The 223 version is in production now. The 243 version should be out (depending on how fast Winchster moves to release the ammo) by the end of the year.
Oly will also be releasing this rifle in a 30 cal and 7mm version based on the same casing.
The reason that this cartridge is such a big deal, is that now the average Joe AR-shooter can buy a conversion upper for his 223 rifle, and shoot a caliber that will out perform his buddies 243 and 308 Ar-10's by quite a fair margin. The cartrdges being short and fat are inherantly accurate, and the Oly gunsmith says their test rifle shoots sub MOA no problem. The 223 with a 55 grain bullet shoots a true 3,900 FPS. The 6mm 55 grain shoots 4,100 FPS!!!
In testing, I was told that because of the bigger and stronger bolt/barrel extension combo, that it will withstand a ton more pressure. Oly said they fired a casing loaded with 30 grains of BULLSEYE, that's right, pistol power, and fired it in the rifle. No problem. Slight swelling of the chamber, but the bolt and carrier held.
People, I'm here to tell you that 30 grains of bullseye in a standard AR will turn it into a GRENADE!!!
My biggest exctiment is being able to shoot this round across the course in high-power without the inherant problems of the AR10. Plus, many of my customers will be able to buy a conversion upper for under $700, instead of buying a $1400.00 AR-10, and then spending another thousand to get it to shoot a decent target. I can tell you that the high power shooters are very excited.
Can't wait to get mine.