, one of the main reasons for going to it. That is along with saving raw materials (brass) and the weight & volume for transport.

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Weight savings of ammo has always been of extreme importance in the development of cartridge ammunition.

But it brings along with it problems. Notably a reduction in penetration of many obstacles, remembering that military weapons are not merely designed for killing and/or incapacitating enemy combatants. Small arms are also used for signalling, breaching of walls, etc. I used to have a USMC data sheet citing the number of rounds needed to create shooting slits/loopholes, manholes, etc thru various types of construction materials, listing the various calibers.

Anyway, the polymer cased stuff has its upside and downsides, too. It has been challenged by issues involving handling proof and overheating of automatic weapons {doesn't remove heat like brass cases do}. They'll get that stuff sorted out and then we will see excuses made for reduced economies of scale when the technology hits the commercial market and prices for brass cases for our favorite ammo and reloading skyrocket!! Just wait!