The 6.8X43MM SPC II cartridge was developed as a part of the Enhanced Rifle Cartridge Program to address the deficiencies in terminal performance seen with 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge while allowing the soldier to carry the same number of rounds with a minimal weight penalty. By using a heavier projectile, the 6.8 round offers more impact energy than the 5.56 NATO round across all effective ranges, effectively bridging the gap in lethality between 5.56 NATO and 7.62 NATO. A major drawback of using the 6.8 Cartridge in an M4 style weapon has been the lack of reliable magazines. To solve this issue, LWRC designed the SIX8 family of weapons around the magazine. Through a partnership with Magpul, the leader in polymer magazine engineering, LWRC designed the first polymer 6.8 magazine. The SIX8 PMAG features many of the same design characteristics of the standard PMAG, including the curved shape and familiar texture.