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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6.8_mm_Remington_SPC
The 6.8 mm Remington SPC was designed to perform better in short barreled CQB rifles after diminished performance from the 5.56 NATO when the AR15 was changed from the rifle configuration to the current M4 carbine. The 6.8 SPC delivers 44% greater energy than the 5.56 mm NATO (M4 configuration) at 100–300 metres (330–980 ft). The 6.8mm SPC is not the ballistic equal of the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge; however, it has less recoil, is more controllable in rapid fire, and lighter, allowing operators to carry more ammunition than would otherwise be possible with the larger caliber round. The 6.8 mm generates around 1,759 ft·lbf (2,385 J) of muzzle energy with a 115-grain (7.5 g) bullet. In comparison, the 5.56x45mm round (which the 6.8 is designed to replace) generates around 1,325 ft·lbf (1,796 J) with a 62-grain (4.0 g) bullet, giving the 6.8mm a terminal ballistic advantage over the 5.56mm of 434 ft·lbf (588 J).
In recent developments (the period 2004-2008) the performance of the 6.8 SPC has been increased by approximately 200 ft/s (61 m/s) by the work of one ammo manufacturer and a few custom rifle builders using the correct chamber and barrel specifications.

One of major complaints about the M16 is that its light bullet doesn't take down targets quickly and often requires multiple hits before putting a person down. Initially it was thought that the hypersonic bullets would create terrible wounds through tumbling, which would drop the target, but though the wounds often are quite bad, the target ends up with a mortal wound but and keep fighting and can kill the M16's wielder.

So what if instead of going the opposite direction of the M14, Stoner decides on an intermediate cartridge like 6.8mm? There were several of examples used by bolt action weapons, but they'd likely need to develop a new round for the weapon. Would it make the American rifles more competitive with AK47?
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