[Ammunition, General]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]
vivas'. q-i°»o_2
TM 9-1900
Document Reserve
WAR DEPARTMENT
TECHNICAL MANUAL
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
July 3, 1942
NON-CIRCULATING
NTSU LIBRARY
TM 9-1900
C 1
TECHNICAL MANUAL
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
Changes'! WAR DEPARTMENT,
No. 1 J Washington 25, D. C., — August 1943.
TM 9-1900, 3 July 1942, is changed as follows:
63. Care and precautions in handling.
* ******
b. Precautions.
* ******
(1) Rescinded.
*******
[A. G. 300.7 (30 Jul 43).] (C 1, — Aug 1943.)
By order of the Secretary of War :
G. C. MARSHALL, Chief of Staff. Official :
J. A. ULIO,
Major General, The Adjutant General.
546973°—43
D. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1943
*TM 9-1900
TECHNICAL MANUAL
No. 9-1900
WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, July 3, 1942.
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
Chapter 1. General. Paragraphs
Section I. Introduction-------------------------------- 1-3
II. General discussion________________________ 4-12
III. Propellants______________________________ 13-23
IV. High explosives___________________________ 24-34
V. Chemical agents___________________________ 35-39
Chapter 2. Basic types of ammunition.
Section I. Small-arms ammunition--------------------- 40-57
II. Grenades_________________________________ 58-64
III. Antitank mines___________________________ 65-70
IV. Mortar ammunition------------------------- 71-75
V. Artillery ammunition______________________ 76-87
VI. Bombs_____________________________________ 88-98
VII. Pyrotechnics---------------------------- 99-110
Chapter 3. Care, handling, and preservation.
Section I. General safety precautions---------------111-113
II. Storage---------------------------------114^118
III. Inspection and surveillance-------------119-132
IV. Packing and marking----------------------133-139
V. Shipping_________________________________140-144
VI. Precautions for practice firing----------145-153
VII. Ammunition in harbor defenses-------------- 154
VIII. Ammunition at supply points-------------155-157
Chapter 4. Destruction of unserviceable ammunition------158-173
Page
Appendix I. Glossary--------------------------------------- 182
II. Abbreviations--------------------------------- 194
III. List of references---------------------------- 197
Index______________________________________________________ 200
♦This manual supersedes TM 9-1900, September 8, 1941, including Training Circulars Nos.
11 and 12, War Department, 1942.
463962°—42---1
1
TM 9-1900
1-3
Chapter 1
GENERAL
Paragraphs
Section I. Introduction___________________________________ 1-3
II. General discussion____________________________ 4—12
III. Propellants__________________________________ 13-23
IV. High explosives_______________________________24-34
V. Chemical agents_______________________________35-39
Section I
INTRODUCTION
Paragraph
Purpose_________________________________________________________________ 1
Scope___________________________________________________________________ 2
References______________________________________________________________ 3
1. Purpose.—a. This manual is published for the information and guidance of all Army personnel having to do with ammunition. Those responsible for the handling of ammunition should become thoroughly familiar with its provisions.
&. The requirements of this manual are applicable to all Army posts, camps, and other stations, except ordnance establishments under the direct control of the Chief of Ordnance, where the requirements of the Ordnance Safety Manual (O. O. Form 7224) will govern.
2. Scope.—The information contained herein is of a general technical nature. It concerns the several types of ammunition, their general characteristics, means of identification, care in handling and use, storage and maintenance, surveillance and grading, packing and marking, shipping, and the destruction of duds and unserviceable ammunition. Further information concerning specific types of ammunition is contained in Technical Manuals and Field Manuals dealing with the weapon in which the ammunition is used, or, in the case of ammunition such as bombs and grenades which do not require a weapon, this information is contained in Technical Manuals pertaining to these types.
3. References.—Publications containing additional information, referred to in the text, and other pertinent references are included in appendix III.
2
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL 4-5
Section II
GENERAL DISCUSSION Paragraph
General-------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
Nomenclature________________________________________________________________ 5
Classification-------------------------------------------------------------- 6
Identification-------------------------------------------------------------- 7
Painting and marking-------------------------------------------------------- 8
Grading______________________________________________________■------------- 9
Priority of issue--------------------------------------------------------- 10
Care and preservation---------------------------------------------------— 11
Packing and marking for shipment------------------------------------------- 12
4. General.—a. The term “ammunition” as used herein, unless otherwise limited, will be understood to include all military ammunition and components thereof. It applies to missiles dropped or thrown by hand, and pyrotechnics, as well as projectiles propelled by a charge of powder.
b. Depending upon its general characteristics and methods of use, ammunition is grouped into the following basic types:
(1) Small-arms ammunition—cartridges and shotgun shells used in small-arms weapons.
(2) Grenades—explosive and chemical missiles thrown by hand or projected by rifles, guns, or special projectors.
(3) Antitank mines—explosive mines usually laid in advance positions as protection against mechanized attack.
(4) Mortar ammunition—explosive and chemical ammunition used in mortars commonly known as trench mortars.
(5) Artillery ammunition—explosive and chemical ammunition used in cannon of all calibers.
(6) Bombs—explosive and chemical missiles designed for release from aircraft.
(7) Pyrotechnics—ammunition designed to produce brilliant or colored lights for illumination or signaling.
5. Nomenclature.—Standard nomenclature is established in order that each of many items supplied by the Ordnance Department may be specifically indentified by name. These names are published in Standard Nomenclature Lists (SNL’s). The nomenclature for ammunition items is published in SNL groups P, R, S, and T. For all purposes of record, the use of this nomenclature is mandatory. Standard nomenclature is used herein in all references to specific items of issue. Examples of representative nomenclature are—
Cartridge, ball, caliber .30, M2.
Shell, fixed, HE, M41, with fuze, PD, M48, 75-mm gun.
3
TM 9-1900
5-7 AMMUNITION, GENERAL
Shell, semifixed, HE, M41, with fuze, PD, M48, 75-mm pack howitzer Ml and M1A1.
Shell, HE, M102, unfuzed, 155-mm howitzer (adapted for fuze, PD. M51 or M55, with booster M21).
Charge, propelling, Ml (green bag), 155-mm howitzer M1917-18.
Bomb, demolition, 100-pound, M30, unfuzed (adapted for nose fuze M103 and tail fuze M100 or M106).
6. Classification.—a. Ammunition is classified according to use as service, practice, blank, or drill. Ammunition may also be classified according to the kind of filler, as explosive, chemical, or inert.
I). Service ammunition is that which is used for effect. Such ammunition (expect small-arms ammunition) usually has a high explosive or chemical filler.
c. Practice ammunition is provided for training in marksmanship. This type may have a small quantity of low explosive filler to serve as a spotting charge, or the filler may be inert.
d. Blank ammunition is provided for saluting purposes and for simulated fire. It has no projectile.
e. Drill or dummy ammunition is used for training in handling and loading (service of the piece), and similar purposes. It is completely inert.
7. Identification.—a. General.—Every item of ammunition is completely indentified by the painting, marking (which includes the ammunition lot number), and accompanying data cards or tags. For purposes of record the standard nomenclature of the item, together with its lot number, completely identifies the ammunition. Included in both the marking and the standard nomenclature are—
(1) A brief description of the type or suitable abbreviation thereof.
(2) Caliber, weight, or size.
(3) Model designation.
(4) Where required, such additional information as the model and type of fuze, the model of the cannon in which the item is fired, the weight of projectile for which a separate loading propelling charge is suited, etc.
(5) The lot number is marked on the ammunition but is not a part of the nomenclature. However, when referring to specific ammunition, it is necessary to mention the lot number as well as the standard nomenclature.
&. Model. To distinguish a particular design, a model designation is assigned at the time the model is classified as an adopted
4
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL 7-8
type. This model designation becomes an essential part of the standard nomenclature and is included in the marking on the item. Prior to the World War, the year in which the design was adopted, preceded by an M, was used as the model designation, for example, M1906. From the World War until July 1, 1925, it was the practice to assign mark numbers. The word “Mark,” abbreviated “Mk.,” was followed by a roman numeral, for example, shell, HE, Mk. III. The first modification of a model was indicated by the addition of MI to the mark number, the second by MH, etc. The present system of model designation consists of the letter M followed by an arabic numeral. Modifications are indicated by adding the letter A and appropriate arabic numerals. Thus M2A1 indicates the first modification of an item for which the original model designation was M2. Certain items standardized for use by both Army and Navy are designated by the letters AN preceding the model designation, for example, AN-M100A1, AN-Mk. 19.
c. Ammunition lot number.—When ammunition is manufactured an ammunition lot number, which becomes an essential part of the marking, is assigned in accordance with pertinent specifications. This lot number is stamped or marked on every item of ammunition unless the item is too small, on all packing containers, and on the accompanying ammunition data card or tag. It is required for all purposes of record, including reports on condition, functioning, and accidents in which the ammunition is involved. To provide for the most uniform functioning, all of the components in any one lot are manufactured under as nearly identical conditions as practicable. For example, in the case of fixed ammunition, all of the rounds in any one lot consist of—
(1) Projectiles of one lot number (one type and one weight zone).
(2) Fuzes of one lot number.
(3) Primers of one lot number.
(4) Propellent powder of one lot number.
d. Ammunition data card.—A 5- by 8-inch card printed with pertinent information and data concerning the item and its components, known as an ammunition data card, is packed in each packing-box with the ammunition or, in the case of bundle packing, in each fiber container. When required, assembling and firing instructions are printed on the reverse side of the card. On recent shipments, the data cards are not packed with the ammunition and only a limited quantity are forwarded with the shipping tickets.
8. Painting’ and marking.—a. Painting.—A m m u n i t i o n is painted to prevent rust and to provide, by means of color, a ready means of identification as to type. The color scheme is as follows:
5
TM 9-1900
8-9
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
(1) For other than bombs and small-arms ammunition:
Type Base color Marking
High explosive_______Yellow________________________________Black
Low explosive-------- Red__________________________________Black
Chemical-------------Gray-----------Green, red, yellow, or purple,
according to kind of filler
Practice_____________Blue__________________________________White
Dummy (inert)________Black_________________________________White
(2) For bombs, the color scheme has been the same as above. A new color scheme has been adopted and bombs of recent manufacture and those to be stored in the open (except chemical bombs) will be painted olive drab, lusterless, with 1-incli colored bands appearing at the nose and tail ends of the body and a Winch interrupted band at the center of gravity. The color of the bands will be as follows:
Bombs containing a high-explosive filler (demolition, general purpose, fragmentation)_____________________Yellow
Practice---------------------------------------------Blue
Drill or inert_______________________________________Black
Chemical bombs will be painted gray and marked in accordance with the old color scheme.
(3) For small-arms ammunition, cartridges do not require painting. The packing boxes, however, are painted brown with marking-in yellow, and have a distinctive color band, as follows:
Type Band
Ball Red
Blank Blue
Dummy Green
Guard Orange
Gallery practice Brown
High-pressure test Yellow
Tracer Green on yellow
Armor-piercing Blue on yellow
Ball and tracer Yellow, red, green
(3 stripe band)
b. Marking.—The marking stenciled or stamped on the ammunition and on its packing containers includes all information necessary for complete identification. Further information concerning painting and marking will be found under the specific type in chapter 2 and in section IV, chapter 3.
9. Grading.— a. Ammunition is manufactured to rigorous specifications and thoroughly inspected and tested before acceptance.
6
TM 9-1900
9-12
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
In accordance with the results of these tests, each lot of ammunition is assigned a grade. Ammunition in storage is periodically retested to insure that its characteristics have not changed. If changes have occurred, the ammunition is regraded.
b. Each lot of small-arms ammunition is graded primarily on the qualities which make that lot especially suitable for use in a particular class of small-arms weapons. See Ordnance Field Service Bulletin No. 3-5.
c. Each lot of ammunition other than small-arms is graded as a result of surveillance tests. See Ordnance Field Service Bulletin No. 3-1.
10. Priority of issue.—a. Subject to special instructions from the Chief of Ordnance, ammunition of appropriate type and model will be used in the following order: limited standard, substitute standard, standard. Within this rule, ammunition which has had the longest or least favorable storage will be used first. Among lots of equal age, priority will be given to the smallest lot.
b. To prevent the building up of excess stocks in the field, transfers may be arranged within the corps area if no stock of appropriate grade for immediate use is on hand.
c. Priority of issue for lots of small-arms ammunition is established by the Chief of Ordnance and published in Ordnance Field Service Bulletin No. 3-5, or in special instructions.
d. Further details will be found in the Ordnance Field Service Bulletins, Series 3, and in AR 775-10.
11. Care and preservation.—a. In order to keep ammunition in a serviceable condition, ready for immediate issue and use, due consideration should be given to the following:
b. Ammunition should be stored in the original containers, in a dry, well-ventilated place, protected against the direct rays of the sun and other sources of excessive heat.
c. Ammunition and its containers should be kept clean and dry and protected from damage.
d. Components of ammunition should not be disassembled without specific authorization.
e. Sealed containers should not be opened nor protective or safety devices removed until just before use.
/. Ammunition prepared for firing but not fired should be returned to its original packing and appropriately marked. Such ammunition should be used first in subsequent firings in order that stocks of opened packings may be kept at a minimum.
12. Packing and marking for shipment.—a. Ammunition is packed and marked in accordance with pertinent specifications and drawings.
TM 9-1900
12-14
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
Z>. Packings for ammunition are designed to withstand all conditions ordinarily encountered in handling, storage, and transportation and to comply with Interstate Commerce Commission regulations.
c. Marking includes all information required—
(1) For complete identification of contents.
(2) By the Interstate Commerce Commission for shipping, including addresses of consignor and consignee and shipping designation of the contents.
d. Further information concerning packing and marking is contained in section IV, chapter 2.
Section III
PROPELLANTS
Paragraph
General_________________________________________________________________ 13
Explosive train_________________________________________________________ 14
Classification________________________________________________________ 15
Smokeless powder_______________________________________________________ 16
Pyro powder_____________________________________________________________ 17
Double-base powder______________________________________________________ 18
FNH and NH powder________________________________________________________19
Guncotton_______________________________________________________________ 20
E. C. smokeless powder_________________________________________________ 21
Small-arms propellants__________________________________________________ 22
Black powder____________________________________________________________ 23
13. General.—Explosives of one kind or another are a fundamental part of all ammunition. For military purposes, explosives are divided into two basic groups, propellants and high explosives. One of the chief differences between these groups is the rapidity with which the explosion occurs. Propellants explode at a relatively slower rate than high explosives. High explosives detonate almost instantaneously. Propellants comprise those explosives which are used principally for propelling projectiles from guns. They are described in this section. High explosives comprise those used principally as filler or bursting charge for explosive components such as projectiles, bombs, and grenades, and also those used as initiators. They are described in section IV. Further information concerning properties, methods of manufacture, etc., will be found in TM 9-2900.
14. Explosive train.—A series of explosives beginning with a small amount of sensitive explosive and terminating with a large amount of comparatively insensitive explosive is termed an explosive train. In general there are two such trains, the propelling charge explosive train and the bursting charge explosive train. The propelling charge explosive train usually consists of primer, igniter or
8
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL 14-16
igniting charge, and propelling charge. Thus a spit of fire from a small quantity of sensitive explosive (the primer) is transmitted and intensified (by igniter) to the end that a large quantity of relatively insensitive explosive (the propelling charge) burns in the manner required to project the projectile properly. In some instances, such as small-arms cartridges, where the propelling charge is relatively small, the igniter is not required. The bursting charge explosive train is described in section IV.
15. Classification.—All explosives currently used as propellants have a nitrocellulose base and are commonly known as smokeless powders. Various organic or inorganic substances are added to the nitrocellulose base during manufacture to give improved qualities for special purposes. These powders are distinguished by such terms as double-base powder; flashless-nonhygroscopic, FNH; and nonhygro-scopic, NH; as well as commercial trade names or symbols'. A straight nitrocellulose powder is known as pyro powder. Black powder as a propellant has been almost completely superseded by smokeless powder.
16. Smokeless powder.—a. Characteristics.—Smokeless powder is not entirely smokeless and it is not a powder. It is manufactured in the form of flakes, strips, pellets, or perforated cylindrical grains. The cylindrical grains are made with varying diameters and lengths. The critical dimension is the web size, that is, the average thickness of the powder between the perforations. In color, the grains vary from a light amber to a deep brown or black. Figure 1 illustrates typical grains. Strip powder may be used as a satisfactory substitute for perforated cylindrical grains in time of emergency.
t). Burning action.—Unconfined smokeless powder burns like celluloid with little ash or smoke, but when confined its rate of burning increases with temperature and pressure. Figure 2 shows the manner in which the grains burn.
c. Solvent.—Smokeless powder is manufactured to contain in the finished grains a definite amount of solvent (an ether and alcohol mixture). If there is a marked change in the amount of solvent, a change in ballistic properties will result. Powder must be carefully protected against high temperatures, moisture, and changes in temperature. To guard against changes due to such conditions, smokeless powder is always packed in airtight containers.
d. Use.—Nitrocellulose smokeless powder is used as the propellant for small-arms and larger caliber ammunition. The perforated form of grain is the one most commonly used in United States military powders. Single perforated grains are used for small arms, minor caliber cannon, and certain howitzers. Powders with seven
9
TM 9-1900
16-22 AMMUNITION, GENERAL
perforations are used for larger caliber weapons. See figure 3 for examples.
17. Pyro powder (straight nitrocellulose powder).—For many years the standard powders in service were of the straight nitrocellulose type. Commonly referred to as pyro powder or pyrocellulose, it is now largely used as a substitute standard for the FNH and NH powders. A disadvantage is the production of muzzle flash in flring. It is also hygroscopic and has relatively low potential.
18. Double-base powder.—The term double-base powder has been applied to powders containing both nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin. the nitroglycerin serving to increase the potential. Small percentages of inorganic salts are often added, serving to reduce flash and make the powder more ignitible. Ballistite is a typical nitroglycerin powder and is used in 12-gage shotgun shell and in 3-inch mortar ammunition.
19. FNH and NH powder.—Flashless-nonhygroscopic (FNH) powders are mixtures of nitrocellulose and other materials which are added in order to cool the products of combustion, thereby reducing the flash. These added materials also reduce hygroscopicity, that is, tendency to absorb moisture. They are used in propellants for most guns and howitzers of 37-mm and larger caliber. FNH powder may be flashless in one weapon and yet not completely flashless in another. When FNH powder is designated to be used with weapons in which flash occurs, it is termed NH powder. Nitroglycerin is used in certain FNH powders for small cannon, in trench mortar propellants where especially rapid burning is required, and in certain high velocity ammunition.
20. Guncotton.—Guncotton, a nitrocellulose of high nitration, is used in the manufacture of FNH powders. Small wisps of dry guncotton are used as flame carriers in the central tube of shrapnel to connect the fuze with the base charge. It is also used in electric primers.
21. E. C. smokeless powder.—E. C. smokeless powder, or E. C. blank fire, consists of nitrocellulose with inorganic nitrates. It is usually orange or pink in color and resembles coarse sand, though it is soft and light. It is sensitive to friction, shock, or heat. It absorbs moisture readily and so must be protected from the atmosphere. It is usually exploded by flame from a primer or fuze. It burns extremely rapidly in the open, but explodes if confined. It is used as a bursting charge in fragmentation hand grenades. It is also used in caliber .30 and caliber .50 blank cartridges.
22. Small-arms propellants.—Smokeless powder for small arms differs from that used for cannon in that it is usually glazed with
10
TM 9-1900
22-23
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
graphite to facilitate machine loading and thus presents a black polished appearance. Since the powder grains are small, they ignite more readily and burn more freely than cannon powder; and when moisture is present or abnormal temperature prevails, they are subject to more rapid deterioration than the larger grains. Smallarms powders, like cannon powders, are packed in airtight containers. Many small-arms powders are nearly as sensitive as black powder to friction. Therefore, all precautions used in handling black powder should be observed for small-arms powders. In general, there are two types of small-arms propellants, the single-base pyrocellulose type and the double-base type.
23. Black powder.—a. General characteristics.—Black powder is an intimate mechanical mixture of finely pulverized potassium or sodium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur. The commercial blasting powder with sodium nitrate is now used for saluting charges. Potassium nitrate is used in the powders for all other military purposes. Black powder is usually in the form of small black grains which are polished by glazing with graphite. It is subject to rapid deterioration in the presence of moisture, but if kept dry retains its explosive properties indefinitely. It is one of the most dangerous explosives to handle because it is so easily ignited by heat, friction, or spark.
&. Uses.—As a propellant, black powder has been superseded almost entirely by smokeless powder. Its present military use, in its several grades, is practically confined to—
(1) Ignition charges.
(2) Base charges, or expelling charges, for shrapnel.
(3) Pellets for primers and fuzes.
(4) Blank ammunition charges.
(5) Smoke-puff charges.
(6) Bursting charges for practice bombs, shell, and subcaliber shell.
(7) Time-train rings and combination fuzes.
c. Precautions.—Black powder is particularly sensitive to flame or spark. When handling black powder in cans or bags or when it is not absolutely protected against sparks, the precautions described in section I, chapter 3, will be strictly observed.
Section IV
HIGH EXPLOSIVES
Paragraph
General------------------------------------------------------------------ 24
Explosive train--------------------------------------------------------- 25
Trinitrotoluene (TNT)---------------------------------------------------- 26
Amatol--------------------------------------------------------------- 27
11
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
STRIP CORD SINGLE PERFORATED
RA PD 4319
Figure 2.—Burning of powder grains.
12
MULTI PERFORATED ROSETTE
RA PD 4442
Figure 1.—Types of powder grains.
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
TM 9-1900
13
Figure 3.—Side and end views of typical powder grains (approximately half size).
RA PD 4443
TM 9-1900
24-26 AMMUNITION, GENERAL
Paragraph
Ammonium picrate (explosive D)______________________________________ 28
Picric acid (trinitrophenol)________________________________________ 29
Nitrostarch explosives_____________________________________________________ 30
Tetryl--------------------------------------------------------------------- 31
Mercury fulminate__________________________________________________________ 32
Lead azide_________________________________________________________________ 33
Miscellaneous explosives___________________________________________________ 34
24. General.—Those explosives whose rate of decomposition is so high as to preclude their use as propellants and which bring about a powerful disruptive action are known as detonating explosives or, more commonly, high explosives. They are usually nitration products of organic substances such as cellulose, starch, or coal tar derivatives but may be nitrogen-containing inorganic substances or mixtures of both.
25. Explosive train.—Although there are two explosive trains— the propelling-charge explosive train and the bursting-charge explosive train—the term “explosive train” as commonly used is intended to mean bursting-charge explosive train. It consists of a series of explosive elements so designed and arranged that each element successively transmits and intensifies the initial fire from the primer to the end that the relatively large quantity of bursting charge detonates in the desired manner. These elements are usually a primer, time or delay element where required, detonator, booster, and bursting charge, arranged in order of sensitivity—a small quantity of sensitive explosive to a large quantity of less sensitive explosive. The time or delay elements may be omitted when “superquick” action is required, or either or both may be combined in a fuze, with superquick action and means provided for setting the fuze just before use. In chemical ammunition, the bursting charge is replaced by a chemical agent, and the explosive element (which resembles a booster) is called the “burster.” The propelling-charge explosive train is described in section III.
26. Trinitrotoluene (TNT).—a. General.—Trinitrotoluene,commonly known as TNT, is the principal constituent of many explosives, and has been used by itself under such names as triton, trotyl, tol-ite, trilite, trinol, tritolo. It is the Army’s most important high explosive.
Z>. Characteristics.—TNT is one of the most stable of high explosives, and can be stored over long periods of time when properly purified. It is relatively insensitive to blows or friction. When ignited by flame in the open it burns rapidly without explosion. Burning or rapid heating of large quantities, especially in closed vessels, may,
14
TM 9-1900
26-27
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
however, cause violent detonation. It has powerful brisant properties. It is readily detonated by mercury fulminate, tetryl, and other similar high explosives. It is nonhygroscopic and does not form sensitive compounds with metal. It usually resembles light brown sugar but when pure is crystalline and has a very pale straw color. It is a very satisfactory military explosive because it is easily melted and poured into a shell or bomb to form a solid crystalline explosive charge. Ammunition loaded with TNT can be stored, handled, and shipped with comparative safety.
c. Exudation.—Some ammunition loaded with TNT when stored in warm climates or during warm summer months may exude an oily brown liquid. This exudate oozes out around the threads at the nose of the shell, and may form a pool on the floor. Exuding shell should be reported to the corps area or department ordnance officer, who will give the necessary instruction for their use or disposition. The exudate is inflammable and may carry small particles of TNT. Pools of exudate should be removed by scrubbing the floor with hot water.
d. Detonation.—TNT in crystalline form detonates readily under the influence of a No. 6 detonator and, when highly compressed, of a No. 8 detonator. When cast, it is necessary to use a booster charge of pressed tetryl, or an explosive of equal brisance, to insure complete detonation.
e. Use.— (1) Bursting charge.—TNT is used as a bursting charge for high explosive shell, alone or mixed with ammonium nitrate to form 50/50 or 80/20 amatol. Flake TNT is used in 37-mm shell. Other military uses of TNT are as a bursting charge for bombs, antitank mines, for parts of certain shell and bomb boosters, and as a constituent of propellent powder.
(2) Demolition.—TNT is used to demolish bridges, railroads, and other structures and for land mines placed under enemy trenches or fortifications. For such work TNT is made up in the form of a small, highly compressed block enclosed in a fiber container which protects it from crumbling in handling and renders it waterproof. The triton blocks used by the Corps of Engineers are blocks of pressed TNT, enclosed in a cardboard container.
(3) Blasting— It is suitable for all types of blasting where 40 percent dynamite is used.
(4) Detonating fuze.—Primacord Bickford is the trade name for a detonating fuze which consists of a flexible fabric tube filled with high explosive.
27. Amatol.—a. General characteristics.—Amatol, a mechanical
15
TM 9-1900
27—29 AMMUNITION, GENERAL
mixture of ammonium nitrate and TNT, has approximately the same general characteristics as TNT. It is crystalline and yellow or brownish, moisture-absorbing, insensitive to friction, but may be detonated by severe impact. It is readily detonated by mercury fulminate and other high explosives. It has no tendency to form dangerous compounds with metals, except copper and tin, and is less likely to exude than is TNT. It absorbs moisture and corrodes booster casings and threads when moist. Amatol, 50/50, has approximately the same rate of detonation and brisance as TNT. Amatol, 80/20, produces a white smoke on detonation ‘ and amatol, 50/50. a smoke less black than straight TNT.
b. Composition and form.—Kux^X, 50/50, consists of 50 percent, by weight, ammonium nitrate and 50 percent TNT; it is sufficiently fluid when hot to be poured or cast like TNT. Amatol, 80/20, consists of 80 percent ammonium nitrate and 20 percent TNT. It resembles wet brown sugar and when hot is a plastic material and is so pressed into shells and bombs.
c. Use.—Amatol is a substitute for TNT. Amatol, 50/50, is used for shell of 3-inch caliber and larger and 80/20 amatol for shell of 155-mm and larger. Amatol is also used in large bombs.
28. Ammonium picrate (explosive D).—a. Characteristics.— Ammonium picrate is the least sensitive of military explosives to shock and friction, which makes it well suited for use as a bursting charge in armor-piercing projectiles. It is slightly inferior in explosive strength to TNT. It does not melt but decomposes when heated and explodes. It reacts with metals slowly and when wet it can form sensitive and dangerous picrates with copper and lead. It is difficult to detonate but burns readily like tar or resin.
b. Special precautions.— (1) Ammonium picrate which has been pressed at a shell-loading plant and removed from a shell is very much more sensitive to shock or a blow than new material. It should be protected against shock or fire, and it should preferably be stored in a building by itself.
(2) Although less sensitive than TNT, it can be exploded by severe shock or friction, is highly inflammable, and when heated to a high temperature may detonate.
c. Use. Explosive D is used as a bursting charge for all armor-piercing shell, in projectiles for seacoast cannon, and in other types of projectiles which must withstand severe shocks and stresses before detonating.
29. Picric acid (trinitrophenol).—a. Characteristics.—Picric acid is a lemon-yellow crystalline solid. It is entirely stable, but
16
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL 29-31
the presence of any trace of explosives which detonate more readily, such as metallic picrates,- may cause sudden detonation of burning picric acid. It has about the same sensitivity to shock as TNT and is somewhat more readily detonated by means of a detonator. It is one of the most powerful military explosives.
b. Use.—Introduction of TNT as a military explosive has resulted in a gradual abandonment of the use of picric acid. It is used for conversion into ammonium picrate, as a booster explosive, and even as a substitute for part of the mercury fulminate charge in detonators. Picric acid has been used extensively in the form of mixtures with other nitro compounds.
30. Nitrostarch explosives.—a. General.—(1) Nitrostarch is a white, finely divided materia] similar in appearance to ordinary powdered starch. It is more sensitive to impact than TNT but less sensitive than dry guncotton or nitroglycerin. It is highly inflammable, being readily ignited by the slightest spark such as may result from friction, and it burns with explosive violence.
(2) Nitrostarch explosives are readily detonated by mercury fulminate detonators, a No. 6 detonator producing complete detonation unless the explosive has been rendered unduly insensitive by excessive absorption of moisture or by other cause.
(3) A nitrostarch demolition explosive has recently been adopted as a substitute for TNT. It is consolidated into i/2-pound and 1-pound (four 14-pound) blocks and in comparison tests it has been found that the TNT formulas for computing small charges are directly applicable to the nitrostarch demolition explosive. Nitrostarch blocks must not be broken into fragments as this may cause detonation.
b. Use.—Nitrostarch may be considered as a substitute for TNT in emergencies when there is a shortage of toluene for making TNT. During the World War, nitrostarch was used in the following form:
(1) Trojan grenade explosive.
(2) Trojan trench mortar shell explosive.
(3) Grenite.
31. Tetryl.—a. General.—Tetryl is the standard booster explosive. It is a yellow crystalline solid. When heated it first melts and then decomposes and explodes. It burns readily and is more easily detonated than TNT or ammonium picrate, being about as sensitive as picric acid. It is detonated by friction, shock, or spark. It is practically nonhygroscopic. It is stable at all temperatures which may be encountered in storage.
b. Detonation.—Brisance tests show tetryl to have greater shatter
463962°—42---2
17
TM 9-1900
31-34 AMMUNITION, GENERAL
ing ability than any other military high explosive. Picric acid and TNT come second and third in brisance, respectively.
c. Use.— (1) Charges.—Tetryl is sufficiently insensitive when compressed into a booster to be safely used as a booster explosive. The violence of its detonation insures a high order of detonation of the bursting charge. It is used in the form of pressed pellets. Tetryl has been approved as the standard bursting charge for smallcaliber projectiles. It gives appreciably better fragmentation to these shell than TNT. It is also more readily detonated and yet, in small-caliber shell, withstands the force of set-back.
(2) Detonator.—Tetryl is also used in detonators as a base charge, the tetryl being pressed into the bottom of the detonator shell and then covered with a small priming charge of mercury fulminate, lead azide, or other initiator.
32. Mercury fulminate.—a. General.—-Mercury fulminate is a heavy crystalline solid, white when pure but ordinarily a faint brownish yellow or grayish tint. It is extremely sensitive to heat, friction, spark, flame, or shock, detonating completely in nearly every instance. Its sensitivity varies with temperature.
Z>. Use.—Mercury fulminate is used only for the purpose of bringing about the detonation of the less sensitive high explosives or the ignition of propellent explosives. It may be used alone or mixed with potassium chlorate.
33. Lead azide.—-Lead azide is an initiating compound used for bringing about detonation of high explosives. It is a fine creamcolored compound. It is sensitive to flame but is too insensitive to be used alone where initiation is by impact of a firing pin. It is not easily decomposed by heat. It flashes at a much higher temperature than mercury fulminate. Less weight of lead azide than of mercury fulminate is required to detonate an equal amount of TNT, tetryl, etc. Lead azide has been introduced to supersede mercury fulminate.
34. Miscellaneous explosives.—a. Trimonite.—Trimonite is a mixture of picric acid and mononitronaphthalene. It may be used as a substitute for TNT in shell wherever amatol may also be used as a substitute.
&. Ammonal.—Ammonal is a high-explosive filler for shell. It is composed of TNT, ammonium nitrate, and flaked aluminum. The term ammonal refers generally to explosive mixtures containing TNT and powdered aluminum. As a rule, ammonal explosives are insensitive and, because of the aluminum content, detonate with resultant higher temperature and brighter flash than other high explosives. They are used in proving ground tests for better observation.
18
TM 9-1900
35-36
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
Section V
CHEMICAL AGENTS
Paragraph
General___________________________________________________________________ 35
Classification____________________________________________________________ 36
Painting and marking----------------------------------------------------- 37
Description---------------------------------------------------------------- 38
Decontamination----------------------------------------------------------- 39
35. General.—a. Definition.—A chemical agent is a substance which, by its ordinary and direct chemical action and in concentrations attainable in the field, produces a toxic or an irritating (harassing) physiological effect, a screening smoke, an incendiary action, or any combination of these. An agent that produces more than one of these effects is classed according to its principal use.
b. Gas mask and protective clothing.—The service gas mask will give full protection against war gases in concentrations likely to be encountered in the field. It will not protect against carbon monoxide, illuminating gas, ammonia, or cyanide gas. It is therefore not suitable for use in case of industrial accidents or fires. For special operations in extremely heavy concentrations, protective clothing may be necessary. For operations where vesicant gases are present, protective clothing should be worn.
c. References.—There is included in this section only a general treatment of the character and uses of chemical agents, the protection required, first-aid treatment, and decontamination measures. Further information will be found in TM 3-215, TM 9-850, FM 21-10, and FM 21-40.
36. Classification.—Chemical agents are classified according to—
a. Tactical use.— (1) Casualty agents.—Used directly against enemy personnel to produce casualties.
(2) Harassing agents {irritants}.—Used to reduce military efficiency by forcing enemy personnel to mask.
(3) Screening agents.—Used to produce an obscuring smoke or fog.
(4) Incendiary agents.—Used to cause the ignition of combustible materials.
(5) Simulated agents.—Used for testing equipment or training personnel. They are harmless substances whose physical properties are similar to those of the agent represented.
b. Physiological effect.— (1) (a) Lung irritants— Incapacitate by damaging lung or bronchial tissue.
(5) Vesicants.—Cause inflammation, burns, and destruction of tissue both internally and externally.
19
TM 9-1900
36-38 AMMUNITION, GENERAL
(. Vesicant gases.—The principal persistent casualty agents are mustard gas and lewisite.
(1) Mustard gas (HS) is a dark brown liquid which slowly evaporates to a colorless gas having the odor of garlic. Its principal physiological effect is that of a vesicant although the blistering does not ordinarily appear for several hours. If inhaled, the vapors have a lung-irritant effect. For complete protection against HS, both gas mask and protective clothing are necessary. First-aid measures consist in washing with copious amounts of soap and water or wiping off with organic solvents such as solvent, dry-cleaning, and neutralizing with a thin paste of chloride of lime. Clothing contaminated by HS should be removed at once and decontaminated by airing or steaming. The tactical use of HS is to neutralize areas, contaminate materiel, cause casualties, and harass enemy personnel. It is projected by artillery and mortar in shell, from airplanes by bombs and sprays, and left by retreating troops in land mines. HS renders food and water unfit for use.
20
TM 9-1900
38
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
(2) Lewisite (Ml) is a dark brown liquid evaporating to a colorless gas which has the odor of geraniums. In addition to being vesicant and lung-irritant, lewisite is an arsenical poison. Gas mask and protective clothing are necessary for protection against Ml. First-aid measures consist of washing with soap and water, or a 5-percent solution of sodium hydroxide followed by alcohol. Tactical use of Ml and methods of projection are the same as those for HS. It renders food and water permanently unfit for use.
c. Nonpersistent gases.—The principal nonpersistent casualty agents are chlorine, phosgene, and chlorpicrin.
Typical chemical agents
Type Tactical use Common name Symbol Marking
Persistent gas. Nonpersistent gas. Irritant gas Casualty Casualty Harassing - _ Mustard gas Lewisite Chlorine Phosgene Chlorpicrin Tear gas Tear gas solution._ Tear gas-chlorpic-rin. Adamsite Sneeze gas HC-Smoke FS-Smoke___‘ FM-Smoke White phosphorus. Thermit Barium mixture Thermate Asbestine suspension. Molasses residuum. HS Ml Cl CG PS CN CNB CNS XX* GAS and 2 bands (all in green). XX* GAS and 1 band (all in green). XX* GAS and 1 band (all in red).
Smoke Incendiary Simulated agents. Screening— Incendiary _ Training CM DA HC FS FM WP TH F8 AS MR XX* SMOKE and 1 band (all in yellow). XX* INCENDIARY and 1 band (all in purple). Symbol of agent; type band, and color of agent represented.
■•Symbol of the filler such as ON, WP, HS, etc.
(1) Chlorine (Cl) is a greenish-yellow gas with a pungent odor. Its physiological action is that of lung irritant. For protection the service gas mask is sufficient. First aid consists in removing the casualty to pure air, keeping him warm and quiet, giving mild nonalcoholic stimulants such as coffee or tea, and evacuating as an absolute litter case. Tactical use is as a casualty agent. It is used alone, and with others of this group, in gas cloud attack from cylinders and Livens projector shell. It has a vigorous corrosive action on wet or
21
TM 9-1900
38
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
moist metals. Food and water contaminated with Cl can be made fit for use under the direction of a medical officer.
(2) Phosgene (CG) appears on projection as a whitish cloud changing to colorless gas. It has the odor of silage or new-mown hay. Physiological action, protection required, first aid, tactical use, action on metals, and action on food and water are the same as for Cl.
(3) Chlorpicrin (PS) is an oily liquid changing slowly in the open to a colorless gas with the odor of flypaper. Physiological action is irritation of eyes, nose, and throat, and, as concentration increases, PS causes nausea and lung irritation. Gas mask is required for protection. First aid is the same as for Cl, for exposure to the vapor. In addition, any splashes of liquid agent on the skin should be washed off, preferably with an alcoholic solution of sodium sulfite. Tactically, it is used in heavy concentrations as a casualty agent and in lighter concentrations as a harassing agent. PS is used with tear gas in artillery and mortar shell, airplane bombs and sprays, with phosgene and chlorine in Livens projector shell, and from cylinders. It has slight action on metals. Contaminated food and water may be rendered fit for use under the direction of a medical officer.
d. Irritant gases.—The harassing agents (irritants) are the lacrimators and the irritant smokes.
(1) Chloracetophenone (CN), commonly known as tear gas, is typical of the lacrimators. It is a solid with a faint fragrant odor which resembles that of apple or locust blossoms. Its physiological action is extreme irritation of the eyes. A gas mask is sufficient for protection. First-aid treatment other than removal to pure air is rarely necessary but in aggravated cases washing out the eyes with boric acid solution will help. CN is used alone in grenades and mortar shell. It is used in solution alone (CNB) and with chlorpicrin (CNS) in artillery and mortar shell, and from airplanes in bombs and sprays. CN has slight action on metals. It imparts only a disagreeable taste to food and water.
(2) The irritant smokes are typified by adamsite (DM). DM is a solid which is dispersed by burning type munitions and appears as a yellow smoke with an odor somewhat resembling coal smoke. Its physiological action is to cause lacrimation, violent sneezing, intense headache, nausea, and temporary physical debility. For protection, the service gas mask, which is equipped with an efficient smoke filter, is required. Treatment other than removal to pure air is seldom necessary although breathing light concentrations of chlorine, as from a bleaching powder bottle, will give relief. Tactical use is as a harassing agent and it can only be used from burning type munitions
22
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL 38
such as candles and grenades. DM has slight action on metal but renders food and water permanently unfit for use.
e. Screening smokes.—These are produced by the dispersion of particles in the atmosphere by the burning of solids and by spraying liquids. They are used to screen movements and activity, to blanket the enemy and thus obtain fire superiority, to inactivate observers, to spot artillery fire and bombing, and to disguise cloud gas.
(1) Sulfur trioxide-chlorsulfonic acid mixture (FS) is a liquid which when dispersed into a humid atmosphere produces a dense white smoke. It is projected in shell, by airplane spray, and from portable cylinders. FS liquid is very corrosive and rubber gloves should be worn in handling it. No mask is necessary for the smoke. First aid for FS liquid burns consists of washing with large amounts of water, then with bicarbonate of soda solution, and then treating as for ordinary burns. The smoke is harmless to personnel except in very heavy concentrations. Liquid FS renders food and water unfit for use; the smoke merely imparts an unpleasant taste. On account of its corrosive nature, certain restrictions are in force on the use of FS. (See AR 750-10.)
(2) Titanium tetrachloride (FM) is similar to FS in appearance, properties, and use.
(3) Hexachlorethane-zinc mixture (HC) can be used only from burning type ammunition such as grenades and candles. No protection of personnel or materiel is required. Food and water are not spoiled but acquire a disagreeable odor.
(4) White phosphorus (WP) is a yellow waxy substance which takes fire spontaneously and produces a dense white smoke. Its principal use is to produce smoke although it is an incendiary and casualty agent as well. WP is used only in explosive type projectiles, artillery and mortar shell, and airplane bombs. When the projectile explodes it scatters small pieces of phosphorus which ignite spontaneously. These particles continue to burn even when embedded in the flesh. Phosphorus burns should be kept under water or well packed with moist earth until the particles are removed. Phosphorus smoke is uncomfortable to breathe but harmless; however, the particles will poison food and water.
f. Incendiaries.—Various types of incendiary agents are used. An aluminum-barium nitrate mixture (F8), thermite, or thermate are used in magnesium or steel containers. Thermate, a mixture of thermite with other substances which accelerate the burning, is used in incendiary bombs and grenades. Combustible oils have been used, sometimes with particles of metallic sodium, which re-ignite the
23
TM 9-1900
38-39
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
oil when water is used to quench the fire. Phosphorus is used, especially against light and inflammable construction. Gasoline and mixtures of gasoline with rubber, alcohol and other substances is used in bombs and grenades. Gasoline-filled bombs have a black powder burster and igniter. The gasoline-filled grenades are glass bottles provided with a pull-wire fuze lighter or other type of igniting fuze.
39. Decontamination.—a. Ammunition should be kept in sealed containers. If exposed to mustard gas, however, it must be thoroughly decontaminated before it can be fired. Contaminated ammunition will be cleaned with agent, decontaminating, noncorrosive, or if this is not available, strong soap and cool water. Corroded ammunition will either be cleaned thoroughly or discarded. Agent, decontaminating (chloride of lime), which is used in decontaminating other materiel, will never be used on or near ammunition supplies, particularly in its dry powdered form, as flaming occurs through the use of chloride of lime on mustard. Materiel other than ammunition will be decontaminated according to instructions in TM 9-850, FM 21-40, or TC 38, 1941.
Z>. The vesicant properties of lewisite can be destroyed through use of the same procedure used for mustard. The products resulting from such decontamination, when washed on the ground, are extremely poisonous because of their arsenic content and will permanently poison drinking water in the vicinity of the contaminated area.
c. Smokes and nonpersistent gases are corrosive to metal, especially in the presence of moisture. The agent must be removed or neutralized to prevent damage to the equipment. Metallic materiel exposed to any of these agents should be cleaned of old oil with a solvent such as gasoline, washed with a solution of sodium carbonate or other alkali, and reoiled. Fabrics and leather exposed to FS must be immediately washed as prescribed in paragraph 13, AR 750-10.
24
Chapter 2
BASIC TYPES OF AMMUNITION
Paragraphs
Section I. Small-arms ammunition_____________________________ 40-57
II. Grenades_________________________________________ 58-64
III. Antitank mines___________________________________ 65-70
IV. Mortar ammunition_______________________________ 71-75
V. Artillery ammunition_____________________________ 76-87
VI. Bombs____________________________________________ 88-98
VII. Pyrotechnics____________________________________ 99-110
Section I
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
Paragraph
General_________________________________________________________ 40
Cartridges______________________________________________________ 41
Types___________________________________________________________ 42
Ball___________________________________________________________ 43
Armor-piercing__________________________________________________ 44
Tracer and incendiary------------------------------------------- 45
Blank___________________________________________________________ 46
Gallery practice-.______________________________________________ 47
Guard___________________________________________________________ 48
Subcaliber------------------------------------------------------ 49
High-pressure test--------------------------------------------- 50
National Match__________________________________________________ 51
Dummy----------------------------------------------------------- 52
Shotgun shells-------------------------------------------------- 53
Grades__________________________________________________________ 54
Care and precautions in handling-------------------------------- 55
Precautions in firing------------------------------------------- 56
Packing ami marking_____________________________________________ 57
40. General.—a. The information in this section is limited to a general description of the several types of small-arms ammunition used for military purposes. Many types are manufactured to the same profile, consequently cartridges of the same caliber although of different model may be very similar in appearance. Each type has a characteristic marking which is described in this section. Different models of the same type may be identified by the marking on the packing boxes and cartons. A detailed description of each type and model, including characteristics, means of identification.
25
TM 9-1900
40-42 AMMUNITION, GENERAL
care and handling, packing, and marking will be found in TM 9-1990.
b. Small-arms ammunition comprises the ammunition used in small-arm weapons—rifles, pistols, revolvers, and machine guns in calibers .22, .30, .45, and .50, and shotguns of 12-gage.
41. Cartridges.—a. General.—A round of small-arms ammunition is known as a cartridge. In general, it consists of a bullet, a propelling charge, a primer, and a cartridge case, made into a unit assembly. Figure 5 shows a typical cartridge in section with the various parts named.
b. Bullet.—Bullets for service use have a metal core which is covered with a gilding metal jacket. A cannelure is generally rolled or cut into the jacket to provide a recess into which the cartridge case is crimped.
c. Propelling charge.—There are two types of small-arms propellants generally used, the single-base nitrocellulose type and the double-base type. The double-base type is a mixture of nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin which burns more rapidly than the singlebase type. The weight of the charge and granulation of the powder is in accordance with specification requirements for velocity and pressure. The charge is assembled loosely in the cartridge case.
d. Primer.—The primer consists of a brass or gilding metal cup which contains a primer composition pellet of sensitive explosive, a paper disk, and a brass anvil.
e. Cartridge case.—The cartridge case is of drawn brass. It serves as a means whereby the other components, the primer, the propelling charge and the bullet, are assembled into a unit, the cartridge. Another of its functions is to seal the chamber against the escape of gases to the rear when the cartridge is fired. This action is known as obturation. To make the cartridge waterproof, the primer is sealed in the primer seat and the bullet is sealed in the neck of the cartridge case by a thin film of lacquer or varnish at the time of manufacture.
42. Types.—Small-arms cartridges are classified according to type as follows:
a. Ball.
b. Armor-piercing.
c. Tracer.
d. Incendiary.
e. Blank.
f. Gallery practice.
(1) Caliber .22 (present standard).
(2) Caliber .30 (now used for guard purposes only).
g. Guard.
26
TM 9-1900
42-48
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
h. Subcaliber.
i. High-pressure test.
j. National Match.
k. Dummy.
Z. Shotgun shells.
43. Ball.—This type of cartridge, intended for use against personnel and light materiel targets, is the most widely used of the service types. The term “ball,” although no longer accurately describing the shape of the modern bullet, has been continued in use to designate that type of bullet and ammunition used for the same purposes as ammunition of very early design, the bullet of which was actually a ball. Typical ball cartridges of different calibers are shown in figure 4.
44. Armor-piercing.—This type of cartridge, intended for use against armored aircraft, armored vehicles, concrete shelters, and similar bullet-resisting targets, is characterized by the bullet, which has an armor-piercing core. It is distinguished from other types of ammunition by the nose of the bullet, which is painted black. A typical armor-piercing cartridge is shown in figure 6.
45. Tracer and incendiary.—a. Tracer.—This type of cartridge is intended for use with other types to show the gunner, by its trace, the path of the bullets. It is also used for incendiary purposes. The nose of the bullet is painted red to correspond to the color of the trace to distinguish it from other types. Figures 8 and 9 show typical rounds of tracer ammunition.
b. Incendiary.—This ammunition in calibers .30 and .50 resembles the ball or armor-piercing ammunition in outward appearance. It may be identified by the light blue paint on the tip of the bullet.
46. Blank.—This type of cartridge is distinguished by the absence of bullets. It is used for simulated fire, training cavalry mounts, signaling, and firing salutes; also in machine guns equipped with blank firing attachments, in order to operate these weapons for instructional purposes. For precautions in firing blank ammunition, see TM 9-1990. Although other blank cartridges may be found in service, only those authorized in TM 9-1990 will be fired. Typical blank cartridges are shown in figures 7 and 10.
47. Gallery practice.—a. The present standard ammunition for gallery practice is the cartridge, ball, caliber .22. long rifle (fig. 4)—a rim fire cartridge of commercial manufacture.
b. The former standard gallery-practice ammunition, cartridge, gallery practice, caliber .30, M1919, is now reserved for guard purposes. It is shown in figure 4.
48. Guard.—This type of cartridge, the bullet of which has a much lower velocity than that of service ammunition, is provided for
27
TM 9-1900
48-55 AMMUNITION, GENERAL
guard purposes. The cartridge, guard, caliber .30, M1906, as currently issued is identified by six short corrugations just below the shoulder of the cartridge case. It is no longer standard. Therefore when stocks are exhausted, this model will be superseded by the cartridge, guard, caliber .30. Ml.
49. Subcaliber.—This type of cartridge is designed for use in conjunction with subcaliber tubes in cannon for training personnel in conduct of fire. It is identified by the extracting rim on the head of the case instead of the usual groove.
50. High-pressure test.—This type of cartridge is manufactured for use in the proof firing of small-arms weapons. Since the propelling charge of this ammunition is designed to develop excessive pressure, these cartridges should never be used for any other purpose, and when used for the purpose intended, all personnel should be protected by adequate cover. This ammunition is distinguished from other types by the tin coating of the cartridge case. In some models the word “TEST” is stamped on the heads of the cartridge cases.
51. National Match.—These are manufactured each year for the National Matches of that year. The following year they may be used in preliminary firing for such matches. The second year, and thereafter, they are considered standard service ammunition. National Match ammunition is packed in blue boxes in contrast to the usual brown and the head of each cartridge is stamped “N. M.” and with the year of manufacture.
52. Dummy.—Dummy cartridges are provided for training and practice in loading and in simulated fire. Such ammunition is inert. For identification, the cartridge case is tinned and the primer omitted. Earlier designs containing an inert primer are identified by holes in the body of the cartridge case.
53. Shotgun shells.—Shotgun shells (shot shells) of appropriate loads in 12-gage are provided for the following purposes:
a. For guard and combat use.
b. For trapshooting.
c. For hunting.
54. Grades.—Current grades of existing lots of small-arms ammunition are established by the Chief of Ordnance and are published in OFSB 3-5. No lots other than those of current grade appropriate for the weapon will be fired. Grade 3 indicates unserviceable ammunition which will not be fired.
55. Care and precautions in handling.—a. Small-arms ammunition is comparatively safe to handle. However, care must be taken to prevent ammunition boxes from becoming broken or damaged. All broken boxes will be immediately repaired and careful attention
28
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL 55-56
given to the transfer of all markings to the new parts of the box. The metal liners should be air tested and sealed if equipment for the work is available.
1). Ammunition boxes should not be opened until the ammunition is required for use. Ammunition removed from airtight containers, particularly in damp climates, is apt to corrode, thereby causing it to become unserviceable.
c. When cartridges are taken from their original packings for loading into clips or machine-gun belts, the clips or belts should be so tagged or marked as to preserve the ammunition lot number, thereby preventing the ammunition from falling into grade 3 through loss of lot number.
d. Ammunition should be carefully protected from mud, sand, dirt, and water. If it gets wet or dirty, it should be wiped off at once. Should light corrosion or verdigris form on cartridges, it should be wiped off. However, cartridges should not be polished to make them look brighter or better.
e. The use of oil or grease on cartridges is dangerous and is prohibited.
/. Cartridges that are dented, those that have loose bullets, and those otherwise defective should not be fired.
g. For further information, see sections I and VI and TM 9-1990.
56. Precautions in firing.—a. Because a misfire cannot immediately be distinguished from a hangfire, it is unsafe to open the bolt of a rifle immediately when a misfire occurs. When the rifle Ml, caliber .30, fails to fire, it should be recocked by operating the trigger guard and retired before opening the bolt.
A For other rifles, in the event of misfire, the rifle should be recocked by drawing back the cocking piece and retired before opening the bolt.
c. Before firing, the firer should be sure that the bore of the weapon is free of any foreign matter such as cleaning patches, mud, sand, snow, and the like. To fire a weapon with any obstruction in the bore will damage the weapon and may result in injury to the firer.
d. Ammunition should not be exposed to the direct rays of the sun for any considerable length of time. This is likely to affect its firing qualities seriously.
e. No small-arms ammunition will be fired until it has been identified positively by ammunition lot number and grade as published in the latest revision of OFSB 3-5.
/. Any serious malfunction of ammunition must be reported promptly to the ordnance officer under whose supervision the mate
29
TM 9-1900
56-57
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
rial is maintained and issued. The ordnance officer will report such malfunction to the Chief of Ordnance as provided in AR 45-30. It is important, therefore, that all evidence be preserved. This includes the cartridge case, the other cartridges from the same box, the weapon concerned, all recoverable pieces—in short, everything that might throw light on the cause of the malfunction.
57. Packing and marking.—Detailed packing and marking regulations are given in TM 9-1990. The following table shows the method of packing and the identifying color band on the packing boxes for the various types of small-arms ammunition. Typical packing boxes are shown in figure 11.
Type Primary band i Superimposed band 1 Packing
Ball, cal. .30 Red None Cartons, 5- and 8-round clips in cartons or bandoleers, web or link belts. Cartons. Cartons, link belts. Cartons. Cartons. Cartons, 5-round clips in cartons. Cartons. Cartons. Cartons, 5-round clips in cartons. Cartons. Cartons. Cartons. Cartons. Cartons. Cartons. Cartons. Cartons. Cartons. Cartons. Cartons. Cartons. Link belts.
Ball, cal. .45 _ Red None
Ball. cal. ,50___ Red None
Blank, cal. .30 Blue None
Blank, cal. .45 Blue None
Dummy, cal. .30 Green None
Dummy, cal. .45 Green None
Dummv, cal. .50 Green None
Guard, cal. .30 Orange None
Armor-piercing, cal. Yellow Blue
.30. Armor-piercing, cal. Yellow Blue
.50. Tracer, cal. .30 Yellow Green
Tracer, cal. .45 Yellow Green
Tracer, cal. .50 Yellow Green
Gallery practice, cal. .30. Cartridge, carbine, cal. .30, Ml. Subcaliber, cal. .30 . Brown None
Red ■ _ None
None None
High - pressure test, Yellow None
cal. .30. High - pressure test, cal. .45. High - pressure test, cal. .50. Blank, cal. .50 Yellow None
Yellow None
Blue None
Ball and tracer, cal. Yellow, red, green (3-stripe band).
.30.
30
TH 9-1900
57
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
Type Primary band 1 Superimposed band 1 Packing
Ball and tracer, cal. .50. Incendiary, cal. .30 Incendiary, cal. .50 Cartridge, rifle, grenade, cal. .30, M3. Yellow, red, green (3-stripe band). Yellow Yellow Two blue bands separated by band width. Red Red None Link belts. Cartons. Cartons.
i Bands on the face of boxes for caliber .30 and caliber .45 ammunition are vertical; bands on the ends are horizontal. Bands on boxes for caliber .50 ammunition are diagonal on all sides. Markings on caliber .50 boxes include color oblongs.
31
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
A— CARTRIDGE, BALL, CAL. .22, LONG RIFLE
B — CARTRIDGE, BALL, CAL. .45, Ml91 1
C — CARTRIDGE, CARBINE, CAL .30, Ml
D — CARTRIDGE, BALL, CAL. .50, M2
E — CARTRIDGE, BALL, CAL. .30, M2
F — CARTRIDGE,GUARD, CAL. .30, Ml
0 E
C
Figure 4.—Typical ball cartridges.
RA PD 4040A
32
B
A
— 5.45 MAX -
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
I----PRIMER CUP
,----EXTRACTING GROOVE
r----PELLET ---CANNELURE
//A- DISC -JACKET
//I I.-ANVIL ----PROPELLING CHARGE ,-CORE
.-VENT [-CARTRIDGE CASE
HI ! | POINT FILLER-
iSfc&sHoto’Ja ft o 0 /•» *Va H
l/ffiM-Tj? o° I * % o o^o o £“J o 0 o% $ a a G « o<> o f 0 0 ® (k^® a J » o & o M?S?xSxXS?\Fl JVX
primer —Kxvvv\IIuAx
[—।—[------------- BODY----------------------------------------------------------j— — NECK —
।—-----HEAD SHOULDER--। BULLET
RA PD 4033
Figure 5. —Section of ball cartridge, caliber .50.
GILDING METAL JACKET—\ BLACK-
APPROX. .£37
$ jt1
L-----------------------5.45 MAX.--------------------------„„ -*
RA PD 4017
Figure 6. -—Cartridge, armor-piercing, caliber .50.
/fife.
L----------------3.9 APPROX.---------------------------J
RA FSD 2113
Figure 7. —Cartridge, blank, caliber .50.
GILDING METAL JACKET—\ RED-
\ APPROX. .437
^8^. *. ——-—-——- -A -»l
O, l~ -..
lw ’
I* 5.45 MAX. RA FSD 2II2A *"
Figure 8. —Cartridge, tracer, caliber .50.
RED
APPROX. .18
L-1.275 MAX —J
RAPD 4019
Figure 9. —Cartridge, tracer, caliber .45.
,463902°—42----3
33
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
k.9 MAX.-I
RAPD 4011
Figure 10.—Cartridge, blank, caliber .45.
■ Fi S' Jfn J
SS*4, ' *#sEsfi ■ I k '£.
W8mK HA *■ A/ Jz- 5 Un Rt C MR&iH
. 31 C'f'M --^PiM site fe-XS~B' jjilF -' --: 8fe?J<,,jL **
>’ *' * ' 14 ifti' ■:®f •"*;*** J. ,’ ,*-*^'
,. --'. jig^^ Jc^piygiiF'
RA PD 4014
Figure 11.—Small-arms ammunition packing boxes.
^^Bi^^^^H^^^HHHMHHi^^^^^^^^^H^^^^H^^^^^HMR^H^HHHHHHMiHHHHM9BRHHBE9E9!9SE9E99ES9HHi^9EBEES9999^9E99l^9^99S99E9E9i^B99BS9!!l^^^^9^999BSB199999B^09S999l9999EIE99iR99l999i!^SB9S99l9BSI ® /e S' »-- °K S g3 ?r s“ r? Q t? w q o
34
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL 58-60
Section II
GRENADES
Paragraph
Description and classification----------------------------------- 58
Fragmentation and offensive grenades----------------------------- 59
Chemical grenades------------------------------------------------ 60
Rifle grenades--------------------------------------------------- 61
Training grenades------------------------------------------------ 62
Care and precautions in handling----------------------------------63
Packing and marking---------------------------------------------- 64
58. Description and classification.—a. General.—Grenades are explosive or chemical missiles, intended for use at relatively short range. Although usually designed to be thrown by hand, they may be made for use with a rifle or other type of projector. Grenades are very effective for augmenting primary weapons such as the rifle in trench warfare, for dispersing mobs, quelling riots, etc. The grenades thrown by hand are fitted with a delay action fuze, the delay for explosive grenades being slightly more than the average time of flight, 5 seconds; for chemical grenades, slightly less than the average time of flight, 2 seconds.
b. Types — There are two basic types of grenades: those designed to be thrown by hand, and those designed to be projected by rifles or other launchers, generally termed rifle grenades. Hand grenades are classified into four general types: fragmentation grenades, offensive grenades, chemical grenades, and practice or training grenades. Rifle grenades are classified as antitank and practice.
59. Fragmentation and offensive grenades.—a. Fragmentation grenades.—Fragmentation grenades contain an explosive charge provided to break the body of the grenade and project fragments at high velocity. To assist in the formation of uniform fragments the body is serrated, horizontally and vertically. It is made of cast iron in the shape of a large lemon, approximately 2% inches in diameter by 414 inches long (fig. 12). The standard bursting charge is E. C. firing powder, which is exploded by an igniting fuze. Fuzes for all types of fragmentation and practice grenades are designed to function after 5 seconds’ delay.
b. Offensive grenades.—Offensive grenades are made of paper or fiber container and a high explosive filler. They are used for demolition of materiel and emplacements. They are equipped with a detonating fuze with 5 seconds’ delay. The grenade, hand, offensive, Mk. IIIA1, representative of this type, contains approximately i/2 pound of pressed TNT.
60. Chemical grenades.—Chemical grenades contain a “burning
35
TM 9-1900
60-62
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
mixture” which, when ignited by its fuze, produces an irritant gas or an obscuring smoke. These are known as gas grenades or smoke grenades. The body of the chemical grenade is a short cylinder approximately 2% inches in diameter by 5% inches long (fig. 12). Fuzes for chemical grenades are designed to function with 2 seconds’ delay.
61. Rifle grenades.—a. The present standard rifle grenades are specialized grenades for use against armored targets. They are designated grenade, AT, M9 and M9A1. They have a steel body containing the high explosive and a fuze assembly and a tail assembly, consisting of a hollow tube and a wheel-shaped fin. The fuze functions upon impact. A safety pin located on the body of the grenade must be removed to arm the fuze. The fuze in the grenade, AT, M9, will normally detonate only upon impact with a hard resistant body. The fuze of the M9A1 grenade is more sensitive and will function upon impact with soft earth. These grenades are to be fired only from the rifle, caliber .30, M1903 or M1917. They are projected by use of a launcher which fits on the muzzle of the rifle. A special cartridge, designated cartridge, rifle grenade, M3, must be used for projecting these grenades. The grenades are packed in kits containing 10 grenades, a launcher for either the M1917 or M1903 rifle, sights, and recoil pad. A cartridge is packed with each grenade in a cellophane wrapper in the tube of the grenade.
b. The grenade. AT, MIO, is similar in shape and function to the grenade for use with the caliber .30 rifle. It is larger and is projected by use of a special projector.
62. Training grenades.—a. A grenade of the same size, shape, and weight as the fuzed fragmentation grenade, but inert, is provided for training in throwing. The grenade formerly used for such purposes was made of cast iron and was known as grenade, hand, dummy, Mk. I. This design has recently been modified by adding a pull ring and safety pin (cotter pin), thereby more closely simulating the fragmentation grenade. This modified grenade is known as grenade, hand, training, Mk. IA1, and is shown in figure 12.
b. A practice grenade, known as grenade, hand, practice, Mk. II, with hand grenade igniting fuze M10A1, was formerly standard for practice purposes. It contains a small charge of black powder and a live fuze, and is painted blue to distinguish it from the training grenade.
c. The practice grenades designated grenade, AT, practice, Mil and M13, are of the same size and appearance as the explosive types M9A1 and M10 respectively. They are provided for training and practice in aiming and firing. These grenades are inert and may be fired a
36
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
TM 9-1900
62
number of times if they are not damaged. Replacement fin assemblies and extra cartridges are provided separately. The cartridge used for launching is the same as that used for the corresponding explosive type.
37
A-GRENADE, HAND, FRAG-
MENTATION, MKII
B—GRENADE, HAND,TRAIN-
ING, MKIA1
C-GRENADE, RIFLE, H.E., M9
D-GRENADE, RIFLE, PRAC- « —r
ipa mu O
E-GRENADE, HAND, I MS. \
OFFENSIVE, MKIII i fcLM'■ / 5
F-GRENADE, HAND, GAS, 2 a J ill
IRRITANT, CN-DM, M6 d Qjg)
G-GRENADE, HAND, GAS, 7 TtW / WMMi I
IRRITANT, CN, M7 t TrF t
H-GRENADE, HAND, a ' B
SMOKE, HC, M8
----YELLOW (MARKING IN BLACK)-H
•--------—9.274 MAX------—|
_^^^JLmarking in whitf a I 4*
D ... F
co z
LB'
'fl s;|J I fc| I A
BB 1 * !F3r r a n* B ?
~ BB. |y jH
E F G H
RA PD 43I8A
Figure 12.—Typical grenades.
TM 9-1900
63-67
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
63. Care and precautions in handling.—a. Care.—Information concerning the care to be exercised in handling grenades will be found in chapters 1 and 3 of this manual and in FM 23-30.
b. Precautions.—In addition to the general safety precautions in handling ammunition given in sections I and VI, chapter 3, the following will be observed:
(1) Since fragments may be projected over 200 yards, fragmentation grenades will not be used in training without adequate cover.
(2) The safety (cotter) pin will be removed just before throwing and at no other time.
(3) Chemical grenades may occasionally flash, hence, when used in maneuvers, they will be so thrown as to function not less than 20 feet from personnel.
(4) Duds will be disposed of in accordance with the provisions in chapter 4.
64. Packing and marking.—a. Packing.—The present practice is to pack fragmentation and chemical grenades, as fuzed complete rounds, each in an individual fiber container, 25 in a wooden packing box. Some packings on hand, packed under older standards, contain 10 grenades to the metal-lined box. Others contain unfuzed grenades, 25 per box.
b. Marking.—Fragmentation grenades and those containing high explosives are painted yellow. Chemical-filled grenades are painted gray with band and symbol of filler stenciled on the side. (See table in par. 38.) Practice grenades are painted blue. Training grenades, inert, are painted black.
Section III
ANTITANK MINES
Paragraph
General_____________________________________________________________________ 65
Classification___________________________________'__________________________ 66
Mine, antitank. HE, Ml___________1__________________________________________ 67
Mine, antitank, practice, Ml_________________________________________________ 68
Care and precautions in handling_____________________________________________ 69
Packing and marking---------------------------------------------------------- 70
65. General.—The antitank mine is an explosive device designed to be laid on the ground or planted flush with the surface for defense against armored cars and tanks.
66. Classification.—At the present time there is one model each of service and practice antitank mines, the mine, antitank, HE, Ml, and the mine, antitank, practice, Ml, figures 13 and 14. respectively.
67. Mine, antitank, HE, Ml.—a. General.—This mine with principal data and markings is shown as a complete round assembly in
38
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL 67
figure 13. The complete round consists of two components, the loaded mine body and the fuze. The disassembled components are shown in figure 15. A separable part of the body which fits over the fuze to increase the effective size of its head is known as the spider.
b. Description.—The steel body is cylindrical, approximately 2% inches high and 7% inches in diameter. The flanged rim around the top is notched in two places for assembling the spider. In the center of the top is the fuze cavity, approximately 2 inches in diameter and 2%6 inches deep. A carrying ring is attached to the side of the mine. The complete round, mine and fuze, weighs approximately 10.4 pounds; the high explosive filler, 6 pounds. The spider consists of a ring and two cross members with a hook on each end, riveted together as shown in figure 15. These hooks engage the flange on the mine body and the center of the spider rests on the striker head of the fuze.
c. Fuze, mine, antitank, HE. Ml — This fuze (fig. 15), which contains the booster as an integral part, is used only in the high explosive mine. It consists essentially of a striker assembly and a body which contains the primer, detonator, and booster. The striker assembly, on the outer end of which is a 2-inch diameter head, protrudes approximately % inch beyond the body of the fuze. The firing mechanism, contained within the striker -assembly, is restrained from firing when in the armed condition (safety fork withdrawn) by the collar just below the head and two shear pins. A force of approximately 500 pounds on the striker head is required to actuate the firing mechanism. When assembled to the mine with the spider in place, a force of approximately 250 pounds applied to the rim of the spider will actuate the firing mechanism. For safety in shipping and handling, a safety fork, attached to the striker head by a cord, is fitted over the collar between the striker head and the top of the fuze body. The safety fork will not be removed except when it is intended to arm the fuze.
d. Assembly {fuzing and arming}.—The following steps are required to assemble the complete round:
(1) Remove the spider from the bottom of the body.
(2) Insert fuze in fuze cavity. Push the fuze down until it latches. When thus assembled the upper surface of the fuze body is flush with the upper surface of the mine.
Note.—Before inserting fuze, be sure that the fuze cavity is clear—no foreign matter present.
(3) Assemble spider. To assemble the spider, aline, but do not engage, two of the hooks with the two notches in the flange of the body. Engage the other two hooks over the flange on the body. Next press the first two hooks through the notches, then rotate the spider
39
TM 9-1900
67-69
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
approximately % turn in either direction to secure the spider to the body.
(4) Plant mine, recording its location.
(5) Withdraw safety fork, thereby arming the fuze. The safety fork should be left beside the mine, attached to its cord—never between the body and spider.
e. Disassembly {unfuzing and disarming}.—Mines may be disarmed and taken up by reversing the steps in d above.
68. Mine, antitank, practice, Ml.—a. General— This mine with principal data and markings is shown as a complete round assembly in figure 14. The complete round consists of two components, an empty mine body (which includes the spider), and a fuze.
b. Description.—These parts are similar in appearance to the corresponding parts of the high explosive mine except that*the body has five 1-inch holes equally spaced around the side. There are differences in color and marking which are described in paragraph 70.
(1) Fuze, mine, antitank, practice, Ml, is similar in form and operation to the fuze for the high explosive mine described above, except that it contains a smoke-puff charge in place of the booster element.
(2) Fuze, dummy (antitank mine), is completely inert. It is made of metal or plastic to simulate the service fuze and has a removable safety fork.
(3) These fuzes are used with the practice mine body for training and practice.
(4) Differences in painting and marking are described in paragraph 70.
c. Assembly {fuzing and arming}.—The practice mine is assembled in the same manner as the mine, antitank, HE, Ml, described in paragraph 67.
d. Disassembly unfuzing and disarming.—See paragraph 67e.
69. Care and precautions in handling.—In addition to the general provisions of chapters 1 and 3, the following will be observed:
a. Safety fork.—The safety fork will not be removed except when it is intended to arm the fuze. The fork is not removed until after the mine has been planted. Should the mine be taken up, the safety fork will first be replaced.
Caution: Care will be exercised that no undue load is accidentally brought to bear on the spider, especially the rim, after the safety fork has been removed. A load of approximately 250 pounds on the rim of the spider will actuate the firing mechanism.
b. Mines laid singly.—To prevent sympathetic detonation of part or all of a mine field, mines laid singly on the ground should be 3 feel cr more apart; if planted flush, 2 feet or more apart.
40
TM 9-1900
69-70
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
c. Mines laid in multiple.—Should it be required to lay mines in multiple to give a more powerful blast, the mines may be buried one on top of another, or side by side, planted flush, or laid on the surface. If planted flush, adjacent mines should be in contact; if laid on the surface, they may be as much as 18 inches apart. Such planting will insure that all mines in the group will detonate when any one detonates. To prevent sympathetic detonation of part or all of the groups in a mine field, the distances given in b above should be correspondingly increased.
70. Packing and marking.—a. Packing.—Antitank mines are packed in a wooden box which contains five mines and five fuzes (fig. 16). Two data cards are inclosed, one loose and one attached to the inside of the cover so that the instructions are visible. The box is made up with a set of plywood separators and two sets of grooves. As shipped, the fuzes are placed in a fuze container which occupies one compartment of the box; the five mines, with spiders nested to the bottoms, are packed, carrying ring up, one in each of the other five compartments. For convenience in carrying fuzed mines in the field, the same box, but with the partitions moved to the second set of grooves, may be used. The box with five high explosive mines and fuzes weighs approximately 67 pounds. The box with five practice mines and fuzes weighs approximately 62 pounds.
b. Marking.— (1) The mine, antitank. HE. Ml, is painted yellow with marking in black. The mine, antitank, practice, Ml, is painted blue with marking in white. The marking on the head of both types includes—
(a) Type and model of mine.
(&) Lot number.
(1 I---------- (M0V19 Nl 9NIM8VIAI) M0T13A-
______________ dvo ONisono^
Iw- "I
"Gdivid lAiniiAiavo
-XdOd A133VS
M0333A .
-d3MldlS dO dOl z
- 8.03 MAX. -
BLUE (MARKING IN WHITE)--4 b------BLUE
\ • M
^GBivid lAimnavo \ I -XdOd A133VS X 03d-d3XldlS 30 dOl-^
-----------------8.03 MAX.----------*---
Figure 14.—Mine, antitank, practice, Ml.
43
3£0t- Od Vd
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
TM 9-1900
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
Mb \^p
B.-----------------SPIDER
o **
- .48* fi
^.xsr J
L ^0^**' j|
K " '" ”’\x^,*f '^' ’ ^«-'^’ *•'
* '* "'* ‘ w
w r <
RA PD 4037
Figure 15.—Mine, antitank, components.
44
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
r—FUZE LOT NUMBER BAND AND CLEATS“
rMINE LOT NUMBER INSPECTOR'S STAMP-. x^J^^^BLUE—
FFsu* sHUFT 7*^^.
gr°ss
rJ^^Mi - JWEIGHT:te% C/W 07 Th islwii p । ^N.d' M F i 0
s address'and ^u#§? p"
V SHIPPING TICKET NUMBER^^^W.
^^C^MONTH (MAY BE OMITTED
AND YEAR PACKED °N CARL0AD SH1PMENT)
RA PD 4030
Figure 1G.—Packings for antitank mines.
45
TM 9-1900
71-73
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
Section IV
MORTAR AMMUNITION
Paragraph
General-------------------------------------------------------------------- 71
Classification______________________________________________________________ 72
Description_______________________________________________________________ 73
Care and precautions in handling____________________:_______________________ 74
Packing and marking_________________________________________________________ 75
71. General.—Mortar ammunition (fig. 17) is designed for firing from smooth-bore cannon at high angles of fire and at ranges less than those of field artillery. Such weapons and ammunition are particularly effective in stabilized trench warfare, hence have been commonly known as trench mortars and trench mortar ammunition. In the ammunition of early design, the projectile, not being stabilized, tumbled in flight. To meet requirements for greater range and accuracy, recently designed projectiles are stabilized by fins. To provide for high angle fire at various ranges (zones of fire), the propelling charge, which is attached to the base of the projectile, is divided into parts, consisting of an ignition cartridge and the required number of propellent increments. In earlier design the ignition cartridge consisted of a primed shotgun shell containing a charge of propelling powder. As currently manufactured, the ignition cartridge and primer are separate elements, the primer being designed to screw into the cartridge container (base end of the projectile) after the ignition cartridge has been inserted. Because it is designed for loading into the mortar as a unit and contains provisions for adjusting the propelling charge, mortar ammunition is classified as semifixed ammunition. The 3-inch mortar and its ammunition are limited standard.
72. Classification.—According to the purpose for which it is intended, mortar ammunition is classified as high explosive, chemical, practice, or training.
a. High explosive shell are used for fragmentation or demolition effect according to the action of the fuze.
b. The chemical fillers currently authorized for use only in 81-mm mortar ammunition are smoke and gas. There is no chemical filler authorized for 60-mm mortar ammunition.
c. Practice shell may have a spotting charge or be inert.
d. Training projectiles are provided for training and practice. They are inert and are designed to be fired more than once. Several propelling charges are supplied with each projectile.
73. Description.—a. General.-—Two general types of ammunition are authorized for use in the 81-mm mortar and 3-inch trench mortar. That originally designed for the 3-inch trench mortar is limited
46
TM 9-1900
73-74
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
standard and is commonly known as 3-inch trench mortar ammunition to distinguish it from the ammunition designed originally for the 81-mm mortar. Under certain restrictions as to use of the full propelling charge (see below), both types of ammunition may be used in either weapon. The 81-mm mortar ammunition is issued as fuzed complete rounds with full (outer zone) propelling charge, whereas the 3-inch trench mortar ammunition is issued as unassembled complete rounds which must be assembled prior to firing. The 60-mm mortar ammunition is issued as fuzed complete rounds, similar to the 81-mm mortar ammunition.
b. 81-mm mortar ammunition.—Because of its stabilizing fins, this ammunition (fig. 17), even though fired from a smooth-bore mortar, is stable in flight and strikes nose first. A point-detonating type of fuze is fitted to the nose of the shell. The propelling charge, consisting of an ignition cartridge and propellent increments, is attached to the base end of the projectile. The increments are removable to provide for zone firing. When fired in the mortar, trench, 3-inch, Mk. IA2, the full (outer zone) propelling charge will be reduced as prescribed in the firing table.
c. 3-inch trench mortar ammunition.—This ammunition, which is limited standard (fig. 17). has no stabilizing fins, and because it is fired in a smooth-bore mortar which imparts no rotation to the projectile, is unstable in flight and may strike the target in any position— nose first, base first, or on its side. Hence it requires a fuze which will function regardless of the position of the projectile at the instant of impact. Such a fuze, known as the “Allways,” is provided for assembly to the nose of the shell. The propelling charge, consisting of an ignition cartridge and propellent increments in the form of powder rings, must be attached to the base of the projectile prior to firing. The full (outer zone) propelling charge of this ammunition may be used when fired either in the mortar, 81-mm, Ml, or mortar, trench, 3-inch. Mk. IA2.
d. 60-mm mortar ammunition.—Except for size, this ammunition is of the same general design as the 81-mm mortar ammunition. A typical round is shown in figure 17.
74. Care and precautions in handling.—General precautions given in chapters 1 and 3 will be observed. In addition the following will be complied with:
a. Complete rounds, being fuzed, will be handled with clue care at all times. The explosive elements in primers and fuzes are particularly sensitive to shock and high temperature.
b. Just before firing and at no other time, the safety (cotter) pin will be withdrawn from the fuze.
47
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
-----YELLOW------
(MARKING IN BLACK)
9.54 MAX;
RA PD 399i
A-CALIBER OF MORTAR
B-TYPE OF FILLER
C-MODEL OF SHELL
D-AMMUNITION LOT NUMBER
48
© @
X—' j 00 "'b
'pTwTl /Pn-i
-1 RA PD 3992
„ J. __________________wu
I । I® ^~T - -
il ° ° nT • i—k
K°.’® M 5 i-zeo o/ AX
a a=-,2
■*-----------YELLOW (MARKING IN BLACK)-*-
-----------------2359 MAXr--------------
RA PD 3993
- ? W, , '
L—Io/ BpT
!___>■---—~ ~1 cj —
L-Uli cl________________cn S |{ __
F-----------YELLOW (MARKING IN BLACK)-*
-----------------22.89 MAX.-------------
RA PD 3994
fTFfl-----------------------------K
pjl iFb Jy
H-------YELLOW (MARKING IN BLACK)-
L-----------16.56 MAX------*1 RA FSD 448
Figure 17.—Types of mortar shell.
TM 9-1900
74-76
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
c. When firing, the round is inserted into the mortar, cartridge end first. When the shell is released to slide down the barrel, the hands should be promptly removed from the muzzle.
d. Duds should not be handled or moved. They should be destroyed as described in chapter 4.
75. Packing and marking.—a. Packing.—Ammunition of current design for 60-mm and 81-mm mortars is packed as assembled complete rounds, each in an individual fiber container and these, in turn, in bundle packings; 18 rounds of 60-mm shell per bundle, and 3 or 6 rounds of 81-mm shell, depending upon the weight. Ammunition of earlier design for 3-inch trench mortars is packed as unassembled complete rounds, 3 per box, with one extra propelling charge.
b. Marking.—In addition to the painting which identifies the ammunition as to type, the following information is stenciled on the projectiles:
(1) Caliber and type of mortar in which fired.
(2) Kind of filler.
(3) Model of shell.
(4) Ammunition lot number.
c. Further information will be found in chapters 1 and 3 and in FM 23-85 and 23-90.
Section V
ARTILLERY AMMUNITION
Paragraph
General________________________________________________________________ 76
Classification--------------------------------------------------------- 77
Identification____________________________________—-------------------- 78
Projectiles___________________________________________________________ 79
Fuzes__________________________________________________________________ 86
Adapters and boosters-------------------------------------------------- 81
Propelling charges----------------------------------------------------- 82
Cannon primers--------------------------------------------------------- 83
Igniters_______________________________________________________________ 84
Blank ammunition------------------------------------------------------- 85
Care and precautions in handling--------------------------------------- 86
Packing and marking---------------------------------------------------- 87
76. General.—a. Complete round.—The term “artillery ammunition” includes ammunition used in cannon of all calibers. It includes complete rounds and components thereof. The complete round comprises all of the components necessary to fire the cannon once. These components are, in general, the fuzed projectile, the propelling charge, and the primer. Depending upon both the type of propelling charge and the method of loading into the cannon, complete rounds of artillery ammunition are known as fixed, semifixed, or separate loading.
463962°- -42-
49
TM 9-1900
76-78
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
b. Fixed ammunition.—Complete rounds in which the propelling charge is fixed, that is, not adjustable, and which are loaded into the cannon as a unit, are known as “fixed” ammunition (fig. 18). As usually designed, the propelling charge is assembled loosely in the cartridge case, which is crimped rigidly to the projectile. The primer is fitted in the base of the cartridge case.
c. Semifixed ammunition.—Complete rounds in which provision is made for adjusting the propelling change to the zone to be fired and which, like fixed ammunition, are loaded into the cannon as a unit, are known as semifixed ammunition (fig. 18). In the usual design of this type of ammunition, the propelling charge is divided into parts known as increments. Each such part of the charge is assembled in a bag. The full charge is assembled in the cartridge case in the base of which is the primer. The neck of the cartridge case is a free fit over the base of the projectile, hence, when it is necessary to adjust the propelling charge, the projectile is readily lifted from the cartridge case. After the unnecessary increments have been removed, the projectile is reassembled to the cartridge case and the round is loaded into the cannon as in the case of fixed ammunition.
d. Separate loading ammunition.—Complete rounds in which the separate components—projectile, propelling charge, and primer—are loaded into the cannon separately are known as “separate loading” ammunition (fig. 18). Although the propelling charge may be in one section, it is usually divided into parts with each part assembled in a bag. While rather uncommon in our service, the propelling charge may be contained in a cartridge case instead of bag, but in such instance the cartridge case is not fitted to the projectile, but is loaded into the cannon separately.
77. Classification.—Artillery ammunition is classified according to use as service, practice, blank, or drill. It is also classified according to filler as explosive, chemical, or inert.
a. Service ammunition is that which is fired for effect. It may be high explosive or armor-piercing (shell), low explosive (shrapnel), chemical (gas or smoke), or inert (canister and smaller caliber of armor-piercing shot).
b. Practice ammunition has a propelling charge but the projectile may contain a low explosive spotting charge or may be inert.
c. Blank ammunition is provided in small and medium calibers for such purposes as saluting and simulated fire. It contains no projectile.
d. Drill ammunition is provided for practice in loading and handling. It is inert.
78. Identification.—In common with other types, artillery am
50
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL 78-79
munition is identified by painting, marking, and the accompanying ammunition data card. Further information will be found in paragraphs 7 and 87.
79. Projectiles.—a. General.—Although differing in characteristic details, all ai'tillery projectiles are of the same general shape, that is, they have a cylindrical body and an ogival head. The principal characteristic differences are—
(1) Location of fuzes—point or base.
(2) Radius of ogive—smaller for low, larger for high velocity projectiles.
(3) Rotating band—narrow for low, wide for high velocity.
(4) Base—“boat-tailed” or “square base.”
(5) Armor-piercing cap—used only with armor-piercing projectiles.
(6) Windshield or false ogive—where required for improved ballistics.
b. Components.—A projectile with principal parts named is shown in figure 20. These parts are described below.
(1) Ogive.—The curved portion of the-projectile from the bourrelet to the point is called the ogive. The radius of the ogive is generally expressed in calibers, a caliber being the diameter of the bore of the gun. The radius of the ogive influences the flight of the projectile and in present designs generally varies from 6 to 11 calibers radius.
(2) Bourrelet.—The bourrelet is the accurately machined part, of slightly larger diameter, at the forward end of the body, which bears on the lands of the bore. The clearance between the diameter of the bourrelet and the bore diameter of a new cannon varies with the caliber from 0.005 inch for a 37-mm projectile to 0.020 inch for a 16-inch projectile.
(3) Body—While applicable to the entire projectile, the term body is used to designate the cylindrical portion of the projectile between the bourrelet and the rotating band. It is machined to a smaller diameter than the bourrelet to reduce the surface in contact with the lands of the bore. Only the bourrelet and rotating band bear on the lands.
(4) Rotating band.—MT^ rotating band is a cylindrical ring of copper or gilding metal, pressed into a groove near the base of the projectile. As the projectile moves forward in the bore, the rotating band is engraved by the rifling, and causes the rotation of the projectile necessary to maintain stability in flight. In addition, by completely filling the grooves, the band prevents the escape of gases past the projectile.
(5) “Square base” and “boat-tailed.’’—When the surface to the rear
51
TM 9-1900
79
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
of the rotating band is cylindrical, the projectile is described as having a “square base”; when tapered or conical, it is known as “boat-tailed.”
(6) Base plug.—To facilitate manufacture, armor-piercing projectiles are designed to be closed at the base end with a heavy steel plug. The base plug also provides a seat for the fuze and fuze plug.
(7) Base cover.—Projectiles containing a high explosive filler are provided with a base cover (fig. 22)—a thin metal disk covering the base of the shell—to prevent the hot gases of the propelling charge from coming in contact with the explosive filler through joints or possible flaws in the metal of the base.
(8) Armor-piercing cap.—The armor-piercing cap is of forged alloy steel, heat-treated to have a hard face and relatively soft core. On impact, the hardened face of the cap destroys the hardened surface of the armor plate while the softer core of the cap protects the hardened point of the projectile by distributing the impact stresses over a large area of the head.
(9) Windshield.—The windshield, made of steel or aluminum, is secured to the cap or head of the projectile to give improved ballistics.
(10) Location of fuze.—High explosive shell, designed for blast, fragmentation, or mining effect against unprotected targets, require a point-detonating fuze either of superquick or delay action. Armor-piercing shell, designed for use against protected targets, must first penetrate the protective armor, then explode, hence require base-detonating fuzes either of delay or nondelay action.
(11) Tracer.—For observation of fire, some shell are equipped with a tracer. In some models, the tracer is used to ignite the filler and destroy the shell in case the shell misses the target.
c. Types of projectiles.—Classified according to type, projectiles are known as high explosive, armor-piercing, chemical, shrapnel, canister, target practice (including subcaliber), and drill.
(1) High explosive shell (HE).—These projectiles (fig. 21), are made of steel and contain a relatively large charge of high explosive filler. They are fitted with a base cover and usually designed for a point-detonating fuze.
(2) Armor-piercing projectile (AB).—This type of projectile is designed to penetrate armor plate and may or may not have an explosive filler. An armor-piercing cap is fitted over the ogive and a windshield over the cap. Those AP projectiles containing an explosive charge have thick walls and a relatively small amount of explosive filler. The base of explosive projectiles is closed by a base plug into which the fuze is fitted and the whole covered by a base cover.
(3) Chemical shell.—Chemical shell, in general, are similar to high explosive shell, differing principally in the manner of assembling the
52
TM 9-1900
79-80
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
adapter and burster-well, which must be gastight to prevent leakage of the chemical filler. In some designs this was accomplished by tapered pipe threads, while in other designs these parts are assembled with straight threads or force-fit, and welded. A typical chemical shell is shown in figure 23.
(4) Shrapnel.—Shrapnel (this type is shown in section in fig. 24) is designed to function in flight and is therefore equipped with a time fuze. The functioning of the fuze at a predetermined point along the trajectory ignites a black powder charge in the base. This charge projects the filler of metallic balls forward in a cone of dispersion, without rupturing the case. Although some shrapnel are still in service, they are almost entirely superseded by high explosive shell.
(5) Canister.—A canister consists of a light metal case, filled with steel balls, containing no explosive charge. It breaks upon leaving the muzzle of the cannon, allowing the balls to scatter.
(6) Target-practice projectiles.— {a} Cast-iron shot and sand-loaded shell, of the same size, shape, and weight as service shell, are provided for target practice. Some models contain a smoke-puff charge and others are inert. (See fig. 25.)
(6) Subcaliber ammunition is fixed ammunition with special projectiles provided for training in elevating, traversing, and sighting the piece to which the subcaliber equipment pertains. Its advantage lies in the fact that it is more economical and may be used in relatively congested areas.
(7) Drill projectiles.—Inert projectiles and complete rounds for training are known as dummy or drill ammunition. They are used for training and practice in handling shell and in the service of the piece. A typical drill projectile is illustrated in figure 26.
80. Fuzes.—a. General.—A fuze is a mechanical device used with a projectile to explode it at the time and under the circumstances desired. (See figs. 27, 28, 29, and 30.)
~b. Types.— (1) Fuzes are classified according to position on the projectile as “point” or “base.”
(2) Fuzes are further classified as time, impact, or a combination of both. Time fuzes contain a graduated time element in the form of a compressed black powder train or a mechanism similar to a watch, which may be set to a predetermined time, prior to firing. Impact fuzes function on impact with the target. If the fuze is designed to function on impact with a very light materiel target, such as an airplane wing, it is called “supersensitive.”
(3) Impact fuzes are further classified as superquick and delay, depending upon their quickness of action.
Note.—The terms “superquick” and “delay” are used in reference to the action at the instant of impact, whereas “time” refers to time after the instant of firing.
53
TM 9-1900
80-82
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
(4) Depending upon the mechanism of arming, certain fuzes are considered “bore-safe,” that is, the explosive train is so interrupted that, even if the more sensitive elements should function prematurely, the projectile cannot explode until after it leaves the muzzle of the cannon.
c. Arming.—In general, all artillery fuzes are in an unarmed condition prior to firing although in a strict sense time fuzes are always armed despite the mechanical restraint which prevents initiation of time action. Fuzes of the impact type are usually armed by centrifugal force acting on parts of the fuze after the projectile leaves the muzzle. The time element of time fuzes is initiated at the instant of firing by “set-back” (see app. I). To prevent accidental arming during handling and shipping, safety devices such as a safety wire or cotter pin are used when required. Such safety devices are to be removed prior to firing.
81. Adapters and boosters.—a. Adapters.—An adapter is a steel bushing fitted to the nose of a shell and threaded to receive the fuze.
b. Boosters.—The term “booster” is applied to one of the explosive elements in the bursting charge explosive train. It consists essentially of the booster explosive in a metal case. In some designs the booster is a part of the shell loading assembly, in others it is assembled to the fuze as shipped. Tetryl is the most commonly used booster explosive. The corresponding explosive element in chemical shell which opens the shell and disperses the chemical agent is called a “burster.”
c. Adapter-boosters.—When a booster is assembled to an adapter, the combination is known as an adapter-booster. In general, adapters and boosters are components assembled to the shell or fuze at the time of manufacture and are not shipped separately for assembly in the field.
82. Propelling charges.—a. General.—In general, propelling charges (figs. 18 and 32) consist of a charge of smokeless (NH or FNH) powder, with an igniter charge of black powder, assembled in a suitable container. The powders used as propellants are described in section III, chapter I. The nature of the container depends upon the design of the ammunition. In the case of small-arms and fixed ammunition, the cartridge case, crimped rigidly to the bullet or projectile, serves as the container for the charge, which is assembled loosely therein. In semifixed artillery ammunition, the charge, being divided into parts or increments for zone firing, is assembled with each increment in a cloth bag. The full charge, with all increments in proper order, is assembled in the cartridge case which, for this kind of ammunition, is a free fit over the end of the projectile. In semifixed mortar ammunition, the increments, consisting of bundles of sheet powder, are nested between the blades of the fins. The ignition
54
TM 9-1900
82
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
cartridge contains the igniter charge. In small-arms ammunition, the fire from the primer is adequate to ignite properly the small grains of the propellant, hence an igniter is not required. In fixed and semifixed ammunition, the igniter charge of black powder is contained in the outer end of the artillery primer which is fitted into the base of the cartridge case. In separate loading ammunition the propellant and the igniter are assembled in cloth bags. Depending upon the design of such charges, they are known as single section or multisection charges (fig. 32). Multisection charges are subdivided into “base and increment,” “equal section,” and “unequal section” types. Separate loading propelling charges, which are shipped and stored in cartridge storage cases (fig. 39), are further described below.
b. Single section charge.—In this type of charge (fig. 32), the propellent powder is contained in a single bag, tightly laced to give the charge rigidity. The igniting charge is divided into three parts, each in its own bag—two end pads and a core which extends axially through the center of the charge and connects the igniter pads sewed to each end.
c. Base and increment charge.—Charges of this type (fig. 32) have a base section and one or more increments. The increments may be of equal or unequal weights, but usually weigh less than the base section. With some types, one igniter pad is attached to the base end of the base section only, while other types have a core igniter running through the center of the base and each increment, with an igniter pad at the base end of the base section. Others have, in the base section only, a core igniter connecting an igniter pad on each end.
d. Equal section charge.—This type of charge (fig. 32) is also known as an “aliquot part charge.” As the name implies, these charges are divided into a given number of equal sections. In those designs in which the igniter pad is separate, tying straps are provided for attaching the igniter to the propellent charge, In other designs the igniting charge is divided into parts, having an igniter pad at the base end of each section. In other types there is a longitudinal core igniter connecting with an igniter pad on each end of each section.
e. Dummy charge.—Dummy charges, simulating service charges, are provided for use with drill projectiles for the purpose of training personnel in the service of the piece.
f. Cartridge bags.—Silk has been found to be the most satisfactory material for cartridge bags, although wool, mohair, or cotton may serve as a substitute for lower grades of silk.
g. Color.— (1) In cases where two types of propelling charges are designed for one cannon—one for inner, the other for outer zones of fire—the cloth of the bags for the inner zone is dyed green to distin
55
TM 9-1900
82-83 AMMUNITION, GENERAL
guish that charge from the other type which is assembled in undyed (white) bags.
(2) Bags of current manufacture used for the igniter charge are dyed red to indicate the presence of the black powder igniter. Those of earlier manufacture (undyed) are marked “IGNITER.”
83. Cannon primers.—a. General.—A cannon primer, commonly called a “primer,” is the component used to initiate the ignition of the propelling charge. Although made in various forms, it consists essentially of a small quantity of sensitive explosive and a larger quantity of black powder, encased in a metal container. The method of firing the sensitive explosive element and the quantity of black powder used depend upon the design of the propelling charge (fig. 35). In the case of fixed and semifixed ammunition, the primer (fig. 18) is in the form of a tube having a slightly enlarged head which is forced into the base of the cartridge case. In the case of separate loading ammunition, the primer is designed for insertion into the breechblock and is fired by percussion, friction, or an electric current. Based on the method of firing, cannon primers are classed as—
Percussion.
Friction.
Electric.
Combination percussion-electric.
Igniting.
b. Percussion primer.—This type of primer (fig. 36), designed to be fired by a blow of the firing pin, is generally used with all artillery ammunition except that for harbor defense and railway artillery. The primers used in cartridge cases contain sufficient black powder to ignite properly the smokeless powder in the cartridge case. Those used with separate loading propelling charges contain only enough black powder to ignite the black powder igniter attached to the propelling charge.
c. Friction primer.—This type of primer (fig. 36) is fired by the heat generated when a serrated plug is pulled through an explosive composition sensitive to heat or friction. At the present time it is used as a substitute for the electric primer in the event of failure of electric power.
d. Electric primer,.—This type of primer (fig. 36) is fired by the heat generated when an electric current passes through a resistance wire embedded in a sensitive explosive composition. It is used only in harbor defense and railway artillery. Although both the friction and electric primers are very similar, the electric primer is distinguished by black insulation around the wire.
e. Combination percussion-electric primer.—This primer (fig. 36)
56
TM 9-1900
83-86
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
is designed to be fired either electrically or by a blow of the firing pin. It is used only in certain harbor defense and railway artillery.
f. Igniting primer.—This type of primer, although very similar to the percussion type, differs therefrom in that it contains an inert cap with a hole in it, in lieu of the percussion element. It is intended for use in certain subcaliber ammunition which is designed to be fired by a service primer. The flame from the service primer passes through the hole in the cap of the igniting primer, thus igniting the black powder charge in the igniting primer.
84. Igniters.—In the propelling charge explosive train, the igniter is the explosive (black powder) which intensifies the spit from the primer composition to the end that the propellent powder is ignited properly. The term “igniter” is more commonly used in referring to the igniter charge in the form of “pads” or “cores” attached to, or used with, separate loading propelling charges. The bags of such pads or cores of later manufacture are made of red cloth to distinguish them from the bags containing the propellent powder. (See figs. 33 and 34 and par. 82.) Prior to packing in a cartridge storage case, a cloth or paper “igniter protector cap” is placed over the igniter ends of separate loading propelling charges for protection during shipment and storage. Igniter protector caps must be removed prior to loading the charge into the cannon.
85. Blank ammunition.—a. General.—Blank ammunition is provided for cannon of caliber up to and including 105 mm, for practice purposes, for maneuvers, for firing the morning and evening gun, and for saluting. The regulations governing use of blank ammunition may be found in AR 210—10, AR 600—25, AR 600—30, and section II, Circular No. 213, War Department, 1941.
b. Complete round.—The complete round of blank ammunition consists of a cartridge case with primer, a charge of black powder, a felt wad, and a closing cup sealed in the mouth of the case. The cartridge case is usually made by trimming the service cartridge case to a suitable length. A typical round of blank ammunition is illustrated in figure 37.
86. Care and precautions in handling.—a. In addition to the precautions prescribed in chapter 3, the following will be observed:
b. Ammunition, especially the rotating bands and cartridge cases, will be protected from such damage as would affect their serviceability. A damaged rotating band will affect the flight characteristics of the projectile; a dented cartridge case may jam in the chamber.
c. The seals of airtight containers will not be broken until the ammunition is to be used, except as required for inspection.
d. Components containing sensitive explosives such as fuzes,
57
TM 9-1900
86-87 AMMUNITION, GENERAL
primers, and detonators will be protected from undue shock and high temperature.
e. No attempt will be made to disassemble fuzes in the field without specific instructions from the Chief of Ordnance.
87. Packing and marking.—a. Packing.—Except for calibers smaller than 75 mm, which are packed in a metal-lined box, fixed and semifixed ammunition is packed as assembled complete rounds in individual fiber or metal containers which are bundled or boxed (fig. 40). Separate loading ammunition is packed separately as follows:
(1) Unfuzed high explosive projectiles—with grommet to protect the rotating band, and eyebolt lifting plugs (fig. 23).
(2) Projectiles such as armor-piercing, having a windshield or false ogive—in a crate or box (fig. 41).
(3) Separate loading propelling charges—in airtight metal cartridge storage cases (fig. 39).
(4) Primers—in sealed metal or moisture-resistant containers and these, in turn, in metal-lined boxes (fig. 42).
(5) Fuzes with or without boosters—in individual waterproof or moisture-resistant containers and these, in turn, in wooden or metal-lined boxes.
&. Marking.—Artillery ammunition, in common with other types, is identified by the painting and marking and the accompanying ammunition data card (par. 8). The basic color scheme—yellow, high explosive; red, low explosive; gray, chemical; blue, practice; black, drill—applies also to artillery ammunition. However, there are now on hand target practice projectiles of larger caliber which have been painted black. It is contemplated that when replacement or repainting is required, they will be painted blue in agreement with the basic color scheme. Armor-piercing projectiles which contain a high explosive filler are painted yellow; those too small to have a high explosive filler and fuze are painted black. The marking on the projectile includes—
Caliber and type of cannon in which fired.
Kind of filler (TNT, WP smoke, etc.).
Mark or model of projectile.
Weight zone marking.
Lot number.
Similar information is marked on other components. For examples of typical markings see figures 19, 23, 31, and 38. Further information will be found in the Technical Manuals and Field Manuals pertinent to the particular type and caliber of ammunition and weapon.
58
59
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
©-CARTRIDGE CASE ©-PRIMER © — FUZE ©-PROJECTILE
©-GROMMET ©- PROPELLING CHARGE
©-LIFTING PLUG ©-ROTATING BAND
©-BURSTING CHARGE
(7) (D ® ®> ® ® (p®® ®
III j CARTRIDGE^SECRIMPED L—^REE^^TV^e7pR0JECTILE
TO PROJECTILE ® AND CARTRIDGE CASE
FIXED-A SEMIFIXED.—B
® ® ® ®
SEPARATE LOADING-C
RA PD 3996
Figure 18.- Types of artillery ammunition.
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
INSTRUCTION CARD
To set fuze for superquick action.—Turn the setting sleeve so that the screw driver slot is in line with "S. Q.” stamped on the ogive.
To set fuze for delay action.-—Turn the setting sleeve so that the screw driver slot is in line with “Delay" stamped on the ogive.
To prepare the round for zone firing.— To fire the round in the highest zone, no change is required. To fire the round in a zone other than the highest, remove the projectile from the cartridge case; invert the cartridge case so that the increments will fall out. Break the twine and remove the increments marked with higher numbers than the zone in which the round is to be fired. Replace the remaining increments in the cartridge case so that the bags and loose ends of the twine are well down in the case. Replace the projectile in the cartridge case. NOTE: SEE DATA ON REVERSE SIDE OF CARD.
RA PD 4015-B
® Reverse.
Figure 19.—Ammunition data card.
AMMUNITION DATA CARD
Kind: Round. Complete. Shell. H. E.. Ml (with M48 P. D. Fuze) for Amm. Lot No. 3319-12
Howitzer. 105 mm.. M2 ^rd No. 95-4
Complete Round Dwg. 75-1-75. P. R. 6-24-40 PXS-612 (Rev. 2) Quantity in Lot
Assembled by Picatinny Arsenal Dale: Fel>- 1941
Expected muzzle Velocity 1550 F. S. Pressure 27.700 lbs. per sq. in.
Wt. of Propelling Charge 46 ozs. Projectile weight 33 lbs. as fired, approx.. Zone xx.
Contract No. Ord. 3319 P. A. E. O. 1297
Wt. Chg. Total ' Muzzle
By Zone Wt. Chg. Velocity Pressure
Zone Ozs. Ozs.
1 10.9 10.9 650
2 2.0 12.9 710
3 2.4 15.3 780
4 3.4 18.7 875
5 5.4 24 1 1020
(i 8.5 32.6 1235
7 13 4 46.0 1550 27.700
Packed: 2 per box.
Remarks-
COMPONENTS
Data Citrig. Case Primer Perc. Powder Projectile Filler Fuze Booster
Kind M14 M1BIA1 Smk.. FNH H.E. 105mm. TNT P. D. M48 M20
Ml Ml Flaked
Manuf. F. A. P. A. duPont F. A. duPont P. A. P. A.
Lot No 3319-1 2916-54 X-4304 3311-6 2438 3319-4 3319-1
Year Mfg. 1940 1940 1941 1940 1940
Date Filled 1941 1941
Method Zone Charge Cast
Dwg. No 71-2-101 74-2-32 75-4-75 73-2-140 73-2-112
Rev Date 3-7-35 8-6-38 3-20-39 5-23-39 P. R. 4-16-40
Certified to by: J. Johns Jr., Inspector
Note: See Instructions on Reverse Side of Card.
RA PD 4OI5-A
@ Obverse.
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
Cl
— BASE COVER r—BURSTING CHARGE WINDSHIELD —
BASE PLUG <—ARMOR-PIERCING CAP
.-ROTATING BAND pSTEEL SHELL
I I Z —
■ I NiifX-y' IIIWI n,,-,- I " Al W '
—fuze ^—bourrelet
Figure 20.—Armor-piercing projectile. RA PD 4034
---CARTRIDGE CASE LOT NUMBER WEIGHT ZONE MARKING-— MODEL OF SHELL CALIBER AND TYPE OF CANNON -
r-AMMUNITION LOT NUMBER AND LOADER’S INITIALS KIND OF FILLER
rCALIBER OF CANNON AND MODEL OF CARTRIDGE CASE MODEL OF SHELL
SBMvU ‘ -
rn r~ w jg ft
U-[SHE Lt^jy M42: > ....... I JLL, ,r7.3fc ■—■ I ,w» . --I»4 1-^fM
—VaflHfcjJ ...„ .... .. . ........- 4 i?s****r'*
J I
YELLOW (MARKING IN BLACK) ---4
I*------------------------------------ 32.07 MAX. —------------------------ J
-MANUFACTURER’S INITIALS AND YEAR OF MANUFACTURE RA PD 4026
Figure 21.—Antiaircraft 3-inch high explosive projectile.
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
62
/CBASE 0F y/
/ // /\— DISC —\\//
k cover-^^CV^T:^^ y
------- STRIP, CALKING-------'
BEFORE ASSEMBLY AFTER ASSEMBLY
RA PD 4312
Figure 22.—Base cover detail.
WEIGHT ZONE MARKING —
CALIBER AND TYPE OF CANNON -i
LOT NUMBER-
MODEL OF SHELL-t
KIND OF FILLER-i
YELLOW BAND -j I
I ¥ . - - ■ ' r-nr»i
i
cr • .... J?
e ^stv, j f _________ ( iLJj
— GRAY—J ® U----------GRAY (MARKING IN YELLOW)----------*
------------- ■ ---=--26.81 MAX.----------------- ■
RA FSD 1294
Figure 23.—Chemical shell.
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
B0DY 45 SEC. COMB. FUZE —
— DIAPHRAGM INNER TUBE —
r—MATRIX HEAD —
MATRIX COVER —
BOURRELET -1
14"::" I rfB: . 'jar
1
4 . 'VV
I■I * ' . . /' 4 r > ; ■B ' Igf ■:, . .J|3|t \ "' ' Z
LEAD BALL—' L-FLASH TUBE
— POWDER TUBE CUP WASHER—1
— BLACK POWDER TEAR-OFF STRIP —
— ROTATING BAND WATERPROOF COVER —
RA PD 4035
Figure 24.—Shrapnel.
63
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
rCALIBER OF CANNON AND MODEL OF CARTRIDGE CASE WEIGHT ZONE MARKING-]
^AMMUNITION LOT NUMBER AND LOADER'S INITIALS KIND OF FILLER-]
MODEL OF SHELL-1 CALIBER AND TYPE OF CANNON-,
LOT NUMBER-, TYPE OF SHELL—]
* MODEL OF SHELL—।
J
y ■bbbbbbhhbbbbhbbbhbb^^^™
. L--- BLUE-----J
^-MANUFACTURER'S INITIALS (MARKING IN WHITE)
AND YEAR OF **---------- ----------------45.31 MAX;--------------------------
MANUFACTURE RA FSD 1305
Figure 25.—Practice shell.
64
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
TM 9-1900
RECESS, EXTRACTOR
rho r-------------------------------ett...........
• I I I1K
I I W
J
i ■"
LrinG, SLIDING RA PD 4313
FIGURE 26.—Dummy shell.
LOT NUMBER--- --------TYPE AND MODEL OF FUZE
LOADER'S INITIALS---- ----------MANUFACTURER'S INITIALS
MONTH AND YEAR LOADED— WHITE—7
~3-r /
h H1 <► v ' L/
*------2.65 MAX;----
<------------------5.66 MAX.----------------H
RA FSD 1277
Figure 27.—Fuze, point-detonating. M46.
/---STAMPED ON REVERSE SIDE—
/ LOT NUMBER,YEAR OF MANUFACTURE, / NUMBER AND REVISION OF DRAWING.
/ / MANUFACTURER'S INITIALS AND ' MODEL OF FUZE.
■*—8~ RA FSD 1281
*-----------2.88 MAX.------
Figure 28.—Fuze, time, 45-second, M1907M.
463962°—42-5 65
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
66
LOT NUMBER------- --------TYPE AND MODEL OF FUZE
LOADER'S INITIALS-----1 ------MANUFACTURER'S INITIALS
MONTH AND YEAR LOADED—---------------------------BLACK-y
> ' **8 /
*------2.65 MAX.------*i
k--------—-----------5.66 MAX.--------------------I
RA FSD 1278
Figure 29.—Fuze, point-detonating, M47.
STAMPED ON REVERSE SIDE-
LOADERS LOT NUMBER /----TYPE AND MODEL OF FUZE
LOADER’S INITIALS, AND /
MONTH AND YEAR LOADED ----------------SETTING SLEEVE
81 MAX. ----• r*--------
------------ 4.55 MAX.--------------*
RA PD 3990
Figure 30.—Fuze, point-detonating, M48.
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
UZE
LS
UZE
(-MODEL OF SHELL CALIBER AND TYPE OF CANNON-
[-AMMUNITION LOT NUMBER AND LOADER'S INITIALS KIND OF FILLER-i
pCALIBER OF CANNON AND MODEL OF CARTRIDGE CASE .
MODEL OF SHELL—।
ZONE (p (p <3> - <4) WEIGHT ZONE MARKING—[
*"“1 **•
" NUMBER L-----YELLOW (MARKING IN BLACK)--
/ L-------------------------------------23.5 MAX:-— ..—---—----------------- ------*
MANUFACTURER'S INITIALS AND YEAR OF MANUFACTURE RA FSD 1301
Figure 31.—Semifixed ammunition.
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
68
----------------—--48.5-------------------------*1 ©-IGNITER-BLACK POWDER 1^------ ----------------------©-LOOSE GRAINS OF SMOKELESS
©—I POWDER
_ —- - - - - - - -r—jT-~ a WA ~ A ~ A ~ A ~A~ ~A~ ~A~ ~A~ A~ A' A AAWi © " STACKED GRAINS OF SMOKELESS
powder
I CHARGE, 8" G. MODEL 1888 .—@ ©-BASE SECTION
O' r \ PDR.-P.A. LOT X.Y. (FOR 8"G) J
X__________________________________________-____' ©-INCREMENT SECTION
^G) SINGLE SECTION ©"TYING STRAP
_____ __________________________ ©-IGNITER CORE
i i 1/2 CHG j lf^I 1/2 CHG _]_ J
I^J___—_____Z__ZZIijs :____________________________—u
Y W WeY. EQUAL SECTION (STACKED TYPE)
ft—^nr—^in—G-m-WWrrWnugi •---------------------(fj ---irn'm rm * m -n
/7--ffl-m---m--m—m— /icharge mi •—©
n r m mi nt ii h (A)—f 'I----W—W-WL
VV \ i_ ___________ CHARGE Ml_______________ _
V (ij. ,ij (ij )ii ' O
g. jll- —uu —in-, -in—w—J BASE AND increment SECTION
UNEQUAL SECTION MULTI-SECTION RA PD 3995A
Figure 32.—Propellent charges.
TM 9-1900
69
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
ZONE NUMBER MARKED ON TOP OF INCREMENT—7
ZONES 1--------2-3-4—5 /
-y- ‘
L*----10. MIN., 11. MAX: *“! PSD 1275
Figure 33.—Propellant, green bag, M1A1.
ZONE NUMBER MARKED ON TOP OF INCREMENT-
ZONES--------5----------6—I
. 1----—7
fb -y 4
■'..9;. «p < | * )
* . t •• W vWW
!;.x I
k----10. MIN.. 11. MAX:-J RA FSD 1276
Figure 34.—Propellant, white bag, M2.
— LOADER’S INITIALS. LOT NUMBER AND YEAR OF LOADING
-PLUG, FIRING PLUG, BODY —
rCUP, PRIMER CHARGE, PRIMER-i
pCHARGE,PERCUSSION ELEMENT r—ANVIL TUBE, PAPER—। p-BODY
rr—r■ 1....::: .i:::::: x i—r g
-MODEL OF PRIMER RA PD 4027
Figure 35.—Typical primer.
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
A-PRIMER, PERCUSSION, 21-GRAIN, MK.2AI
B-PRIMER, COMBINATION ELECTRIC AND
PERCUSSION, MK.XV-MOD. I
C-PRIMER, FRICTION, M 1914
D-PRIMER, ELECTRIC, M30
E-PRIMER, PERCUSSION, 100-GRAIN, MIBIAI
F-PRIMER, PERCUSSION, M22A2
B
D
RA PD 4314
Figure 36.—Artillery primers.
70
c
A
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
71
MOISTUREPROOF CELLOPHANE ----- ---------- WAD
PELLET -------------- r- CUP, CLOSING
d nHnKfiH^V i’S
; Unj>t
---------• ° ° °_° ° I ;ny
vl BIhBHhBhBB I j'ly
................. . .......................
-PRIMER CASE, CARTRIDGE ----* RA PD 4029
Figure 37.—Double pellet blank ammunition.
....... ............-.... ...............-..............—!
./ AMMUNITION BATA TAS
Picatinny Arsenal, K. J. —~—— -----------—1040
Corms JU. Ori. Z477 P. A. E. 0. ISM
I Cbu-g« Prspdlfag, M2 (Wto Bag) Ur 15S w»., Howiew, MIM?, M3917AI «s#l M’,918.
P. A. FSH Weiim W«, MS, A A. tat X-3998 si 1939. Nel W 7 Us,. X5.8 Oaaaaa.
WaigW far: ;. ......ttecM by:„....
® letter: Amy Slaci P«w P. *■ H Mt B^.Uf ' ' ’■ '
*
I HOnm Z. Tmw
.-:• '5 31
I £ CMdW'WT. 382 wfl KB V F«B
I1 »2.9 CO.IT. L
a ; tel
POWES
. cannon
f m^;ms I ‘|$g . £
w o r|x ,7
f ' -
N 3 S I
S ■ »s
® ' • t • r I : f It
I j
1-
1
Figure 39.—Cartridge storage case and charge.
RA PD 4315
72
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
TM 9-1900
Br SEALING STRIP-YELLOW (MARKING IN BLACK)
K HP
U ’h
NT
tea M41A
Illi "W •' '
Hk- -Wl 3 ■■
■ S ft f
II
. z ■ I I I IB
g. j J _J wll1 I |
Figure 40.—Bundle packing. RA PD 4316
73
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
x^l RA PD 4038
Figure 41.—Wooden packing crate.
-* ■'■-■■ ^Ba
.i'iE' _ A1/ <£■ .^SeM
^c-U <7^ «p> ■" - F? . «
<5$^ ’ r jS^' .'A' »•§< #-«,“ . • » s<.\ i<«6 \
.v.
. w ■ -. • y
- • u /'at. ' * •*•;, | • /
-;• ’a
--'■>,■/■ ^y-JSlh, ' x
"’• ;‘’’W‘ t’’’-*’ 8 ” i /
*?'•■ ' ’'-^4-\^' '• ' 5.75 MAX.
/•' T ’ //
^W»T // RA PD 4317
Figure 42.—Primer packing can.
74
TM 9-1900
88
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
Section VI
BOMBS
Paragraph
General__________________________________________________-r____________ 88
Classification and identification------------------------------------- 89
Demolition bombs_______________________________________________________ 9b
Armor-piercing bombs--------------------------------------------------- 91
Fragmentation bombs-------------------------------------------------- 92
Chemical bombs------------------------------------------------------- 93
Practice bombs------------------------------------------------------- 94
Drill bombs______.---------------------- ------------------------— 95
Fuzes__________________________________________________________________ 96
Care and precautions in handling-------------------------------------- 97
Packihg and marking---------------------------------------------------- 98
88. General.—a. Bombs are missiles designed for release from airplanes. For reasons of safety they are usually stored and shipped as separate components. For use in the field they are issued as unassembled complete rounds which must be assembled prior to use. (See also par. 98 and ch. 3.) While the components of bombs differ, depending on the particular type and model, in general they consist of—
(1 ) The unfuzed bomb, with or without fin assembly.
(2 ) The fuze or fuzes.
(3 ) The fin assembly (for smaller bombs, assembled to bomb as shipped).
(4 ) The arming wire assembly.
These components for a complete round demolition bomb are shown in figure 45.
b. Bombs are installed in airplanes by means of suspension lugs on the side or tail of the bomb. Bombs of 100 pounds and heavier have two suspension lugs on the side of the body arranged for horizontal suspension of the bomb. Smaller bombs have one lug on the side and another on the tail end, thereby permitting the bomb to be installed either in a horizontal or vertical bomb rack.
c. The functioning of bombs is dependent primarily upon the action of the fuze fitted thereto—superquick, delay, or time. The terms superquick and delay are used in reference to the action at the instant of impact, whereas time refers to time after release.
d. Bomb fuzes are prevented from arming or functioning by means of an arming wire which is normally removed by the bomb s release from the airplane. When it is necessary to remove the arming wire to unfuze a bomb, instructions attached to the fuze will be carefully followed. Provision is made for releasing the bomb from the air
75
TM 9-1900
88-91
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
plane without removing the arming wire from the fuze when it is desired that the bomb should land without functioning.
e. A brief description of the several types of bombs is included in the following paragraphs. For complete details of the various types and models, see TM 9-1980.
89. Classification and identification.—a. Depending upon the kind of filler, bombs may be classified according to purpose as demolition, fragmentation, or practice. Practice bombs are provided for training and marksmanship; they may have a low explosive spotting charge or they may be inert. Drill bombs, which are inert, provide for training and assembling (fuzing) and handling the complete round.
b. Bombs, in common with other types of ammunition, are identified by the painting, marking, and the accompanying ammunition data card. With one exception, the same basic color scheme which identifies all ammunition as to kind of filler (par. 8) is used for bombs. The marking on the bomb identifies it as to type, weight, model, filler, lot number, loading plant, and date loaded. Representative markings are shown in figures 47 and 48.
90. Demolition bombs.—a. These bombs are designed for the destruction or demolition of materiel targets, the destructive effect being produced chiefly by the violence of the detonation, although fragments may cause additional damage, particularly when the detonation occurs above ground. The walls of such bombs are relatively thin and the explosive filler is almost 50 percent of the total weight of the bomb. A blast effect is obtained by using a fuze designed for superquick action; a mining effect, by a delay action fuze. Standard demolition bombs are made in sizes ranging from 100 to 4,000 pounds and are designed to use both nose and tail fuze (fig. 43). Except for the 100-pound size, the fins are shipped separately (fig. 47). The bodies of demolition bombs of current design are cylindrical; those of earlier design were streamlined. Figure 44 shows a typical demolition bomb as a complete round; figure 45 shows the bomb as shipped but with packings removed; figure 46 shows the packing crate.
b. General purpose bombs are demolition bombs modified for use by all arms and services.
91. Armor-piercing bombs.—These are designed for piercing the armor of warships and other similarly armored targets and concrete protective targets. They are of heavier construction than demolition bombs and contain a relatively smaller percentage of explosive filler. They are designed for tail fuzes of the time delay type.
76
TM 9-1900
92-94
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
92. Fragmentation bombs.—a. Fragmentation bombs are designed for use against personnel and light materiel targets such as motor transport and airplanes, the principal destructive effect being produced by fragments of the bomb body projected at high velocity, the fragments weighing 0.2 to 0.3 ounces each. Bombs weighing 20 to 30 pounds and having relatively thick walls produce the most effective fragments. The explosive filler weighs approximately 15 percent of the total weight of the bomb. Tail fins are used to stabilize the flight of all bombs except those used for special purposes such as low altitude bombing, in which case a parachute is used to retard the flight of the bomb until the airplane has cleared the danger area. Fragmentation bombs are designed for nose fuze only. Fragmentation bombs are packed as unassembled complete rounds in wooden boxes, metal crates, or bundle packings. Typical fragmentation bombs are shown in figure 48.
b. Small fragmentation and incendiary bombs are assembled in clusters (fig. 49) for more effective use and for ease in handling and dropping. Cluster adapters support the individual bombs and in turn are hung on the large size bomb racks. The cluster is dropped from the airplane as a unit. The arming wire acts to release the bombs from the adapter, either by mechanical means directly or by firing a cartridge which causes their release.
93. Chemical bombs.—Bombs containing chemical agents which produce a toxic or an irritating physiological effect, a screening smoke, an incendiary action, or any combination of these, are termed chemical bombs. They are known as gas, smoke, or incendiary, depending upon the principal effect. The force necessary to open the bomb body and properly disperse the chemical agent is provided by an explosive element called a burster. As the body need serve only as a container for the chemical agent, the walls are very thin and the proportion of filler to total weight is very large. Chemical bombs are authorized in 4-, 30-, and 100-pound sizes. Fuze action is superquick to prevent the waste of any of the charge by its being carried underground. Chemical bombs are packed finned, but without fuze and burster, in wooden boxes. A typical chemical bomb is shown in figure 50.
94. Practice bombs.—Practice bombs are provided for training in marksmanship. They may be sand loaded at point of use and they may contain a low explosive spotting charge which for some uses, such as against water targets, may be omitted. Such bombs are designed to simulate corresponding service bombs of the fragmentation and demolition types. A typical practice bomb, one which simulates the demolition type, is shown in figure 51.
77
TM 9-1900
95-98 AMMUNITION, GENERAL
95. Drill bombs.—Drill bombs are provided for training in assembling (fuzing) and handling operations. They are the same size and shape as standard demolition bombs, ranging in weight from 100 to 2,000 pounds. All components are inert.
96. Fuzes.—a. Types.—Bomb fuzes are classified according to method of arming as—
(1) Arming-vane type.
(2) Arming-vane type with mechanical delay.
(3) Arming-pin type.
(4) Arming-pin type with time delay.
(5) Time.
b. Location.—Any of these types may be designed for use in the nose or the tail of the bomb.
97. Care and precautions in handling.—Bombs and components will be handled as specified in chapter 3. In addition, the following will be observed:
a. Primers and detonators will be handled with the greatest care at all times. Special care will be taken to see that primer-detonator and fuze cavities are free from all foreign material prior to assembling these components to a bomb.
b. Prior to assembling and handling service bombs, personnel should be trained in such drill and practice with drill bombs and inert components as will insure safe and proper assembly.
c. Due care will be exercised to see that the section of arming wire protruding beyond the fuze is smooth and straight, as kinks or burs may cause a hung bomb.
98. Packing and marking.—a. Packing.—(1) All bombs are shipped and stored unfuzed. The nose and tail fuze openings are closed with shipping plugs which will not be removed except when the bomb is being inspected or the complete round is being assembled.
(2) In general, bombs weighing 100 pounds or less are shipped as an unassembled complete round in one package. Bombs weighing 300 pounds or more are shipped in two packages; one, the loaded bomb body with shipping bands, the other containing the fin assembly and other components required for the round.
b. Marking.— (1) Wherever appropriate, the color scheme used for painting the bombs described in paragraphs 8 and 89 is used on the packing boxes or crates. All information for identification and directions for shipping are marked on containers for bombs and components and on the bomb bodies when no container is used.
(2) A list of all separate components required for the complete round is stenciled on the shipping container in which these components are ordinarily packed. It is usual, however, to store these
78
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
TM 9-1900
98
components separately and, when’ such is the case, the word WITHOUT is stenciled above the list of components on the shipping container. When the separate components are packed with their respective bomb or fin assembly for shipment, the word WITHOUT is painted out and a card, listing the components as packed, is inserted in the accessory tray, tube, or box.
79
7 U1 ?
/ V p—V "1 / (7
oi | \
U> > 1_!L
4 01 / / -
01 / / \
W am f
« I 0OOO O OOOO ' L
v v v v \Z) vL.. 100-LB. MK.IM E 100-LB. M30 300-LB MK IM H 500-LB. M43 20Q0-LB. MK. IM Hl 2000-LB. M34
Figure 43.—Types of demolition bombs.
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
80
•---------OLIVE DRAB (MARKING IN BLACK)-*
^YELLOW BAND r YELLOW BANDS -y 7 8.18 MAX: *
/ O / \ |
/ J V-- / " \ / o o o o o o -Z—UPj—X,
**■ n CT/'—/Z'W'Z n
—— CENTER OF GRAVITY APPROX. 14.
■»—-----■.------- 38.46 MAX.----------—J RA FSD 4I2A
Figure 44.—Bomb, demolition, 100-pound, complete round.
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
TM 9-1900
463962°—42---6
81
I 2tk° <9 ueFI
FUZE LESS VANE
VANE WIRE,ARMING, ASSEMBLY FUZE, BOMB, AN-MIOOAI (TAIL)
FUZE, BOMB, AN-MI03 (NOSE)
---------OLIVE DRAB (MARKING IN BLACK)-M I--8.18 MAX:—-
r-Q-,_ _______/ yx—2______° ° ° ° °
iP s.....................r6Z=
YELLOW BAN DS\/ YELLOW BAND^ \ \jS/
CENTER OF GRAVITY APPROX. 14.
----------------36.48 MAX;---------*
BOMB, GENERAL PURPOSE, 100’LB., AN-M3O, UNFUZED RA FSD 4)|A
IOMI _C«Nt«Al. FU«H»t 100-U COMKWIHTi. COMHITI »OUM0
Figure 45.—Bomb, demolition, 100-pound, components, complete round.
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
V'~-—■ -■ .a ^a7^///S\ S*^A/J/
. Z Z x\ A-- ZZ Z/ Z ZZAZ>^ Z Z Z^
Z Z- /—- \ /A A/A ^A ''-zZrZCZZZ Z: ZZ
METHOD OF ^A A SSS A /ZZ/ rZ-^ ZZZZZSZZAzZ
SEALING BOMB ^A A / ZZZA ZZZ\
IN CRATE Z^ M Z ZtZzZZ / CZ A A^AaA^ATA
a^^^a /¥aa/'/^t\a/__________TaA-^aXa^^\A^K/aA \ Y^AA
AAAaS^ATA^A AAAA /AA/AaT«^-^ \ \ / / AU ---—AAA
A AlApAAA A>A^AwA / z/>aAaSa/' r\ ' ' A/SAA^AS—zr /
^Ca Xa^
aa^^TtAa' I ^AaaAA ADDRESS AND b. // ZAP]
Z4 WAT SaA SHIPPING TICKET NUMBER U-OfL;'., Z//AA Vot^cx A AoEA (MAY BE OMITTED ON /ZZz
^AF/\ A.|! t H IF
/ dS idcnffl ra 53* °3* So g t o
i 3S3B ^8 < 0 H 8 a •
V°2^O3 ox00 Cljf *v
r-,< cr Z I z «
tz^CJ I < t£ < I
C3E 2 -1 P -> I JI
OT Is T \
_• o I
3 tr I
nUjUr SHIPPING
TICKET NUMBER
MONTH AND YEAR LOADED-1 CONSIGNOR—। ----CONSIGNEE
CONSIGNOR-
CONSIGNEE-
GROSS
WEIGHT----s 1 ' f ■ M
' I J
VOLUME.-—5h.
^Sssfet'G ’ 1
SHIPPING TICKET NUMBER-'
NOTE: CONSIGNOR. CONSIGNEE, AND SHIPPING TICKET NUMBER MAY BE OMITTED ON CARLOAD SHIPMENTS
RA PD 425A
Figure 47.—Bomb, demolition, 1,000-pound (as shipped).
83
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
84
YELLOW /-YELLOW
A--q»--(MARKING IN^BLACK)-Z--------------- OLIVE DRAB -——————-
LrATl Zgg jh-f 435
I O 2 • • z L-] L-J ?••:? -® D T fA' MAX
H G-CC F 00 I- L_ r-n :':••.■•.■• _ ft
g fl L*- M o "-n ft?’-. J- /
—S- k-.'-'.e cn . l-j ••••••• «
s -*___________ hsr ■_____________• || |y______,
— CENTER OF GRAVITY -•<
#_______________________—----------- 31.26 MAX.--------------------------
RA FSD 997A
® Bomb, fragmentation, 23-pound.
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
NOTE:
FOR VERTICAL SUSPENSION, ASSEMBLE
ONE FIN BLADE IN LINE WITH SUSPENSION
LUG, ON BOMB BODY AS SHOWN.
FOR HORIZONTAL SUSPENSION, ASSEMBLE
FIN BLADES AT 45° TO SUSPENSION LUG
ON BOMB BODY.
YELLOW w z-YELLOW R—3.64 MAX.—
\ OLIVE DRAB /
" x T----(MARKING IN BLACK)-----•uA*---------OLIVE DRAB-----------H
/--------------•------ JJ
J O Sm Zhn I—
u -j-o-tes o -ijh \ /
s _____________CM______________EJ I /
CENTER OF GRAVITY | \_____________________
APPROX. 6.05r
---------------------------------- 22.6 MAX.--------------------------------- RA FSD I0I8A
® Bomb, fragmentation, 20-pound.
Figure 48.
■85
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
86
—--------------14.8 8---------------T'-------------14.03 — _ __
। .Us——y-jhn ®
wTII I ]7© am! [z© —("Vt7
M 1 7__________________-z§) M L
___________________________________________________________—52. MAX.-------------------------------------------------------------”
~___________—----------------------------------------YELLOW (MARKING IN BLACK)---------------------------------------------------RA PD 5306
Figure 49.—Fragmentation bomb cluster.
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
|J BURSTER, M3 RA. LOT _________________________LI
|—I'j' ~ |j
FUZE, BOMB, MI08 (NOSE) WIRE, ARMING, ASSEMBLY
--------------------- GRAY (MARKING IN GREEN) * GREEN BANDS -a-----------------------------------------
_________ /\______O_______________/
< (J) /
di - m i Z
\ o ZE \
tn______----------------------------------
I----- CENTER OF GRAVITY APPROX. 14.-N------------------
--------—---------------- 30.7 MAX. ------------------ -RA FSD I006B
Figure 50.—Bomb, gas, persistent, HS, 30-pound.
BURSTER, ASSEMBLY, M3
87
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION.
GENERAL
88
-*-------------- OLIVE DRAB (MARKING IN BLACK)-►
q I—-8. MAX:-*-
/-BLUE BAND I
A-———w g~T 1
A (j CO - ~ \ \
£ T- OQ (*J £ 2 // X\
I 12 s cg «nj JcZfyX
1 s s s a ggaj kvL/x
n g \ ° \cL’red \'''-. P //
-<—CENTER OF GRAVITY APPROX. 18.->J \_BLUE BAND_' '-'
-*---------------------47.5 MAX;---------------RA FSD 436A
Figure 51.—Bomb, practice, 100-pound.
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL 99-102
Section VII
PYROTECHNICS Paragraph General____________________________________________________________ 99
Classification----------------------------------------------------- 100
Pyrotechnic compositions___________________________________________101
Visibility of pyrotechnic signals----------------------------------102
Flares_____________________________________________________________ 103
Photoflash bombs___________________________________________________104
Aircraft signals---------------------------------------------------105
Drift signals_____________________________________________________ 106
Ground signals-----------------------------------------------------107
Very signal lights-------------------------------------------------108
Care and precautions in handling-----------------------------------109
Packing and marking-------------------------------------------------HO
99. General.—Military pyrotechnics (fig. 52) are designed to produce a brilliant light for purposes of illumination, or colored lights or smokes for signaling. Some types are projected from, or used on, the ground; others are released or projected from airplanes.
100. Classification.—a. According to use, pyrotechnics may be classified as—
Ground—for use from the ground.
Aircraft—for use from aircraft.
b. A further grouping according to purpose is—
Signals or lights—for signaling.
Flares or photoflash bombs—for illumination.
c. Any of the above types, when provided with a parachute, is known as a parachute type.
101. Pyrotechnic compositions.—a. A pyrotechnic composition is a physical mixture of chemical elements and compounds which produces illumination ranging from the “dark fire” used as elements of blinker signals to the brilliant flash used in night photography.
b. Pyrotechnics generally function by means of an igniter train analogous to the explosive train. It is initiated by a primer mixture, intensified by a “first-fire compound” which properly ignites the luminous candle.
c. Standard pyrotechnic composition, in general, consists of chlorates to provide oxygen for burning; aluminum or magnesium for fuel; barium, copper, and strontium salts for color; and a binding and waterproofing agent such as asphalt or paraffin.
102. Visibility of pyrotechnic signals.—While the distance at which pyrotechnic signals are visible and distinguishable varies with candlepower, color, and weather conditions, the following data may
89
TM 9-1900
102-103
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
serve as a basis for use. Probable distances at which signals are distinguishable under average weather conditions:
Type of signal Approximate candlepower Distinguishability (miles)
Day Night
White star parachute Red star cluster 35, 000 18, 000 2. 5 7 to 10
Red star parachute Red chain parachute 10, 000 1, 500 1 0. 6 2
Note.—Signals may be visible, but not distinguishable, at greater distances. The visibility of colors in clear air is approximately as follows: green, 1; white, 1.1; amber, 1.4; red, 2.8.
103. Flares.—a. General.—Flares (fig. 52) are used for illumination of terrain during night operations involving reconnaissance, bombardment, photography, and landing.
I). Reconnaissance 'flare.— I he flare, aircraft, parachute, M9, shown in figure 55, was developed to satisfy the requirement for a small parachute flare for reconnaissance work. It is fired from the pistol, pyrotechnic, M2, and functions approximately 2% seconds after firing. The candle burns for one minute, producing a light of 60.000 candlepower.
c. Night bombing flares.— (1) The flare, aircraft, parachute, M24. shown in figure 58, is used for night bombing. It is a parachute type provided with shade to protect the bombardier from the glare of the burning candle, lhe candle burns for 3% minutes, producing a yellowish light of 800,000 candlepower. The flare is designed for installation in standard horizontal bomb racks, and may be released either “armed” or “safe.” If released “safe,” the flare may function on impact. When released “armed,” the flare becomes fully ignited 5 seconds after release.
(2) The flare, aircraft, parachute, M26, shown in figure 56, is stabilized with fins and fitted with a mechanical time fuze adjustable for settings from 15 to 90 seconds. It is designed to function at a predetermined time after release, depending upon the setting of the time fuze. Functioning of the fuze projects the candle, shade, and parachute from the case. The candle ignites when the parachute opens, and burns for 3% minutes, producing approximately 800.000 candlepower. It contains an asbestos shade which supports the flare and shields the bombardier from the glare. It is designed for night bombardment and may be installed only in a horizontal rack in the airplane. It may be released either “armed” or “safe”; if released “safe,” the flare may function on impact.
90
TM 9-1900
103-105
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
d. Emergency landing -flare.—The flare, aircraft, parachute, M8A1, shown in figure 53, is intended for use in emergency landing. The flare furnishes a yellowish-white light of approximately 350,000 candlepower, and burns for approximately 3 minutes. It is designed for installation in either a vertical or horizontal rack in the airplane, and may be released either “armed” or “safe.” If released “safe,” the flare may function on impact. When released armed, the flare becomes fully ignited approximately 5 seconds after release.
e. Airport flare.—The flare, airport, M13, illustrated in figure 54, is designed for lighting airfields in emergencies, should the floodlighting system fail. It is ignited by means of a quick pull on the lanyard. The flare produces illumination in excess of 40,000 candlepower for 3 minutes.
104. Photoflash bombs.—The bomb, photoflash, M23, illustrated in figure 57, is designed to produce a brilliant light of short duration for night photography. It is equipped for installation in aircraft in standard horizontal or vertical flare racks. It functions approximately 15 seconds after release to produce a flash of 150,000,000 candlepower for 0.16 second. It may be dropped armed or safe but, if dropped safe, may function on impact.
105. Aircraft signals.—a. Aircraft signals and the pistol from which they are fired are illustrated in figure 59. The signal is contained in a signal case with an expelling charge. The signal case in turn is contained in a “barrel” with a propelling charge. When the pistol is fired, the propelling charge, in addition to projecting the signal case ignites a fuze. After 2.5 seconds the fuze ignites the expelling charge, which in turn expels the signal and ignites the pyrotechnic composition.
b. The signals currently authorized for use are—
(1) Signal, aircraft, red star, parachute, Mil.
(2) Signal, aircraft, red star cluster, M14.
(3) Signal, aircraft, white star, blinker, parachute, M15.
(4) Signal, aircraft, green star, blinker, M16.
(5) Signal, aircraft, double star, red-red, AN-M28.
(6) Signal, aircraft, double star, yellow-yellow, AN-M29.
(7) Signal, aircraft, double star, green-green, AN-M30.
(8) Signal, aircraft, double star, reel-yellow, AN-M31.
(9) Signal, aircraft, double star, red-green, AN-M32.
(10) Signal, aircraft, double star, green-yellow, AN-M33.
(11) Signal, aircraft, single star, red, AN-M34.
(12) Signal, aircraft, single star, green, AN-M36.
(13) Signal, aircraft, single star, yellow, AN-M35.
(14) Signal, aircraft, white star, parachute, MIO (limited standard).
91
TM 9-1900
105-108
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
c. Aircraft signals are identified by the color and marking on the identification top (outer wad).
106. Drift signals.—a. Drift signals are used as an aid in navigation for aircraft flying over water. They are small bomb-shaped signals with stabilizing fins. They are dropped by hand over the side of the airplane.
b. Signal, drift. M25 (fig. 62) is designed to function 3 seconds after impact with water. While floating, it emits a flame accompanied by a column of smoke. It is used for both day and night navigation.
c. Signal, drift, day, AN-Mk. 1, is a light paper shell filled with a metallic powder. It bursts upon impact with water and leaves a slick on the surface.
d. Signal, drift, night, AN-Mk. 4, functions after impact with water. While it floats, it burns out of the tail, emitting flame and some smoke.
107. Ground signals.—a. Ground signals are designed to be fired from the projector, pyrotechnic, M1A1, M3, or M4. The signals are equipped with tails and fin assemblies to provide stability in flight. They are fired from the projector, tail upward. They reverse at approximately 100 feet and rise to an altitude of approximately 600 feet before the signal is ignited and ejected from the case. The projector. pyrotechnic, M1A1, which is fired by use of a lanyard, is for use with the high burst ranging signal. The M3 and.M4 projectors are fired by striking the projector smartly on the ground. This drives the signal primer against a fixed firing pin.
b. The signals currently authorized are as follows:
(1) Signal, ground, amber star cluster, M22.
(2) Signal, ground, amber star, parachute, M21.
(3) Signal, ground, green star cluster. M20.
(4) Signal, ground, green star, parachute, M19.
(5) Signal, ground, white star cluster, M18.
(6) Signal, ground, white star, parachute, M17.
(7) Signal, ground, high burst ranging, M27.
c. Limited standard signals are—
(1) Signal, ground, red chain, parachute, M7.
(2) Signal, ground, red star cluster, M6.
(3) Signal, ground, white star, parachute, M5.
d. Standard ground signals are identified by the color and marking on the fin. Limited standard ground signals are identified by the color and marking on the identification top (outer wad).
108. Very signal lights.—These are the plain cartridge type of ground signal fired from a pistol (fig. 61). They contain a primer, expelling charge, quick match, and illuminant charge. The color of the signal, red, white, or green, is indicated by the form and color of
92
TM 9-1900
108-110
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
the top wad of the cartridge. The signals burn for approximately 5 seconds.
109. Care and precautions in handling.—a. Storage.—Pyrotechnics should be protected against moisture. Containers which show signs of dampness or moisture will be carefully examined, and if there is any evidence of moisture on the pyrotechnics they will be destroyed. Pyrotechnics should be handled with care and protected against shock; the boxes should not be dropped or thrown. They should not be stored with other kinds of ammunition. Photoflash bombs which have become damaged in handling or storage should be destroyed in accordance with the provisions of chapter 4. They will not be disassembled under any circumstances.
b. Flares.—For information concerning the serviceable life of flares and disposition of overage flares, see OFSB 3-9.
c. Toxicity.—Pyrotechnic material is poisonous to men and animals if taken internally.
d. Recoil.—Both hands should be used to hold the pistol when discharging the flare, aircraft, parachute, M9, because of the powerful recoil.
e. Fires.—The incendiary effect of pyrotechnic material should be kept in mind in using such material in the vicinity of dry brush and grass.
f. Duds.—During maneuvers over terrain other than military reservations the location of dud flares and photoflash bombs will be observed. The duds will be sought out and destroyed as soon as possible.
110. Packing and marking.—a. Packing.—Pyrotechnics are packed in metal-lined or unlined, nailed or wire-bound wooden boxes. Those in unlined boxes are packed in inner containers consisting of sealed corrugated-board cartons, cylindrical fiber containers, or metal containers. The cartons are dipped in paraffin to protect the contents from moisture. The containers are labeled or marked to show the type or kind, lot number, quantity, and limiting date for use, if any.
b. Painting and marking.—Pyrotechnics are marked in such a way as to provide positive identification for all purposes. Each item is marked to show the type or kind, lot number, and limiting date for use, if any.
93
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
±-----------"°------- J_ -r --------------------------------- I I
' '7-n III* --
o s
G www
। >
F ’ 11
,A IMBMI
B
rn c
===== I
B CIO = ■ = -=_- _ ■:_ ■ ■
— GROUND— ---------’--------------------------AIRCRAFT-------------------------------------
RA PD 4000A
■36.95 MAX.
Figure 52.—Types of pyrotechnics.
94
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
GRAY
25.42 MAX.
RA PD 4007
Figure 53.—Flare, aircraft, parachute, M8A1.
GRAY (MARKING IN BLACK)
23.1 MAX.
RA PD 4004A
Figure 54.—Flare, airport, M13.
ALUMINUM (MARKING IN BLACK)
13.8 MAX.
RA PD 4006A
Figure 55.—Flare, aircraft, parachute, M9.
95
-----------------------------------50. MAX.----------------------------------->i
<-----------------------GRAY (MARKING IN BLACK) -------------------------
__________________4A~'"' M --------1 ~~~~ '_"■ -■..-•.-r-ft r—.,--—y—. , . - va . — .j... ;..PJ'W™WI *W"RP .
■ '.r ! FLARE. AIRCRAFT. I I i‘ i
..
H® Illi * i ' • J . ' •J'wUy’
RA PD 4504
Figure 56.—Flare, aircraft, parachute, M26.
|-*-------------------GRAY (MARKING IN BLACK)—-------------
'< ................? T -- F**!!*^^ /^~^\
. Fl"” s . r.fh nl . u
L*------------------------ 25.40 MAX.----------------------J RA PD 3997A
Figure 57.—Bomb, photoflash, M23A1.
96
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
GRAY (MARKING IN BLACK)
HIHMM■HMHHHHHHH9MHH
I hHH OillM *■ Uy-bb • I
f MM[|| I
FLARE. AIRCRAFT, aft. PARACHUTE, M24 M . ■ MB IBS H
,-U . < ■
Q " ■ H-*' H ’ d
—------------------------ 36.95 MAX -------------- 1 - ---
RA PD 4005A
Figure 58.—Flare, aircraft, parachute, M24.
463962°—42---7
97
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
IDENTIFICATION TOP FOR: COLOR IDENTIFICATION TOP FOR: COLOR
A-SIGNAL, AIRCRAFT, PARACHUTE, RED STAR, Mil RED F-SIGNAL, AIRCRAFT, DOUBLE-STAR, AN-M29 YELLOW-YELLOW
B—SIGNAL, AIRCRAFT, SINGLE-STAR, AN-M34 RED G—SIGNAL, AIRCRAFT, DOUBLE-STAR, AN-M30 GR^EEN-GREEN
C-SIGNAL, AIRCRAFT, SINGLE-STAR, AN-M35 YELLOW H —SIGNAL, AIRCRAFT, DOUBLE-STAR, AN-M31 RED-YELLOW
D-SIGNAL, AIRCRAFT, SINGLE-STAR, AN-M36 GREEN l-SIGNAL, AIRCRAFT, DOUBLE-STAR, AN-M32 RED-GREEN
E—SIGNAL, AIRCRAFT, DOUBLE-STAR. AN-M2S RED-RED J —SIGNAL, AIRCRAFT, DOUBLE-STAR. AN-M33 GREEN-YELLOW
X-ALUMINUM (MARKING IN BLACK)
r x~ n
U.--------7 69 MAX--------*- ,
• | ------ •• • .
a ® Mik
p X *1 COLOR OF TRIANGLES TO CORRESPOND ' * *1
|-3 02 MAX—►(WITH COLOR OF IDENTIFICATION TOPS *—3 02 MAX—*| W
RED-—REDt^.- GREEN^a ..
rw r\ /Fx Gtk
■w/>c » I If OMwig IK IMXlilll1 till >J
W W x-/ W WJ W W5
^YELLOW ' VGREEN VYELLOW
RA PD 4002A
Figure 59.—Aircraft signals and pistol.
98
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
Figure 60.—Ground signals and projector.
99
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
L..j!Mi .......@ J® Wk
_ ■ ^Ifcr ■ >
i'asyB^MSTi imy- T
RED GREEN WHITE
F—243—j 1
S © '> dj
H H 4
COLOR OF WRAPPER
CORRESPONDS WITH
COLOR OF SIGNAL—1 RA PD 4003A
Figure 61.—Very signals and pistol.
loo
TH 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
GRAY (MARKING IN BLACK)
.. . • • ■
11............................... SIGNAL, ORIFXIBS ^.. JB
*------------------------------------------ 16. MAX.---------------------------------*
RA PD 4008A
Figure 62.—Signal, drift, M25.
101
Chapter 3
CARE, HANDLING, AND PRESERVATION
Paragraphs
Section I. General safety precautions___________________111-113
IL Storage___________________J____________________ 114-118
III. Inspection and surveillance___________________119-132
IV. Packing and marking__________________________ 133-139
V. Shipping______________________________________140-144
VI. Precautions for practice firing---------------145-153
VII. Ammunition in harbor defenses____________________ 154
VIII. Ammunition at supply points___________________155-157
Section I
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Paragraph
General precautions_____________________________________________111
Guard protection________________________________________________112
Fire protection_________________________________________________113
111. General precautions.—a. General.—A study of accidents which, have occurred in the handling, shipping, and storage of explosives and ammunition shows that, in practically every instance where the cause could be determined, the accident has been due to circumstances which may be classed as avoidable. Therefore, the following general safety precautions will be strictly enforced.
b. For personnel.—(1) Ammunition should be handled under the direct supervision of an officer or other competent person who understands thoroughly the hazards and risks involved. Persons handling ammunition should be impressed with the fact that their safety as well as that of others depends upon the intelligence and care exercised by themselves and by their fellow workers.
(2) Personnel handling ammunition should not be permitted to tamper with or disassemble any components. Serious accidents may result.
(3) Persons handling ammunition should clean all mud and grit from their shoes before entering the magazine, car, or boat in which there are explosives or ammunition.
c. Safety shoes.—Safety shoes should be worn whenever explosive dust is present, such as at black powder or high explosive loading operations. Safety shoes are shoes without exposed metal plates or nails and without insulating rubber soles.
102
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL 111-112
d. Handling ammunition.— (1) Explosives and ammunition should be handled carefully. Bale hooks will not be used. Containers will not be tumbled, dragged, thrown, or dropped on each other or on the floor.
(2) All tools used when repairing, opening, or closing containers filled with hazardous explosives should be of nonferrous or nonsparking materials.
(3) Explosives and ammunition should not be exposed to moisture or dampness or to the direct rays of the sun for any long period. If it is necessary to leave boxes temporarily outside of magazines or cars, they should be covered with a tarpaulin which is so placed that air can circulate freely through, the pile.
(4) Ammunition will not be reconditioned, renovated, or salvaged within the magazine area unless the sites, buildings, or cars in which work is being done are devoted exclusively to such work and are specifically approved by the commanding officer.
e. Containers.—If explosives spill or sift from a leaky container, all work will be stopped until the explosives have been swept up and removed and any remaining particles or dust have been neutralized with water.
/. Fire precautions.— (1) Matches or other flame-producing devices will not be permitted in any magazine or magazine area except by written permission from the commanding officer. When necessary, permits will be granted to carry safety matches. They will be carried in a closed metal receptacle.
(2 ) Smoking will be absolutely prohibited in any magazine or magazine area, or around cars, wagons, motor trucks, or boats in which there are explosives or ammunition.
(3 ) No portable lights other than approved electric lanterns and flashlights will be used in magazines or around explosives and ammunition in cars, wagons, motor trucks, or boats. Electric lanterns and flashlights approved by the Bureau of Mines or by Underwriters Laboratory for Class 1 Group D locations may be used in lieu of such items approved by the Chief of Ordnance.
(4 ) All electric light and power lines where authorized within buildings containing ammunition and explosives or explosive vapors will be installed in accordance with drawings and specifications approved by the Chief of Ordnance.
112. Guard protection.—a. Magazines and magazine areas in which there are explosives and ammunition should be adequately guarded at all times. Magazine areas should be protected by non-climbable fences and all entrances should be securely locked unless
103
TM 9-1900
112-113
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
guards are stationed at them. Special precautions should be taken to guard areas which are not protected by a suitable fence.
b. Guards and others in charge of explosives and ammunition will be thoroughly instructed as to the hazards due to fire and explosion and the safety precautions to be taken.
c. Guards should be instructed to make a prompt report of the following:
(1) Any unusual occurrence in or near a magazine area.
(2) Grass or forest fires in areas adjacent to the magazine area.
(3) Conditions which are or may become fire hazards, such as long grass, undergrowth, and other vegetation in the vicinity of magazines.
(4) Dangerous practices of personnel working in magazines or explosive areas, such as smoking, unauthorized use of fire equipment, and tampering with ammunition or electrical equipment.
(5) Unlocked magazine doors and shutters, defective telephone and electric wires, and openings in fences.
d. Hunters in the area adjacent to magazines who are discovered using firearms in a manner that may endanger military stores will be warned and, if necessary, reported.
e. Airplanes flying over an explosives area at an altitude of less than 500 feet will be observed for identification and reported.
/. Guards protecting explosives or ammunition will be instructed regarding the danger in firing in the direction of a magazine.
g. Guards will be instructed that their most important duty is to protect explosives and ammunition against fire. Alarms will be given with the greatest possible speed so as to start action instantly, as serious fires and explosions have been avoided by prompt action of firefighting forces. After giving the alarm, guards will exert every effort to hold the fire under control until the fire-fighting forces arrive, except that should a fire occur in a closed magazine, they will not attempt to enter the magazine.
113. Fire protection.—a. General.—Many of the fires involving explosives and ammunition are preventable. It is the duty of all concerned in the handling of explosives and ammunition to study the causes of fires and thoroughly inform themselves of the safety precautions that must be taken to prevent them.
b. Causes of fires.—Fires in magazines and magazine areas in which explosives and ammunition are stored may be due to several causes, of which the following are the most common:
(1) Dry grass, leaves, and underbrush ignited by sparks from locomotives, by smoking, or the careless use of matches and camp fires.
(2) Deteriorated explosives and ammunition. Explosives and ammunition deteriorate in storage. Normally this deterioration oc
104
IM 9-1900
113
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
curs at such a slow rate that most explosives and ammunition remain serviceable for many years. However, under unfavorable storage conditions, explosives and ammunition give off heat so fast that it cannot be dissipated, and it causes the explosive or ammunition to burst into flame. In certain cases where the explosive or ammunition is confined, an explosion or detonation may result.
(3) Repacking, renovation, and salvage operations not properly supervised and conducted in accordance with recognized safety standards. The most common sources of trouble are excessive quantities of powder and loose explosives, accumulation of waste paper, broken boxes, etc., and failure to provide the proper barricades and firebreaks necessary to prevent the spread of fire from one operation to another.
(4) Careless or untrained employees or other persons who violate regulations by smoking, building fires, or striking matches in forbidden areas and buildings, or who tamper with explosives or ammunition, particularly grenades or fuzes.
(5) Failure to understand and carefully observe the safety precautions prescribed in this manual for destroying explosives and ammunition. The most frequent source of trouble is flying fragments which cause grass fires or explode piles of explosives and ammunition awaiting destruction.
(6) Sparks that may be caused by striking iron or steel nails or metal containers with iron or steel tools, or by nails in shoes striking flint, pebbles, sand grains, or nails in the floor. Such sparks, small as they are, have often caused disastrous explosions of black powder or of the dust of other explosives which ignite easily, and are the basis of the requirements in certain places in this manual for tools of brass, copper, or other nonsparking materials; for cleaning mud and dirt from shoes before entering magazines; and for wearing safety shoes (shoes without exposed metal nails or plates).
(7) Static electricity. A considerable charge of electricity may accumulate on smokeless powder and upon the body of an operator during handling operations. When a person so charged approaches powder or explosives, a spark may jump between him and the powder or explosives and ignite them. Personnel engaged in handling operations should go occasionally to the door and touch a suitable ground to remove a possible charge.
(8) Failure to provide proper safeguards for heating appliances, such as torches and furnaces, used in making repairs to magazine roofs and magazines.
(9) Lightning strikes buildings, trees, or other objects in or near explosive areas.
(10) Electric transmission lines blown down or in contact with inflammable materials.
105
TM 9-1900
113
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
(11) Lack of a proper muffler, or the use of a muffler cut-out, on motor vehicles.
c. Special -fire-prevention rules.—Fire prevention is of the utmost importance because of the difficulties encountered in controlling fires involving explosives and ammunition. The special precautions that should be taken to prevent fires are set forth below.
(1) The duties of guards, firemen, military personnel, and others will be so arranged that an adequate fire-fighting force will be available at all times.
(2) Fire drills and inspections will be carefully conducted to insure that fire-fighting forces understand their duties and that fire-fighting equipment functions dependably under actual working conditions. Hose not tested to working pressures frequently bursts when most needed.
(3) To combat grass or forest fires in or near the magazine areas, there will be maintained at suitable locations an adequate supply of gunny sacks, brooms, rakes, hoes, or other similar equipment. This equipment should be regularly inspected and protected against theft or unauthorized use.
(4) When explosives and ammunition are being handled or work is being done in the immediate vicinity of such stores, there should be present ready for immediate use two chemical or other type hand fire extinguishers. It is not required that these be permanently located in a magazine, although this should be done if practicable, but it is required that they be present when employees need them. Many serious fires have been avoided by the prompt use of hand fire extinguishers.
(5) Vegetation in the form of grass, undergrowth, weeds, etc., which is or may become a fire hazard, will be controlled by the use of chemical weed killer or by mowing, plowing, cutting, or, in calm weather and under adequate safeguard, by burning. Burning should not be permitted within the 50-foot space specified in (b) below, and brush, grass, wood, etc., in piles will not be burned within 200 feet of a magazine.
(6) A firebreak at least 50 feet wide and as free as practicable from inflammable material will be maintained around each above-ground magazine. The earth adjacent to and extending over igloo magazines will not be cleared of vegetation other than dry debris. _ Firebreaks around the entire magazine area and at other places within the magazine area, such as along railroad tracks, should be maintained wherever possible.
(7) All locomotives used in or near a magazine will be so equipped
106
TM 9-1900
113
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
or of such a type that the possibility of their setting or communicating a fire is reduced to a minimum.
(8) Water lines should be divided into sections by cut-off valves, and water mains should not be located under railroads or roads used for conveying large quantities of explosives and ammunition, as a detonation of a large quantity of explosives over a water main may cause the loss of all the water in the system. Railroad cars or trucks loaded with explosives or ammunition will not remain over water lines longer than is necessary to pass from one side to the other.
(9) The use of highly inflammable liquids, especially gasoline, for cleaning purposes should be eliminated. Solvent, dry-cleaning (Federal Specifications P-S-661, SNL KI—2a), will be used in all cases in which solvents of this nature are required. It should be remembered, however, that dry-cleaning solvent is also inflammable, differing from gasoline in having a higher flash point. In handling drycleaning solvent, AR 850-20, “Precautions in Handling Gasoline,” should be observed in all cases. This regulation should not be interpreted to forbid the use of carbon tetrachloride, trisodium phosphate, and other noninflammable cleaning agents. Due to the toxicity of vapors from cleaning agents adequate ventilation must be provided.
(10) Parking of automobiles in the immediate vicinity of ammunition or explosives areas should be so controlled as to minimize fire hazards. Fires of either ’ accidental or incendiary origin may, by causing fuel-tank explosions, result in trails of burning fuel carrying the conflagration to adjacent cars -or buildings.
(11) The use of metal tools, fixtures, and equipment which are not grounded should be kept to a minimum.
(12) These rules will be supplemented by such additional rules as the commanding officer deems necessary to secure adequate protection against fires at his establishment.
d. Fire-fighting facilities.—A fire involving explosives or ammunition may result so quickly in an intense conflagration or explosion that means for immediately attacking the first small blaze detected are vitally important, and reliance must often be placed upon hand equipment which can be maintained ready for immediate use. In addition to fire extinguishers, the following types of fire-fighting equipment may be used to good advantage.
(1) Water barrels and buckets placed at each magazine. If this class of fire-fighting equipment is always maintained so that it can be depended upon in case of fire, it is a valuable fire protection. However, in the summertime the barrels must be frequently refilled, and in freezing weather brine must be used. Buckets deteriorate rapidly
107
TM 9-1900
113-114
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
unless they are frequently painted or protected from the weather, and are blown about by windstorms if they are not securely fastened in place by some device which can be released at will.
(2) Sand boxes and buckets, with shovels.
e. Fire-fighting.—General instructions which will be followed in combating any fire involving explosives and ammunition are as follows :
(1) When a guard discovers smoke coming from a closed or locked magazine or other evidence that a magazine is afire, he will give the alarm as quickly as possible. He will fail in his duties if he attempts to go to the burning building and thereby possibly get trapped so that he cannot give the alarm.
(2) When a guard or watchman or other person discovers a grass fire, he will immediately give the alarm. If a box of fixed ammunition catches fire there is usually time to extinguish it, as it takes 10 minutes or more for fire to cause an explosion of fixed ammunition in boxes.
(3) Fire-fighting forces, when they arrive, will attack a grass fire vigorously and endeavor to extinguish it even when it is close to a magazine.
(4) In case a fire has actually gained headway in a magazine, firefighting forces should be directed not to endanger themselves in hopeless efforts to extinguish the fire, but to devote their efforts to saving the adjacent buildings.
(5) Forces engaged in fighting fires involving dangerous explosives and ammunition will always seek such cover as is available and will never unnecessarily expose themselves to the intense heat generated by burning smokeless powder, or to flying fragments from exploding ammunition. Many serious accidents have occurred to personnel running from a fire, while others much nearer to the danger have escaped injury because they were protected by cover which in some cases was very slight, such as a tree, shallow ditch, etc. Fire-fighting equipment must be halted 200 yards from a fire and all available cover used.
Section II
STORAGE
Paragraph
General storage precautions..____________________________________________114
Magazines and magazine areas_____________________________________________115
Quantity-distance classes and tables_____________________________________116
Storage chart—combination storage________________________________________117
Storage of specific types------------------------------------------------118
114. General storage precautions.—a. General storage regulations are contained in AR 700-10. Regulations for ordnance depots
108
TM 9-1900
114
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
and manufacturing plants are contained in the Ordnance Safety Manual (O. O. Form 7224). The regulations and instructions in this manual are for posts, camps, and stations.
b. Explosives and ammunition should be stored in buildings designed, designated, and isolated for the specific purpose. Explosives and ammunition should not be stored in buildings which are used for other purposes, such as basements or attics of barracks, company supply rooms, or general storehouses. When specially constructed magazines are not available, the buildings used must afford good protection against moisture and dampness and have means for adequate ventilation. They must be floored with approved material and may not be heated by open fires or stoves.
c. In these general precautions, the word “magazine” is extended to cover any closed space containing a supply of explosive material and includes such places as a railroad car, the hold of a ship, the body of a motor truck, or a temporary shelter. In matters pertaining to storage, the word “ammunition” when unqualified is restricted to mean fixed, semifixed, and separate loading shell and shrapnel.
d. Boxes, cases, and other containers of ammunition should be clean and dry before being stored. Damaged containers will be repaired or replaced before storing but the repair or change of container will not take place in or within 100 feet of a magazine containing explosives. Powder dust, particles of explosive material from broken containers, will be carefully taken up as soon as spilled. All work will be suspended until this has been done. Ammunition containers should not be opened in a magazine nor should they be stored after having been opened unless they have been closed securely. No nails or tacks will be driven into a container of explosives or ammunition. Cases should be handled with care so as not to split the metal liners. Cases should not be dragged across the floor in magazines as this practice has resulted in starting fires where there was powder dust present.
e. Loose rounds or components will not be kept in a magazine. No empty container, no excess dunnage, no tools, should be permitted to remain in a magazine. No oily rags, paint, turpentine, etc., will be left in a magazine containing ammunition or explosives.
/. Ammunition should be piled by lot number in stable piles which are so arranged that the individual containers are accessible for inspection and offer no obstacle to the free circulation of air. The tops of ammunition piles will be below the level of the eaves to avoid the heated space directly beneath the roof. The bottom layer should be raised off the floor about two inches. Dunnage should be level; if necessary, shims or wedges should be used. Stacks should not be
109
TM 9-1900
114-115 AMMUNITION, GENERAL
so high that ammunition or its containers in the lower layers will be crushed or deformed. Partly filled boxes should be fastened securely, marked, and kept on the top of the pile.
g. Chemical ammunition is stored separately and is so placed that every container may be inspected for leaks and may be easily removed.
h. Doors of magazines should be closed while locomotives or motor trucks are passing or pulling up. They should not be opened again until the locomotive has passed or the truck has passed or stopped and the motor has been turned off. Truck motors should not be started while the magazine door is open.
115. Magazines and magazine areas.—a. Magazines.—Magazines should be designed, constructed, and located with special attention to the class of materials to be stored therein and should comply with the following general requirements :
(1) Magazines should be constructed of materials which, in -the event of an explosion, wifi not form dangerous missiles or firebrands.
(2) Magazines should be fireproof unless the nature of the hazard permits the use of a frame building covered with fire-resistant material such as corrugated sheet asbestos.
(3) Each magazine should be provided with ventilators which should be well screened against sparks.
(4) All doors should be made to fit tightly so as to seal against sparks, dust, and dirt, and should be covered with fire-resistant material.
(5) Magazines should be built on well-drained ground.
(6) Magazines must be located so as to be accessible to adequate transportation facilities.
(7) Magazines must be protected against lightning.
b. New construction.—The Chief of Ordnance has prepared drawings and specifications for magazines. The construction of new buildings or magazines for the storage of explosives and ammunition will be in accordance with such drawings. Lay-out plans for proposed magazine areas and their location on a reservation must be approved by the Chief of Ordnance.
c. Magazine areas.—(1) It is essential that explosives and ammunition be segregated in an area specifically set aside for their exclusive storage. This area need not be large, but it is important that it be segregated from barracks, hospitals, administration buildings, public highways, inhabited buildings, and railroads. Individual magazines must be separated by distances adequate to prevent propagation of an explosion from one to another. Such distances are given in paragraph 116.
(2) A magazine area must be inclosed with a “climb proof” fence
110
TM 9-1900
115
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
and should be posted to show the presence of explosives and to prohibit smoking, trespassing, and hunting.
Caution: As signs are often used for targets, they should not be attached directly to magazines as many explosives may be ignited, exploded, or detonated by penetration of a rifle bullet.
(3) Fences should always be maintained in good condition and a guard stationed at every unlocked gate.
(4) Vegetation should be controlled and leaves, grass, and rubbish removed from the area and burned.
(5) Accumulation of trash, empty boxes, scrap lumber, or any such inflammable material should not be permitted.
(6) A 50-foot firebreak should be established around each aboveground magazine.
(7) Smoking, the carrying of matches, and the use of lights other than approved electric lights are forbidden.
(8) Magazine areas should be laid out with regard to access from more than one direction; roads and tracks should be looped. Water supply should be from a network of mains rather than from a single pipe line in order to insure against an important section being cut off.
(9) Magazines should not be located over important water mains or close enough to important power lines to damage them in case of an explosion.
d. Care and maintenance.—llegidar inspection will be made of each magazine and magazine area to see if repairs are needed and to make sure the safety regulations set forth herein are strictly followed.
(1) Roofs should be maintained in the best possible condition and ventilators screened against sparks. There should be no unprotected openings around the foundation and no cracks in the walls. Doors should be tight and sparkproof.
(2) Interiors of magazines should be clean. Paint, oil, gasoline, waste, rags, and other inflammable material should not be left in magazines.
(3) Floors should be free of grit and such stains as those caused by exuding shell or dynamite. Exudate from shell should be removed by scrubbing with hot water. Exudate or oily stain from dynamite should be removed by scrubbing with a solution of 2 pounds of sodium or potassium sulfite in gallon each of water and wood alcohol.
(4) The 50-foot firebreak should be maintained free from inflammable materials. Fire-fighting equipment such as water barrels and sand boxes should be kept full and ready for use.
(5) Magazines should be kept locked except when opened for necessary operations or inspections.
Ill
TM 9-1900
115-116 AMMUNITION, GENERAL
(6) When open, a magazine should be in the personal care of an officer or other responsible person, other than the nearest sentry.
(7) Keys should be in the care of the responsible officer or noncommissioned officer.
(8) The person in charge of operations should make sure that all doors and shutters are securely locked when leaving the magazine.
(9) A magazine placard, “Storage and Care of Explosives” (O. O. No. 5991), should be posted in every magazine in such position that it will be conspicuous to all personnel working therein.
e. Repairs.— (1) Magazines will be repaired under the direct supervision of a competent person who will decide whether or not the contents of the magazine are to be removed while repairs are made. Under normal conditions, roofs, lightning rods, ventilators, doors, etc., may be repaired and minor repairs to the interior of the magazine may be made without removing the contents. This does not apply to magazines containing high explosives in bulk or black powder.
(2) When magazines are repaired, the general safety regulations set forth will be complied with. In addition, the following special regulations will be observed:
(«) Work will be done by careful, experienced workmen.
(&) Nonsparking tools will be used if practicable.
(c) The floor in the vicinity of the work will be swept and any stains scrubbed with hot water.
( CM CD ro
(XOBddV) o co
-J — z z z * »■ s o
_J X ~o o —> o o I X
UJ z o CD CD 1" r r co s
X cn z z> MM Z z M.M. 3 s z z z z Z Z z 3
e in m m m m m ID o
CD in IO m m in ’co CM o
THE ABOVE TABLE IS BASED ON THE STANDARD MAGAZINE,48 FEET BY 217 TYPICAL METHOD OF PILING
FEET.
THE ABOVE TABLE IS FOR SHELL LOADED WITH T.N.T. OR AMATOL. VVYzV'Z'. rUFl------Ul----——
SHELL LOADED WITH EXPLOSIVE "0" MAY BE PILED IN THE SAME f (Tj)1 F II RtS)
MANNER, BUT AISLE SPACES NEED ONLY BE SUFFICIENT FOR grCri V I A ' ' j>l_______
INSPECTION AND HANDLING. FLAT ' ,VU; /zM, ’' I ‘
THE DISTANCES BETWEEN PILES ARE DESIGNED TO LIMIT EXPLOSIONS JUL I I H©
TO ONE PILE. ^11.11.1 l.lll ANGLE ~>i_
CAUTION:- SEE ORDNANCE SAFETY MANUAL 0.0. FORM 7224 AND ) channel q_____________ ^)| IV FLOOR LINE
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT DRAWING 19-48'12 FOR OTHER ESSENTIAL ELEVATION END VIEW
DETAILS. SEE DRAWING NO 19-48-13 FOR DUNNAGE DETAILS
RA PD 4320
Figure 63.—Piling and storage data for separate loading and unfixed projectiles.
132
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
RA PD 4028
Figure 64.—Method of piling shell.
Section III
INSPECTION AND SURVEILLANCE
Paragraph
Definitions______________________________________________________ 119
Inspection of magazines and magazines areas---------------------- 120
Smokeless powder------------------------------------------------- 121
Fixed and semifixed ammunition and grenades---------------------- 122
Small-arms ammunition-------------------------------------------- 123
Bulk explosives-------------------------------------------------- 124
Separate loading shell------------------------------------------- 125
Bombs---------------------------------------------------------- 126
Fuzes____________________________________________________________ 127
Pyrotechnics_____________________________________________________ 128
133
TM 9-1900
119-121 AMMUNITION, GENERAL
Paragraph
Chemical ammunition____________________________________________________ 329
Inert components_______________________________________________________ 130
Report of unserviceable and defective ammunition_______________________ 131
Publication file_____________________________________________________ 132
119. Definitions.—a. Inspection.—Periodic tests for the purpose of detecting signs of deterioration and determining the condition and serviceability of stocks on hand.
b. Maintenance.—The care taken and work done to keep the ammunition in good condition.
c. Surveillance.—Combination of inspection and maintenance.
d. Grading.—See paragraph 9.
120. Inspection of magazines and magazine areas.—a. Magazines and magazine areas should be inspected once a month to see that all conditions are normal, that neither humidity nor temperature is or has been too high, and that containers are in a satisfactory condition.
b. The following is a summary of conditions that should apply wdien ammunition is inspected:
(1) The location of magazines should conform to the quantitydistance tables in regard to distance from inhabited buildings, from public highways and railroads, and from each other.
(2) The magazine area should be well guarded and protected against fire.
(3) The required firebreaks should be provided and free from rubbish and inflammable material.
(4) The magazines should be well and suitably constructed.
(5) The magazines should be in good repair, dry, and well ventilated.
(6) The interiors of magazines should be clean and neat with stores arranged in orderly piles.
(7) The requirements of the storage chart, paragraph 117, should be met.
(8) The stores should be properly identified by lot number and piled with no more than one lot in each pile.
(9) Boxes should be securely closed.
(10) Loose rounds, damaged containers, empty containers, paint, oil, waste, rags, tools, and other prohibited articles should not be present in the magazine.
(11) All ammunition, explosives, and loaded components (except small-arms ammunition) should be stored in segregated magazines and not in buildings used for other purposes.
(12) Files of pertinent publications should be on hand and up-to-date.
121. Smokeless powder.—a. Smokeless powder in bulk and sep
134
TM 9-1900
121-122
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
arate loading propelling charges should be inspected to see that all containers have lids fastened firmly in place, that containers are airtight and in good condition. They should be examined for evidence of having been subjected to moisture and dampness and, in warm weather and climates, the records of the maximum-minimum thermometer examined. Metal containers of separate loading propelling charges should be air tested. Air testing personnel should be familiar with the odor of decomposing powder and should note carefully the odor from each container as it is opened for air test.
b. When smokeless powder reaches an age at which it may be expected to deteriorate with increased rapidity, each container is inspected at least every 12 months. Methods of inspection and tests to be performed are laid down each year by the Chief of Ordnance and published in OFSB 3-13.
c. During inspection, minor repairs such as tightening lacings and replacing gaskets should be effected.
d. In large magazines, instead of dating each methyl violet test paper individually, a record may be kept in the magazine of the date of inspection. If any lots containing such undated papers are shipped elsewhere, the date of last inspection which normally appears on the test paper will be shown on the shipping ticket.
122. Fixed and semifixed ammunition and grenades.—a. All stocks on hand should be inspected to see that they can be readily identified as to kind and lot number and that the ammunition has not been subjected to moisture and dampness. Boxes should be examined to see that they have not been opened nor individual rounds removed from their sealed containers. Serviceable rounds turned in by troops should be examined to see that they have been properly repacked and sealed. Unserviceable rounds on hand should be examined to see that they are packed in closed boxes and inquiry made to ascertain that they have been reported for disposition.
b. Representative rounds of lots that have been in storage for more than 1 year should be examined as described below.
(1) One round of ammunition will be selected at random from each of three packages representative of each lot. These rounds should be removed from the magazine and disassembled with care. Immediately after the shell is removed from the cartridge case, the odor from the powder will be noted. All instances of the odor of nitrous fumes will be reported.
(2) Pour out the powder into a separate pile for each round and inspect for deteriorated grains. The most common indication of deteriorated grains is the appearance of reddish yellow spots which gradually spread over the grain until the entire grain is the same
135
TM 9-1900
122-123 AMMUNITION, GENERAL
color. This orange-colored section is brittle and friable and has a dull surface. There is another type of deteriorated grain having a reddish, translucent, waxy appearance; however, this type should not be confused with the normal amber-colored grain which is characteristic of some lots of smokeless powder. In general, any charge containing an excess of 1 percent deteriorated grains will have a marked odor of nitrous fumes.
(3) If no deteriorated grains are present, the round will be reassembled.
(4) If deteriorated grains are present, the percentage will be determined and reported independently for each round of the sample. If the percentage is in excess of 1 percent, a similar determination of percentage of deteriorated grains will be made in nine additional rounds.
(5) If the percentage of deteriorated grains does not exceed 1 percent. the round will be reassembled; if over 1 percent the smokeless powder from that round will be destroyed, the primer fired, and the balance of the round shipped to the nearest ordnance depot.
(6) Since it is very difficult to discern deteriorated grains in graphited, FNH. or NH powders, rounds containing such powders will be tested for odor only. If acid odor is detected the round will be disposed of as indicated in (5) above for deterioration above 1 percent.
(7) Semifixed ammunition will be inspected as described above except that, when the charge is contained in bags, the bags only will be inspected for orange or brown spots or total discoloration. Rounds containing bags which are discolored or spotted due to deteriorated smokeless powder will be disposed of as described above for deterioration above 1 percent.
(8) Propelling charges of 3-inch mortar shell will be examined for ability to stand assembly to the shell. The samples taken should be three cans from each lot and, if unsatisfactory, an additional 1 percent of the lot on hand.
(9) Mortar shell and grenades are inspected as in a above except that extreme care is taken to see that all grenades and grenade fuzes are in boxes which are so effectively closed that the articles cannot be easily removed and handled.
(10) A report in duplicate for each lot inspected will be forwarded, through channels, to the Chief of Ordnance.
123. Small-arms ammunition.—TM 9-1990 and OFSB 3-5 should be at hand.
a. An examination should be made to see—
(1) That all ammunition on hand is properly identified.
(2) That box seals have not been broken or liners opened.
136
TM 9-1900
123-125
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
(3) That covers of partly filled boxes are firmly fastened.
(4) That an excessive quantity of grade 3 ammunition has not accumulated.
(5) That grade 3 ammunition has been reported.
(6) That there is no great accumulation of serviceable rounds of ammunition not packed in clips or bandoleers or in the regularly prescribed manner.
(7) That there is no accumulation of otherwise serviceable ammunition not identified by lot number.
b. Ammunition that has been in storage for 1 year should be inspected for corrosion, season cracking, dents, or other defects of the cartridge case and for loose bullets or split tracer bullets.
c. Serious defects should be reported at once and if the number of defective cartridges is greater than 20 percent, the lot should be held for instructions from the Chief of Ordnance.
124. Bulk explosives.—Black powder in bulk, practice bomb and smoke-puff charges, TNT in bulk and blocks, explosive D, and dynamite should be examined to see that the containers are in good condition, that there are no open containers, and that explosives are not sifting from the containers. Black powder containers should be examined for rust and for evidence that containers have been opened in an improper manner, such as by the use of a cold chisel, hatchet, or other unsuitable tool. Dynamite containers should be examined for signs of exudation and other evidence of nitroglycerin on the case or on the floor.
125. Separate loading shell.—a. Separate and unfixed shell should be inspected to see that they are piled in the manner, and with the clearance, prescribed in these regulations. Shell should be inspected for rust or corrosion and some of the fuze hole plugs should be removed to see that the threads are not burred or rusty and that the cavity is clear. Bands should be protected against dents, cuts, and pressure from upper layers of shell. Shell should be examined to see that they are properly painted and marked as required. TNT or amatol shell should be examined for exudate. Any exudate formed on shell or the floor should be scrubbed up with hot water. Exuding shell should be reported and held for disposition. Exudate is an oily brown liquid that oozes out around the thread in the nose of a shell. It is inflammable and may carry small particles of TNT. If the exudation is slight, the corps area or department ordnance officer may permit the shell to be used after the exudate has been thoroughly cleaned off. If the exudation is excessive and drips on the other shell or the floor, the shell will not be used. Exudate should be cleaned from the projectiles and from the floor by scrubbing with hot water.
137
TM 9-1900
125-129 AMMUNITION, GENERAL
b. When it becomes necessary to recondition the exterior surfaces of projectiles, they should first be thoroughly cleaned. Metal does not stop rusting unless all signs of rust are removed from the shell. Light engine oil should be applied and cleaned off with gasoline after 2 or 3 weeks; then paint, with one coat of primer and one, or two if necessary, coats of paint. If shell are stored in damp places, district commanders may authorize the use of grease for slushing after painting or may dispense with painting entirely if, under local conditions, adequate'pro-tection can be obtained through the use of grease alone. It must be remembered that in warm weather grease must be renewed frequently. Whether painted or greased or both, provision must be made for stenciling lot numbers and other identifying marks on projectiles and storing them so that the shell may be readily identified by lot number.
126. Bombs.—The requirements for the inspection of fragmentation bombs are similar to those for fixed ammunition. Demolition bombs are inspected to see that the regulations laid down for storage are strictly complied with. Examination should be made for exudate, rust, and corrosion. Fin assemblies should be protected. Fuze hole plugs should be removed from a representative sample to see that threads and cavities are in good condition. Painting and marking should be in accordance with regulations. Exuding bombs are treated the same as exuding shell.
127. Fuzes.—Fuzes and other small loaded components should be examined to see that they are stored in sealed containers and well protected against moisture. Partly filled boxes are examined to see that they have been properly resealed. A check should be made to see that the components are suitable for use with the ammunition on hand and that the required number is available. Components which have been in storage more than 1 year will have a representative box of each lot opened and the contents examined for rust, discoloration, and corrosion. Satisfactory items are resealed by resoldering containers or sealing with friction tape and a coat of shellac. Questionable items will not be issued but will be reported to the Chief of Ordnance for disposition.
128. Pyrotechnics.—Pyrotechnics should be examined to see that all containers are in good condition, and that they are effectively closed so that the contents cannot be easily removed or handled. Some pyrotechnics have a definite date of expiration of service life marked on the package. This date should be checked and OFSB 3-9 should be consulted for disposition of overage material.
129. Chemical ammunition.—Chemical ammunition should be inspected to see that it is stored so that any leaky container can be readily removed and that facilities for handling leaky containers are
138
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL 129-133
available. The ammunition is examined monthly for leaks and every 6 months for rust or corrosion. Boxes should be examined to see if there are any instructions thereon requiring the destruction or use of the contents by a certain date. Containers which develop leaks should be reported, through channels, to the Chief of Ordnance. Such reports should include information as to type, lot, date discovered, nature of leak and whether apparently caused by defective material or improper handling, and disposition made of container or disposition recommended.
130. Inert components.—Inert or empty components of ammunition should be inspected to see that they are properly protected against rust and corrosion, or if they need a renewal of a protective coating of paint or grease.
131. Report of unserviceable and defective ammunition.— a. When the material in the hands of troops is inspected, inquiry should be made as to any ammunition failures experienced since the date of the last inspection and whether such failures have been reported. If no report has been made through channels to the Chief of Ordnance, all available details of failures will be collected and so reported.
b. If the inspector finds defects in ammunition which will require the expenditure of labor or funds to correct, he should take care to examine a sufficient number of containers or rounds to insure a report on average conditions and not isolated cases. The examination of five containers, selected at random, should be sufficient for a report that will reflect average conditions.
132. Publication file.—A file of pertinent Technical Regulations, Technical Manuals, Field Manuals, and Ordnance Field Service Bulletins will be kept complete and up-to-date. The corps area or department ordnance officer or his assistant should determine, when inspecting ammunition at a post, camp, or station, that such files are available and their contents are thoroughly understood.
Section IV
PACKING AND MARKING
Paragraph
General______________________________________________________ 133
Packings------------------------------------------------------- 134
Regulations---------------------------------------------------- 135
Sealing_______________________;------------------------------- 136
Marking-------------------------------------------------------- 137
Lot number---------------------------------------------------- 138
Data card______________________________________________________ 139
133. General.—a. Purpose of packing— (1) In order that ammunition may reach the firing line in a serviceable condition, it is
139
TM 9-1900
133-134 AMMUNITION, GENERAL
essential that each unit of issue be suitably packed to withstand handling, storage, and transportation. Once a unit of ammunition has been removed from its approved container, there is no assurance of its continued serviceability. Therefore, equal precautions should be taken in its further handling and storage.
(2) When a waterproof container is opened, the contents are immediately subject to the effects of moisture, which is the most active agent in causing the deterioration of ammunition. In case immediate use is not contemplated, steps should be taken to reseal the container.
b. Marking.— (1) Marking includes painting, stenciling, and stamping of containers and of the ammunition itself. (See par. 8.)
(2) Explosives and other dangerous articles offered for shipment on a common carrier will be marked to comply with Interstate Commerce Commission regulations.
(3) Explosives and ammunition will be marked in accordance with Army Regulations, specifications, and drawings. Standard and special markings are covered by U. S. Army specification 100-2, and are further described and explained in Technical Manuals and in other sections of this manual. Markings furnish essential information, permitting intelligent handling, storage, and issue of the round or component.
(4) New painting or remarking of ammunition and ammunition components should be a facsimile of that of the original container or ammunition unless the Chief of Ordnance issues specific instructions to the contrary. Explosives and ammunition obtained from salvage operations or materiel whose identification has been lost should be marked to show clearly the nature of the goods and, if offered for shipment, will be marked to comply with Interstate Commerce Commission regulations.
134. Packing's.—a. Design and construction.—The design and construction of packings depend upon the type of hazard involved and the facilities for storage and transportation, and the type of protection required by the item packed.
b. Types.— (1) General.—Wooden boxes and crates are used more often than other types. The trend being followed in the design of boxes and crates is toward the use of standard 1-inch, or heavier, lumber. However, recently boxes of wire-bound construction using a veneer with reinforcing cleats, with strands of wire encircling the box, have been adopted as standard in several instances. Wire-bound boxes will not stand as much reuse as the heavier wooden box but their original lower cost will probably make their use more economical, particularly at times when reuse of the box would not be warranted. Corrugated or fiberboard containers are to some extent replacing the
140
TM 9-1900
134
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
wooden packing boxes, as in the case of some complete rounds, propelling charges, and pyrotechnics. Four general types of packing— boxes, crates, cartridge storage cases, and fiber containers—are noted below.
(2) Boxes.— (a) End opening.—One end being removable, these boxes can be stacked on their sides, permitting opening without necessity of removal from the stacked pile.
(&) Chest type or hinged top.—This type provides easy access to the contents and repeated use.
(c) Screw top.—This type uses screws, or bolts and nuts, to hold down the top cover. Boxes for fuzes, primers, boosters, and primer detonators should have their wooden covers fastened with screws. Nails will not be used.
(3) Crates.—These are used for crating bombs, projectiles, components, and metal powder containers to give added strength and protection, and where packing in a closed box is not necessary. Metal crates, of steel, are used entirely in the shipment of some bombs. Other crates are wooden.
(4) Cartridge storage cases.—These are made of fiber or metal, are cylindrical, moistureproof, airtight, and are used for packing propelling charges for separate loading ammunition.
(5) Fiber containers.—A slip-cover fiber container of the mailing tube type is used for the packing of complete rounds, of separate loading propelling charges for artillery weapons, of hand grenades, of assemblies of bodsters and fuzes, of fuzes, etc. These fiber containers are usually shipped in bundles of three, by means of two cup-shaped cloverleaf-design metal end-covers. An automatic U-shaped packing stop is used in fiber containers for fuzed projectiles.
(6) Miscellaneous.—(a) Metal cans, of terneplate or tin plate, are used for packing small components of ammunition individually or in small quantities, to preserve them against moisture. Metal liners for wooden boxes are also used in many types of packing of components, in certain cases for small caliber complete rounds where a moisture-proof container is desired, or for shipments of smokeless powder. Zinc-lined wooden boxes are used for storage of all cannon powders having a web less than .019 and compositions other than the nitrocellulose type.
(d) All-steel boxes of Navy design are used for storing all cannon powders having a web of .019 and greater. Sheet steel cylindrical drums are used for black powder, which is contained in a cloth bag inside the drum. The drums are crated for oversea shipments.
(c) Fiber cartons are used for packing primers or small fuzes, a small number being packed in each carton. M here it is desired to
141
TM 9-1900
134-137
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
render the carton moistureproof, it is usually immersed in hot paraffin.
135. Regulations.—a. The general regulations governing the packing, marking, and shipping of military supplies are set forth in AR 30-955.
b. Explosives and other dangerous articles offered for shipment on a common carrier will be packed to comply with Interstate Commerce Commission regulations, but paragraph 14 (a), section I, of these regulations states that “shipments of explosives offered by or consigned to the War and Navy Departments of the United States Government must be packed, including limitations of weight, in accordance with these regulations or as required by their regulations.” Any proposed departure from the requirements of Interstate Commerce Commission regulations must be submitted to the Chief of Ordnance for decision.
c. Military explosives and ammunition are packed in accordance with U. S. Army specifications and drawings. The methods of packing specified and used not only meet military requirements and protect the articles from damage in transit but are also designed to comply with Interstate Commerce Commission regulations.
d. When shipments of explosives and other dangerous articles are to be made and containers are not available which comply with U. S. Army specifications for the particular article to be shipped, containers complying with Interstate Commerce Commission regulations will be used. This applies particularly to the shipment of deteriorated explosives or ammunition and to powder, explosives, and loaded components of ammunition obtained from salvage operations.
e. Other sources of regulations concerning packing will be found in the various Technical Manuals and Regulations, Standard Nomenclature Lists, Ordnance Field Service Bulletins of Series 3, Ordnance Safety Manual O. O. 7224, AR 30-1270 (shipments by water), and U. S. Army specification 49.0-7 (general packing specifications).
136. Sealing.—Packings are sealed for airtightness by closing the test hole of airtight cartons, containers, or cases with solder or a plug. Each container, after the contents are properly packed, is sealed in some manner which will indicate whether or not the container has been tampered with. The method of sealing depends upon the type and construction of the container. Where metal strapping is used around boxes, paper seals are not necessary and will not be used in the future.
137. Marking.—a. On ammunition items.— (1) As few markings as possible for positive identification are used on ammunition and its components. Such items as caliber and type, model or mark number, zone marking, lot number, year of loading, and initials or symbols of loading plant are stenciled on ammunition and its components. Colors
142
TM 9-1900
137
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
are used to indicate the type of ammunition. In general, two systems of color markings are employed, one for small-arms ammunition and the other for all other types of ammunition, including artillery and mortar ammunition, bombs, grenades, mines, and pyrotechnics.
(2) Armor-piercing cartridges are identified by the blackened point of the bullet. Tracer cartridges are identified by the colored lacquer or stain on the point of the bullet. Otherwise, small-arms ammunition is distinguished by the colored bands marked on the packing boxes which are listed in paragraph 57.
(3) (a) Whereas small-arms ammunition is not marked by painting, except in tracer and armor-piercing cartridge type, all other ammunition is painted or indicated as to the type of filler according to the basic color scheme.
(&) Igniters for propelling charges and primer-detonators for bombs are located by a red mark on the packing.
(c) In complete rounds in which two alternative complete propelling charges are provided, the propelling charge bag for inner zones is dyed green; that for outer zones is white.
(4) For other markings on ammunition, see previous sections of this manual and other Technical Manuals on ammunition.
b. On containers.—(1) AR 30-955 contains general regulations governing the marking and shipping of military supplies. AR 30-1270 contains regulations on packages to be shipped by water and also a list of shipping names; a compilation of such a list of shipping names will be found in OFSB 3-12. U. S. Specification 100-2 also contains regulations for marking containers.
(2) With certain exceptions given in AR 30-955, each package of supplies turned over for shipment on a Government bill of lading is marked with—
(«) Name and address of consignee.
(A) List and description of contents.
(. Safety precautions.—Target ranges are made dangerous by flying missiles during target practice and by unexploded ammunition which may remain on the range after target practice. Safety precautions should therefore include means for preventing trespass upon the target range by unauthorized or careless persons and for removing from the range ah unexploded ammunition which has been fired. In addition to the safety measures employed at and near the firing line, such as red flags, markers, or fences, the boundary or terrain which is likely to receive missiles from the firing line should be placarded with signs which indicate the danger zone and the hazards attendant upon entering such zones at specified times. The signs should also emphasize the dangers connected with picking up unexploded ammunition and should prohibit either trespass on the range or the removal of souvenirs from areas, under penalties provided by law. The placarding of the target ranges is a matter of public safety and will never be neglected.
180
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL 173
c. Destroying duds.—(1) The policing of a. target range and insuring the safety of the command are functions of the commanding officer. Immediately after target practice is completed, the entire range should be carefully policed for unexploded ammunition, under the supervision of an authorized officer who is thoroughly familiar with the dangers incident to such operations. Unexploded projectiles and other components of ammunition which have been fired are dangerous to handle and should not be touched or jarred where it is practicable to destroy the same by the use of dynamite or TNT blocks. However, unfuzed duds may be handled with comparative safety.
(2) In those rare cases in which it is necessary to remove a dud from any location before destroying it, all operations connected with this procedure should be done either by or under the direct supervision of personnel who are thoroughly familiar with the dangers of such an operation and who have qualified to do this work.
(3) To place an unexploded fired projectile on its base or nose is to invite disaster, as such an operation will cause movement of the internal fuze parts and may cause the projectile to explode. No attempt should be made to disassemble a round of unexploded ammunition except by experts of the Ordnance Department who are specifically assigned to such work.
(4) Duds on the target range, such as unexploded projectiles, fuzes, grenades, etc., can usually be destroyed in place with TNT blocks or sticks of dynamite placed in intimate contact with the dud and in all cases covered with sandbags or earth to limit the range of the fragments. Shell exploded on the ground surface without tamping may send fragments 1,000 yards, and all within this danger zone will take cover when the charge is fired. Personnel should never be within 100 yards of a projectile when it explodes, even if suitable protection is at hand. The general instructions for destroying duds on the target range are similar so far as possible to those described for destroying artillery ammunition, paragraph 162. Duds of photoflash bombs are destroyed in accordance with this paragraph and paragraph l<0. The safety precautions in paragraph 159 should be carefully observed.
(5) Gas shells or bombs should be handled in the same manner as other projectiles. Holes or trenches in which gas shells have been exploded must be filled or decontaminated and gas masks worn during the work. Work should always be done on the windward side of the area where gas shells are exploded.
(6) As an added precaution, after the destruction of duds has been completed the officer in charge of the work will personally superintend a thorough search of the area in order to insure that no duds have been overlooked.
181
Appendix I
GLOSSARY
Adapter.—Threaded bushing used to adapt a fuze to a projectile or bomb.
Adapter-booster.—Adapter and booster assembled as a unit for a bomb or shell.
Aircraft bomb.—See Bomb.
Aircraft signal.—Signal for use from aircraft.
Aliquot part charge.—Separate loading propelling charge divided into equal sections; also referred to as equal section charge.
Allways fuze.—Fuze used with mortar shell which will function regardless of the part of the shell striking the target.
Amatol.—A high explosive, a mixture of ammonium nitrate and TNT.
Ammonal.—A high explosive containing TNT and powdered aluminum.
Ammunition —Munitions and components, containing an explosive element, expended in combat.
Ammunition data card.—A 5- by 8-inch card giving pertinent information necessary for complete identification and for handling, storage, and use.
Ammunition lot.—A batch of rounds or components, each of which is manufactured by one manufacturer under uniform conditions, and which is expected to function in a uniform manner.
Ammunition lot number.—Number which identifies an ammunition lot.
Antitank mine.—Fuzed ammunition, buried or concealed, which functions when a tank passes over it.
Arming.—To put a fuze in a condition whereby it can function.
Arming pin.—A pin in aircraft bomb fuzes which serves to arm the fuze upon being withdrawn.
Arming vane.—A miniature propeller which acts to arm aircraft bomb fuzes, after the bomb has fallen some distance below the airplane.
Arming wire.—A length of wire which, while attached, prevents a fuze from arming.
Armor-piercing.—Bullets and projectiles having a hardened steel element designed to pierce armor plate.
Artillery ammunition.—Ammunition fired from cannon.
182
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
Auxiliary booster—Aw additional booster required for a large bursting charge which ordinarily would not be properly detonated by a booster alone.
Ball cartridge.—General purpose small-arms ammunition for standard service.
Ballistic coefficient.—The numerical measure of the ability of a projectile to overcome air resistance and maintain its velocity.
Ballistics.—That branch of applied mechanics which treats of the motion of projectiles, internal ballistics dealing with the motion within the gun and exterior ballistics dealing with the motion after leaving the gun.
Ballistite.—A double-base type of propellent powder used in some small-arms and mortar ammunition.
Bandoleer.—A pocketed belt used as a means of carrying small-arms ammunition so as to be readily accessible.
Barrel— The tube of a gun.
Base and increment charge.—A semifixed or separate loading propelling charge consisting of a base section and one or more increment sections usually of less weight than the base section.
Base charge.— (1) A black powder charge in the base of shrapnel.
(2) A propellent charge for inner zone howitzer firing.
Base cover.—A metal disk secured to the base of high explosive shell to prevent hot gases from coming in contact with the bursting charge through possible flaws in the base of the shell.
Base-detonating fuze.—A fuze located in the base of a projectile.
Black powder.—A low explosive consisting of an intimate mixture of sulfur, charcoal, and saltpeter.
Blank ammunition.—Ammunition without projectile used in saluting, signaling, or simulating fire.
Blasting cap—A thin copper shell containing a sensitive explosive and fired by a slow-burning safety fuze or an electric current.
Blinker.—An aircraft pyrotechnic signal burning with intervals of light separated by a period of darkness.
Boat-tail.—A tapered base of a projectile.
Body.— \Aw portion of a projectile immediately to the rear of the bourrelet.
Bomb—A container of explosives or chemicals or both with fuze, dropped by aircraft.
Booster.—A high explosive component which amplifies the explosion of the fuze to detonate properly the bursting charge of a shell or bomb.
Bore.—The opening through the length of the barrel of a gun.
183
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
Bore safe.—A bore-safe (detonator-safe) fuze is one in which the explosive train is so interrupted that prior to firing, and while the projectile is still in the bore of the cannon, premature action of the bursting charge is prevented should any of the more sensitive elements, primer and/or detonator, malfunction.
Bouchon assembly.—Name formerly applied to grenade fuzes.
Bourrelet.—The machined raised portion of a projectile which bears on the bore.
Breech.—The end opposite the muzzle of a gun.
Breech mechanism.—A mechanical device for closing the rear end of the chamber or bore of a gun after loading, and for firing the inserted round of ammunition.
Brisance.—The shattering ability of high explosives.
Bullet.—Projectile of small-arms ammunition.
Bulbs-eye powder.—A double-base type of propellent powder used in small-arms ammunition.
Burster.—An explosive element used in chemical shell to open the shell and disperse the contents.
Bursting charge.—The explosive filler of ammunition.
Caliber.— (1) The diameter of bullet or projectile, expressed in inches or millimeters. (2) The measure of length of a cannon.
Canister.—An artillery projectile, containing only small balls, which disrupts upon leaving the muzzle of the weapon, producing a shotgun shell effect.
Cannelure.—A groove.
Cannon.—A gun, howitzer, or mortar, on a mount or carriage.
Cartridge.—A complete round of small-arms ammunition.
Cartridge bag.—Cloth bag used to hold the propelling charge for semifixed and separate loading ammunition.
Cartridge case.—A brass case containing the propellent powder charge, used with small arms, fixed, and semifixed ammunition.
Cartridge, storage caw.—A waterproof metal or fiber container in which separate loading propelling charges and igniters are stored, handled, and shipped.
Casualty agent.—A chemical agent of such characteristics that a toxic or lethal concentration can be set up under conditions encountered in the field.
Centrifugal force.—The force due to rotation. It is used to arm certain fuzes while projectile is in flight.
Chain.—Type of pyrotechnic signal in which several colored lights burn in a vertical line.
184
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
Chemical agent.—A substance which, by its ordinary and direct action, produces a toxic effect, a screening smoke, or an incendiary action. See Gas, Smoke, and Incendiary.
Cluster.— (1) A pyrotechnic signal in which a group of stars burns simultaneously. (2) An assembly of several bombs released together.
Complete round.—All the ammunition components necessary to fire a weapon once.
Cordite.—A double-base propellent powder.
Creep action.—The tendency of fuze parts in a moving projectile to move forward.
Cut {applied to time fuzes.}—To set (a fuze).
Data card.—See Ammunition data card.
Day of supply.—The estimated average expenditure of various items of supply per day in campaign, expressed in quantities of specific items or in pounds per man per day.
Decontamination.—The act of removing or neutralizing chemical agents from material structures and ground.
Demolition.—Destruction due to the blast or mining effect of high explosive ammunition.
Detonation.—The very rapid explosion of a high explosive. Detonator.—A sensitive explosive used in an explosive train. Distance wadding.—A cardboard cylinder used in fixed ammunition in which the powder does not fill the cartridge case, to keep the propellent powder around the primer.
Double-base powder.—A propellent powder containing nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin.
Drill ammunition.—Inert or dummy ammunition used for training personnel.
Dropping safe.—Releasing an aircraft bomb or flare so that it will not function on impact. Some flares, however, may function on impact, even when dropped safe.
Dud.—Explosive ammunition which has failed to function.
Dummy ammunition.—See Drill ammunition.
E. C. Powder.—A smokeless powder containing inorganic nitrates; used as a bursting charge in fragmentation grenades.
Equal section charge.—A propelling charge for separate loading ammunition divided into equal sections.
Erosion.—Wearing away of the inner parts of a gun or cannon as the result of mechanical wear and action of powder gases.
Explosion.—The sudden generation of a large volume of highly heated gases with resultant pressures.
185
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
Explosive.—A substance or mixture which may, upon application of heat or shock, undergo a very rapid chemical change producing a great amount of heat and a large volume of gas.
Explosive D.—Ammonium picrate, a high explosive.
Explosive filler.—The bursting charge of ammunition.
Explosive train.—The step-by-step arrangement of explosives from a small charge of sensitive explosive to a large charge of relatively insensitive explosive.
Extractor groove.—The groove around the head of the cartridge case to provide a grip for the mechanical extractor of the weapon.
Extractor rim.—A rim or flange around the head of a cartridge case to provide a grip for the mechanical extractor of the weapon.
Filler.—Contents carried within an ammunition container, explosive, chemical, or inert.
Firing.—The act of discharging a weapon in the normal manner.
Firing pin.—A pin used to initiate the action of a detonator or primer.
Firing tables.—Collection of data, chiefly in tabular form, intended to furnish the ballistic information necessary for conducting the fire of a particular model of gun and mount with specified ammunition.
Fixed ammunition.—Ammunition loaded in one operation into the weapon, the cartridge case being permanently attached to the projectile and the propellant not being variable.
Flare.—A pyrotechnic used for illumination.
Flare-back.—The passing to the rear of unburned gases from the breech of the weapon, resulting in a flame upon contact of the gases with the air.
Flash.—See Muzzle flash.
FNH powder.—A smokeless propellent powder which is flashless and nonhygroscopic. When used in cannon in which flash occurs, it is termed NH powder.
Fragmentation,—The shattering into many fragments of an item of ammunition by its bursting charge.
Fuze.— (1) Tube or cord, filled or impregnated with combustible matter, for igniting an explosive charge after a predetermined delay.
(2) A mechanical device designed to initiate the function of ammunition at the time and under the circumstances desired.
Fuze setter.—A mechanical device for setting time fuzes for the calculated time interval.
Fuze wrench.—A wrench designed to tighten fuzes in a projectile.
186
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
Gas.—A chemical agent which, in field concentrations, produces a toxic or irritant effect. The term includes irritant smoke.
Grading.—The assignment of lots of ammunition to use in specific weapons or the assignment of priority of use.
Granulation.—The size and form of grains of propellent powder.
Grape.—A seldom used form of projectile which releases or breaks up into several large balls.
Grenade.—Explosive or chemical missile thrown by hand, or projected by rifles or other launchers.
Grenite.—A nitrostarch explosive.
Gun.—A cannon with a long barrel, generally about 35 to 60 calibers long.
Guncotton.—Nitrocellulose of high nitration.
Gunpowder.—See Black powder.
Hangfire.—The temporary failure of a primer, igniter, or propelling charge to function.
Harassing agent.—Any chemical agent used to force masking and thus retard military operations.
High explosive.—Explosive functioning with high order detonation. High order detonation.—A complete and instantaneous detonation. High-pressure test cartridge.—Small-arms ammunition to proof-test small arms.
Howitzer.—A cannon with a medium length barrel, generally about 25 to 35 calibers long.
Hung bomb.—A bomb which accidentally remains attached to the airplane after release from the rack, for example, by the arming wire.
Hung striker.—A striker of a grenade fuze which failed to strike the primer, resulting in a dud.
Hygroscopicity.—The tendency of material to absorb moisture.
Identification.—Complete identification of ammunition consists of type, size, manufacturer’s symbol, lot number, and grade.
Igloo.—A concrete-arch earth-covered magazine.
Igniter.—A black powder charge, usually in the form of a pad or core, attached to separate loading propelling charges.
Illuminating shell.—Shell used to illuminate an objective. A time fuze acts to release a flare which is suspended by a parachute.
Incendiary.—A chemical agent whose principal effect is to generate sufficient heat to cause the ignition of combustible substances with which it is in contact.
Inertia.—Property of matter which tends to resist acceleration.
187
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
Initial velocity.—See Muzzle velocity.
Instantaneous fuze.—See Nondelay fuze.
Interrupter.—A device in a fuze which prevents the fuze from acting until the projectile leaves the bore of the gun.
Irritant gas.—A nonlethal gas characterized by an intensely irritating physiological action.
Irritant smoke.—The common designation of a sternutator type of irritant gas that can be disseminated as extremely small solid or liquid particles in the air.
Lacrimator.—An irritant that causes copious flow of tears and intense, though temporary, eye irritation.
Land mine.—Fuzed ammunition designed to function on land and normally concealed.
Lands.—The raised portion of the rifling of guns and cannon.
Lead azide.—A high explosive almost as sensitive as mercury fulminate.
Lifting plug.—A plug screwed in the nose of unfuzed projectiles and containing an eyebolt or ring on the end.
Limited standard.—Item once used and now obsolete except that existing stocks will be used.
Livens projector.—A mortar-type weapon used by chemical troops.
Long delay fuze.—A fuze designed to function after complete penetration of the target.
Lot number.—See Ammunition lot number.
Low explosive.—A relatively slow-burning explosive which does not ordinarily detonate.
Low order detonation.—An incomplete and relatively slow detonation, being more nearly a combustion than an explosion.
M series.—Referring to a series designated by model numbers in distinction to a series designated by mark numbers.
Magazine.—Any structure that is used for storing ammunition or explosives.
Magazine area.—Area separated from administration and living areas, fenced and guarded, for the location of magazines.
Malfunction.—Failure of ammunition to function in a normal or expected manner.
Mark number.—A numerical designation for ordnance items preceded by the abbreviation Mk. See Model number.
Matrix.—A composition holding balls in place in shrapnel.
Mechanical time fuze.—A fuze whose time action is controlled by a clocklike mechanism.
188
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
Mercury fulminate.—A sensitive high explosive used as a detonator.
Mine.—See Land mine; Antitank mine.
Misfire. F ailure of a primer or propelling charge to function.
Model number.—The standard numerical designation assigned to any item upon its adoption.
Mortar.— (1) A cannon with a short barrel, generally 10 to 15 calibers long. (2) A portable smooth-bore, muzzle-loading, trench warfare weapon.
Mortar ammunition.—Generally, ammunition used in smooth-bore mortars and having fins for stability in flight.
Multisection propelling charge.—A propelling charge for artillery projectiles consisting of more than one section.
Munitions. Ammunition, explosives, and all necessary war materials.
Muzzle— The end of the barrel of a gun from which the bullet or projectile issues.
Muzzle flash.—An observable spurt of flame at the muzzle of a gun when firing.
Muzzle velocity.—The velocity of the projectile as it leaves the muzzle of the gun. Also called initial velocity.
NH powder.—See FNH powder.
Nitrocellulose.—A propellant produced by nitrating cotton (cellulose).
Nitroglycerin.—A high explosive produced by nitrating glycerin.
Nitrostarch.—A high explosive produced by nitrating starch.
Nomenclature.—See Standard nomenclature.
Nondelay fuze.—A fuze designed to burst the projectile outside a hard surface before penetration or ricochet.
Nonpersistent gas.—A chemical agent whose concentration at the point of discharge is not sufficient after 10 minutes to require protection.
Obturation.— lo stop up or close by the expansion of a part, usually in reference to the sealing of the breech of a gun to prevent the escape of gas to the rear.
Ogive.—The front, curved portion of a projectile.
Penetration.— The distance to which a projectile sinks into the target at which it is fired.
Percussion.—The initiation of an explosive by means of a blow.
Persistent gas.—A chemical agent whose concentration at the point of discharge is sufficient after 10 minutes to require protection.
Photoflash bomb.—A pyrotechnic, dropped from aircraft, producing a flash sufficiently bright for photographic purposes.
Powder grains.—See Granulation.
189
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
Powder rings.—Increment sections of a propelling charge in the form of rings, for mortar ammunition.
Powder train.—Black powder element in a fuze, the time of burning of which controls the functioning of the fuze.
Practice ammunition.—Ammunition used for target practice.
Premature.—Term applied to a projectile functioning before the desired time.
Primer.—A device which functions as an initiator.
Primer charge.—A charge of black powder in artillery primers which transmits the flame to the propelling charge.
Primer-detonator.—An assembly of a primer, detonator, and sometimes a delay element, used in bombs.
Primer mixture.—A small quantity of a sensitive explosive in a primer which acts as an initiator.
Priming composition.—See Primer mixture.
Projectile.—Any missile projected by means of explosive force from a weapon.
Propellant.—The explosive which, upon ignition, propels the projectile from gun or cannon.
Propelling charge.—A definite quantity of explosive used as a propellant.
Pyro poicder.—See Pyrocellulose.
Pyrocellulose.—Nitrocellulose, of lower nitration than guncotton, used in smokeless powder propellants.
Pyrotechnics.—Ammunition, consisting of chemical mixtures, used as-signals and illuminants.
Quantity-distance tables.—Data for1 the proper and safe storage of ammunition and explosives.
Rifling.—The spiral grooving in the bore of a gun or cannon which imparts rotation to the projectile.
Rotating band.—A raised copper or gilding metal band near the base of a projectile which imparts rotation to the projectile when engraved by the rifling of a gun.
Round.—See Complete round.
Safe.—See Dropping safe.
Salvo.—One shot per gun, fired simultaneously or fired in a certain order with a specified time interval between rounds.
Screening agent.—See Smoke.
Semifixed ammunition.—Ammunition loaded into the cannon in one operation and whose propelling charge may be adjusted for zone firing.
190
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
Separate loading ammunition.—Ammunition the components of which are loaded into cannon separately.
Service ammunition.—Ammunition used or intended for use in combat. Service markings.—Painting, stenciling, and stamping on ammunition to impart information necessary for intelligent handling, storage, and use.
Set-back.—The effect of inertia on the components of a projectile on firing.
Shell.—A hollow projectile. It may contain explosive, chemical, or inert filler, or no filler.
Short delay fuze.—A fuze designed to function projectiles after ricochet or before complete penetration in hard ground.
Shot.—A projectile which is solid or contains no bursting charge. Also applied to some armor-piercing projectiles containing a reduced explosive charge.
Shot shell.—See Shotgun shell.
Shotgun shell.—Small-arms ammunition containing small balls or shot which scatter upon firing.
Shrapnel.—An artillery projectile containing small balls which are expelled from the shell body when its time fuze functions.
Signals.—Pyrotechnics projected from ground or aircraft to produce colored lights.
Single-base powder.—A propellent powder containing nitrocellulose as its base, also known as straight nitrocellulose powder.
Slivers.—Unburned fragments of multiperforated powder grains ejected from a cannon during firing.
Small arms.—Rifles, automatic rifles, pistols, and machine guns up to caliber .60, and shotguns.
Small-arms ammunition.—Ammunition fired from small arms.
Smoke.—A chemical agent which, when released from its container, spreads through the atmosphere in the form of liquid or solid particles producing an obscuring fog.
Smokedess powder.—Nitrocellulose propellent powders.
Spider.—In an antitank mine, the device for functioning the fuze.
Sguare-base.—Portion to the rear of the rotating band of a projectile, which is cylindrical rather than tapered.
Stacked.—Arrangement of powder grains end to end instead of at random in a separate loading propelling charge.
Standard contour fuzes.—Point-detonating fuzes having standard shape, size, and weight.
Standard nomenclature.—A specific descriptive name by which each ordnance item or assembly is designated. Used in all official reference to the item or assembly.
191
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
Star.—A pyrotechnic signal which burns as a single light.
Sternutator.—A chemical agent which, when breathed in extremely low concentrations, causes coughing, sneezing, or headache, followed by nausea, and temporary physical debility.
Strip powder.—Smokeless powder manufactured in the form of strips.
Subcallber ammunition.—Ammunition used with subcaliber mounts and tubes, that is, weapons of small caliber used to simulate the firing of the larger caliber weapon.
Superquick fuze.—A fuze designed to function immediately upon impact.
Supersensitive fuze.—A fuze designed to function on impact with a very light target, such as an airplane wing.
Surveillance.—All steps necessary for the maintenance of ammunition stores in usable condition. It includes inspection, testing, and maintenance.
Target practice ammunition.—See Practice ammunition.
Tetryl.—A sensitive explosive which is standard for use in boosters and bursters.
Thermit.—A mixture producing molten iron upon ignition; used as an incendiary agent.
Time fuze.—A fuze designed to function a predetermined time interval after firing.
Toxic.—A substance which, acting through its chemical properties and by its ordinary action, produces a harmful physiological reaction when applied to the body externally, when breathed, or when taken in small doses internally. All war gases are toxic.
Tracer.—A burning composition placed in shell and bullets which shows the path of the projectile.
Trajectory.—The curve in space traced by a projectile in flight.
Trench mortar.—A smooth-bore portable mortar.
Trimonite.—A high explosive used as a substitute for TNT as a bursting charge.
Trinitrotoluene {TNT}.—A high explosive which is the standard bursting charge for ammunition.
Triton block.—Block of TNT used for demolition purposes.
Unequal section charge.—A propelling charge divided into a number of unequal sections, as three 14 sections and two % sections.
Unequal related section charge.—See Unequal section charge.
Unfixed shell.—Shell for fixed ammunition which are loaded but not yet assembled to cartridge case. Stored as separate loading shell.
192
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
Unit of fire.—An arbitrary unit of measure for ammunition supply representing a specified number of rounds per weapon.
Using arms.—The branches of the Army which habitually use or expend the particular ammunition under discussion.
Very pistol.—A type of pistol for firing light signals.
Vesicant.—A chemical agent which produces inflammation, burns, and the destruction of tissue.
Weapon.—An instrument of combat; anything used physically against an enemy such as a gun, sword, shield, grenade, etc.
"Web.—Minimum thickness between two adjacent perforations, or between perforation and edge, of a powder grain.
"Weight zone.—A grouping of a number of shell of the same weight and same lot number for accuracy in firing.
Zone of fire.—An area of a certain range determined by considering weight of projectile and quantity of propelling charge.
Zone, weight.—See Weight zone.
463962°—42---13
193
Appendix II ABBREVIATIONS
AA AM Am AP AR AT Auto BD BDF BT Cl cal. CG cml. dig. C. I. Cl CN c/r (C. R.) C. R. C. c. s. c. cws Demo, diam. DM DP drg. (dwg) Exp. (Ex.) FM FNH Frag. FSMWO Gn GH gr. HE HEI Antiaircraft Amatol Ammunition Armor-piercing; amber star parachute Army Regulations Antitank Automatic Base detonating Base-detonating fuze Bombing table First change Caliber Phosgene Chemical Charge Center of impact; cast iron Chlorine Chloracetophenone (Tear gas) Complete Round Complete Round Chart Cartridge storage case Chemical Warfare Service Demolition Diameter Adamsite, sneeze gas Deck-piercing Drawing Explosive Field Manual; titanium tetrachloride, smoke Flashless, nonhygroscopic Fragmentation Field Service Modification Work Order Gun Gun or howitzer Grain High explosive High explosive incendiary
194
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
How HS ICC IMR Howitzer Mustard gas Interstate Commerce Commission Improved military rifle
in. lb. LD LE LP M Ml Mk. mech. Inch Pound Long delay Low explosive Livens projector Model; manufacture to be continued; mortar Lewisite Mark Mechanical
min Mod. MV NC ND NG NH obs. OFSB OFSC 00 (0. 0.) OPSI OSM OTCM (OCM) oz. PD PDF pdr. perc. proj. PS rd. (rds.) S Millimeter Modification Methyl violet; muzzle velocity Nitrocellulose Nondelay Nitroglycerin N onhygroscopic Obsolete Ordnance Field Service Bulletin Ordnance Field Service Circular Ordnance Office Ordnance Publications for Supply Index Ordnance Safety Manual Ordnance Technical Committee Minutes Ounce Point-detonating Point-detonating fuze Powder; pounder (15-pdr.) Percussion Projectile Chlorpicrin Round (s) In SNL’s, in stock for issue and manufacture discontinued; on shell, smoke producer together with HE filler
SD SDT Short delay Shell destroying tracer
sec. SNL SP Second Standard Nomenclature List Smokeless powder
195
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
SQ T T/A T/BA TH TM TNT TP TR w/ WD w/o WP Superquick Tentative model designation Table of allowances Table of Basic Allowances Thermit Technical Manual; Training Manual Trinitrotoluene Target practice; tank piercing Technical Regulations; Training Regulations With War Department Without White phosphorus; white star parachute
196
Appendix III
LIST OF REFERENCES
1. Standard Nomenclature Lists.—a. Ammunition for small arms.
Ammunition, revolver and automatic pistol____________SNL T-2
Ammunition, rifle and automatic gun__________________SNL T-l
Ammunition, small arms, obsolete, and nonstandard____SNL T-6
Miscellaneous service components of small-arms ammunition and instruction material for field service account________________________________________ SNL T-4
Shells, shotgun______________________________________ SNL T-3
b. Bombs, grenades, and pyrotechnics.
Ammunition instruction material for grenades, pyrotechnics, and aircraft bombs_______________________SNL S-5
Bombs, aircraft, all types___________________________ SNL S-l
Grenades, hand and rifle_____________________________ SNL S-3
Grenades, pyrotechnics, and aircraft bombs___________ SNL S-6
Pyrotechnics, military, all types____________________SNL S-4
c. Cleaning, preserving, and lubricating materials_SNL K-l
d. Firing tables and trajectory charts_____________SNL F-69
e. Harbor defense, heavy field, and railway artillery.
Ammunition, fixed, including subcaliber ammunition__ SNL P-4
Ammunition instruction material______________________SNL P-7
Ammunition, obsolete, and nonstandard________________SNL P-9
Charges, propelling, separate loading________________SNL P-3
Fuzes, primers, blank ammunition, and miscellaneous items_______________________________________________ SNL P-6
Projectiles, separate loading_______________________ SNL P-1
f. Pack, light, and medium field artillery.
Ammunition, blank___________________________________ SNL R-5
Ammunition, fixed, all types________________________ SNL R-l
Ammunition, instruction material_____________________SNL R-6
Ammunition, obsolete, and nonstandard________________SNL R-8
Ammunition, trench mortar, including fuzes, propelling
charges, and other components______________________ SNL R-4
Ground mines and fuzes, demolition materiel for use in policing target ranges, and ammunition for simulated artillery and grenade fire___________________ SNL R-7
197
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
Projectiles and propelling charges, separate loading, all types__________________________________________ SNL R-2
Service fuzes and primers_________________________ SNL R-3
Current Standard Nomenclature Lists are as tabulated
here. An up-to-date list of SNL’s is maintained as
the “Ordnance Publications for Supply Index”____ OPSI
2. Explanatory publications.—a. Ammunition, all types.
Ammunition, general_______________________________ OFSB 3-1
Ammunition—reimbursement prices___________________ OFSB 3-7
Ammunition nomenclature and shipping names________OFSB 3-12
Ammunition condition report_______________________ O. O. 7235
Explosives and demolitions________________________ FM 5-25
Military explosives_______________________________ TM 9-2900
Qualifications in arms and ammunition training allow-
ances___i_______________________________________ AR 775-10
Range regulations for firing ammunition in time of
peace___________________________________________ AR 750-10
Unsafe ammunition_________________________________ OFSB 3-11
b. Ammunition, special types.
Field artillery and field mortar ammunition_______ OFSB 3-3
60-mm mortar M2___________________________________ FM 23-85
81-mm mortar Ml___________________________________ FM 23-90
Mortar ammunition_________________________________ TM 9-1935
Seacoast, railway, antiaircraft and field artillery ammu-
nition__________________________________________ OFSB 3-2
Small-arms ammunition_____________________________ TM 9-1990
Small-arms ammunition_____________________________ OFSB 3-5
c. Bombs, grenades, and pyrotechnics.
Aircraft bombs and bomb components________________ OFSB 3-7
Bombs for aircraft________________________________ TM 9-1980
Grenades__________________________________________ TM 9-1985
Grenades__________________________________________ OFSB 3-10
Hand grenades_____________________________________ FM 23-30
Military pyrotechnics_____________________________ TM 9-981
d. Cleaning, preserving, lubricating, and welding materials ________________________________________ TM 9-850
e. Miscellaneous., Defense against chemical attack__________________ FM 21-40
Inspection of propelling charges and bulk powder__ OFSB 3-13
List of publications for training_________________ FM 21-6
Magazine placard__________________________________ O.O. 5991
198
TM 9-1900
AMMUNITION, GENERAL
Military chemistry and chemical agents______________ TM 3-215
Military sanitation and first aid___________________ FM 21-10
Ordnance Field Manual_______________________________ FM 9-5
Ordnance safety manual______________________________ O. O. 7224
f. Prescribed regulations.
Administration; posts, camps, and stations__________ AR 210-10
Fire protection and fire fighting___________________ AR 30-1580
Honors to persons___________________________________ AR 600-30
List of current pamphlets and changes; distribution. __ AR 1-10 Lost, destroyed, damaged, or unserviceable property... AR 35-6640 Ordnance field service in time of peace_____________ AR 45-30
Salutes and ceremonies______________________________ AR 600-25
Supplies, storage, and issue________________________ AR 700-10
Transportation by commercial means; general_____ ... AR 30-905
Transportation of supplies__________________________ AR 30-955
Transportation by water of explosives, inflammables,
and chemical warfare materials.___________________ AR 30-1270
199
TM 9-1900
INDEX
Paragraph Page
Abbreviations____________________________________________ App. II 194
Accidents, reports of_____________________________:------ 147 157
Adamsite______________________________________________________ 38 20
Adapter-boosters _ ___________________________________________ 81 54
Adapters______________________________________________________ 81 54
Aircraft—
Bombs. (/See Bombs.)
Flares_______________________________________________ 103 90
Signals______________________________________________ 105, 106 91, 92
Airport flares_______________________________________________ 103 90
Aliquot part propelling charges_______________________________ 82 54
Allways fuze__________________________________________________ 73 46
Alteration of ammunition____________________________________ 146 155
Amatol________________________________________________________ 27 15
Ammonal_______________________________________________________ 34 18
Ammonium picrate (explosive D)'_______________________________ 28 16
Destroying_______________________________________________ 160 173
Antitank mines_____________________________________________ 65-70 38
Destroying_______________________________________________ 172 180
Storage__________________________________________________ 116 112
Arming of fuzes_______________________________________________ 80 53
Armor-piercing—
Bombs_____________________________________________________ 91 76
Cap_______________________________________________________ 79 51
Cartridges________________________________________________ 44 27
In demonstrations___________________________________ 148 158
Projectile________________________________________________ 79 51
Artillery ammunition_____________________________________ 76-87 49
Destroying___________________________________________ 161, 162 173, 184
Marking______________________________________________ 8, 87, 137 5, 58, 142
Precautions for practice firing_______________'______ 149 159
Packing______________________________________________ 87, 149 58, 259
Ball cartridges__________________________________________ 43 27
Ballistite_______________________________________________ 18, 22 10
Base—
And increment propelling charges__________________________ 82 54
Cover_____________________________________________________ 79 51
Detonating fuze___________________________________________ 79 51
Plug______________________________________________________ 79 51
Base:
Boat-tailed________________________________________________ 79 51
Square____________________________•__________________ 79 51
Black powder___________________________________________________ 23 11
Destroying_______________________________________________ 160 173
Inspection_______________________________________________ 124 237
Precautions________________________________________________ 23 11
Storage__________________________________________________ 118 124
Use________________________________________________________ 23 11
200
TM 9-1900
INDEX
Blank Paragraph Page
Ammunition___________________________________________ 6 85 4 57
Destroying--------------------------------------- 163 275
Precautions______________________________________ 150 153
Storage------------------------------------------ 116 112
Cartridges___________________________________________ 46 27
Firing------------------------------------------- 148 158
Blasting caps, storage____________________________________ 116 112
Blending of propelling charges____________________________ 149 159
In harbor defenses____________•______________________ 154 165
Boat-tailed base__________________________________________ 79 51
Body, projectile------------------------------------------ 79 51
Bomb clusters_____________________________________________ 92 77
Bombs----------------------------------------------------- 88-98 75
Destroying------------------------------------------- 164 175
Inspection------------------------------------------ 124, 126 137, 138
Marking---------------------------------------------- 98> 137 78j i42
Photoflash___________________________________________ 104 91
Destroying--------------------------------------- 170 178
Storage---------------------------------------------- 116 112
Precautions for practice firing__________________________ 152 165
Storage--------------------------------------------- 116, 118 112, 124
Boosters______________________________________________________ 81 54
Storage--------------------------------------------- 116, 118 112, 124
Bore-safe fuzes________________________________________________ 80 53
Bourrelet______________________________________________________ 79 51
Boxes, packing________________________________________________ 134 140
Bullets________________________________________________________ 41 26
Lodged in bore of weapon_________________________________ 148 158
Bureau of Explosives__________________________________________ 141 145
Bursters_______________________________________________________ 81 54
Storage---------------------------------------------- 116,118 112,124
Bursting—
Charge explosive train____________________________________ 25 14
Charges. (See High explosives.)
Caliber________________________________________________________ 79 51
Camouflage in field parks and dumps_______________________ 155 166
Canister_______________________________________________________ 79 51
Cannon primers. (See Primers.)
Car certificate_______________________________________________ 142 147
Care and precautions in handling-—
Ammonium picrate___________________________________________ 28 16
Antitank mines_____________________________________________ 69 40
Artillery ammunition_______________________________________ 86 57
Black powder_______________________________________________ 23 11
Blank ammunition__________________________________________ 151 163
Bombs------------------------------------------------- 97, 152 78, 165
Chemical ammunition_______________________________________ 147 157
Duds---------------------------------------_---------- 147,173 157,180
Fuzes----------------------------------------------------- 149 159
Grenades---------------------------------------------- 63, 151 38, 163
201
TM 9-1900
INDEX
Care and precautions in handling—Continued, Paragraph Page
Igniters___________________________________________ 149 159
Mortar ammunition__________________________________ 74, 153 47, 165
Propelling charges______________________________________ 149
Pyrotechnics____________________________________________ 109, 151
Small-arms ammunition___________________________________ 55, 56
Care, handling, and preservation____________.---------- 11, 111-157
Cartons, packing_______________________________________________ 134
Cartridge bags__________________________________________________ 82
Cartridge storage cases------------------------------------- 118, 134
Cartridges___________________________________________________ 41-52
Armor-piercing, in demonstrations-------------------------- 148
Casualty agents_________________________________________________ 36
Certified car__________________________________________________ 142
159
93, 163
28, 29
7, 102
140
54
124, 140
26
158
19
147
Chemical—
Agents________________________________________________ 35-39 19
Ammunition:
At supply points__________________________________ 157 168
Destroying_________________________________________ 171 179
Inspection--------------------------------------- 129 138
Marking and painting________________________________ 37 20
Precautions in practice firing____________________ 151 163
Storage________________________________________ 116,118 112,124
Bombs____________________________________________________ 93 77
Grenades_________________________________________________ 60 35
Shell____________________________________________________ 79 51
Chloracetophenone____________________________________________ 38 20
Chlorine gas_______________________________________________ 38 20
Chlorpicrin__________________________________________________ 38 20
Classification of ammunition__________________________________ 6 4
Clusters, bomb_______________________________________________ 92 77
Colors—
Of markings________________;------------------------- 137 142
Of other than small-arms ammunition----------------------- 8 5
Of small-arms ammunition---------------------------------- 8 5
Combination percussion-electric primer----------------------- 83 56
Combined storage______‘__________________________________ 117 121
Complete round_____________________________________________ 76 49
Components, small, destroying------------------------------- 167 176
Containers, packing, marking on_____________________________ 137 142
Crates, packing_____________________________________________ 134 140
Cyclonite____________________________________________________ 34 18
Data card and tag________________________________________ 7, 139 4, 144
Date of inspection__________________________________________ 121 134
Decontamination______________________________________________ 39 24-
Defective ammunition, report of and inspection of----------- 131 139
Defects in ammunition____________________________________ 146, 147 155, 157
Delay fuze____________________________________________________ 80 53
Demolition-
Blocks, storage_________________________________________ 116 112
Bombs_____________________________________________________ 90 76
202
TM 9-1900
INDEX
Paragraph Page
Destroying ammunition, explosives, and duds_____________ 158- 173 169
Detonators, storage of______________________________________ 118 124
Double-base powders---------------------------------------- 18 10
Drift signals_______________________________________________ 106 92
Drill-
Ammunition _______________________________________________ 6 4
Storage____________________________________________ 118 124
Bombs____________________________________________________ 95 78
Projectiles______________________________________________ 79 51
Dropping safe___________________________________________ 88, 103 75, 90
Duds______________________________________________________ 148 158
Destroying__________________________________________ 158, 173 169., 180
Dummy—
Ammunition________________________________________________ 6 4
Cartridges______________________________________________ 52 28
Propelling charges_______________________________________ 82 54
Dumping ammunition at sea----------------------------------- 158 169
Dynamite:
Inspection______________________________________________ 124 137
Storage_________________________________________________ 118 124
E.C. blank fire______________________________________________ 21 10
E.C. smokeless powder--------------------------------------- 21 10
Electric primers________________________ —-------------- 83 56
Emergency landing flares------------------------------------ 103 90
Equal section propelling charges----------------------------- 82 54
Examination:
Ammunition for defects---------------------------------- 146 155
Artillery ammunition------------------------------------ 149 159
Small-arms ammunition----------------------------------- 148 158
Explosive D. (See Ammonium picrate.)
Explosive train:
Bursting charge------------------------------------- 25 14
Propelling charge___________________________________ 14 8
Explosives:
Destroying__________________________________________ 158, 160 169, 173
General--------------------------------------------- 13 8
High________________________________________________ 13, 24—34 8, 14
Inspection______________________________________________ 124 137
Low___________________________________________________ 13-23 8
Maximum quantity in magazine---------------------------- 116 112
Storage_____________________________________________ 116-118 112
Extracting artillery ammunition----------------------------- 149 159
Exudation of ammunition--------------------------------- 26, 125 14, 137
Eyebolt lifting plug________________________________________ 87 58
Field parks and dumps, ammunition in-------------------- 155-157 166
Fire-—
Fighting and protection-------------------------------- 113 104
In field parks and dumps___________________________ 155 166
In motor truck shipments--------------------------- 144 150
203
TM 9-1900
INDEX
Fire—Continued. Paragraph Page
Precautions, safety_______________________________________ 111 102
Prevention, special rules--------------------------------- 113 104
Fires, causes of_____________________________________________ 113 104
Firing-—•
Blank cartridges---------------------------------------- 148 158
Line, ammunition on___________________________________ 145-153 155
Precautions—
Before firing________________________________________ 146 155
During and after firing_„__________________------- 147 157
Through trees-------------------------------------------- 147 157
First-fire compound------------------------------------------- 102 89
Fixed ammunition_______________________________________________ 76 49
Inspection_______________________________________________ 122 135
Storage--------------------------------------------------- 118 124
Flareback---------------------------------------------------- 149 159
Flares________________________________________________________ 103 90
Destroying------------------------------------------------ 170 178
FNH powder_____________________________________________________ 19 10
Fragmentation—
Bombs______________________________________________________ 92 77
Grenades___________________________________________________ 59 35
Friction primers----------------------------------------------- 83 56
Fuzes:
Allways____________________________________________________ 73 46
Antitank mine---------------------------------------------- 67 38
Artillery-------------------------------------------------- 80 53
Arming------------------------------------------------ 80 53
Assembling------------------------------------------- 149 159
Base-detonating_______________________________________ 79 51
Storage_____________________________________ 116-118 112
Bore-safe_____________________________________________ 80 53
Definition____________________________________________ 80 53
Handling_____________________________________________ 149 159
Point-detonating, storage, _ ________________________ 116 112
Bomb_______________________________________________________ 88 75
Storage---------------------------------------------- 116 112
Grenade, storage-------------------------------------- 116-118 112
Inspection________________________________________________ 127 138
Mortar ammunition-----------------------;-------------- 73 46
Shipping, with other explosives___________________________ 144 150
Storage_________________________________________________ 118 124
Gallery practice cartridges------------------------------------ 47 27
Gas__l_______________________________________________________ 36 19
Irritant___________________________________________________ 38 20
Nonpersistent______________________________________________ 38 20
Persistent_________________________________________________ 38 20
General purpose bombs____2------------------------------------ 90 76
Glossary___________________________________________________ App. I 182
Grading_________________________________________________________ 9 6
204
TM 9-1900
INDEX
Paragraph
Grenades____________________________________________________ 58-64
Destroying_________________________________________;___ 169
On the firing line_____________________________________ 151
Storage---------..--------------------------------- 116-118
Grenite_____________________________________________________ 30
Grommet_____________________________________________________. 87
Ground signals______________________________________________ 107
Guard —
Cartridges_____________________________________________ 47, 48
Protection_____________________________________________ 112
Guncotton. _________________________________________________ 20
Page
35 178 163 112
17
58
92
27
103
10
Hand grenades. (See Grenades.)
Handling. (See Care, handling, and preservation; Care and precautions in handling; Safety precautions.)
Hangfire of small-arms ammunition____________________________ 148 158
Harassing agents___________________________________________ 36-38 19
Harbor defenses, ammunition in_______________________________ 154 165
Hexachlorethane-zinc mixture__________________________________ 38 20
High-explosive shell__________________________________________ 79 51
High explosives---------------------------------------- 13, 24-34 8, 14
Storage______________________________________________ 116-118 112
High-pressure test cartridge__________________________________ 50 28
Hung bomb_____________________________________________________ 97 78
Identification__________________________________________ 7, 8, 137 4, 5, 142
Artillery ammunition__________________________________ 78 50
Bombs_________________________________________________ 89 76
Color schemes_________________________________________ 8, 137 5, 142
Lot number____________________________________________ 7, 138 4, 144
Marking. (See Marking.)
Model number__________________________________________ 7 4
Painting. (See Marking.)
Small-arms ammunition_________________________________ 8, 148 5, 158
Igniter protector cap_____________.________________________ 84 57
Igniters___________________________________________________ 14, 84 8, 57
Handling__________________________________________________ 149 159
Marking for location of__________________________________ 137 142
Igniting primer_________________________________________________ 83 56
Impact fuze_____________________________________________________ 80 53
Incendiaries_________________________________________________ 36-38 19
Incendiary cartridges___________________________________________ 45 27
Inert components:
Inspection________________________________________________ 130 139
Storage___________________________________________________ 118 124
Inhabited building, definition_________________________________ 116 112
Inspection:
Date______________________________________________________ 121 134
Definition________________________________________________ 119 134
Inspection and surveillance________________________________ 119-132 134
Interstate Commerce Commission Regulations_____________________ 141 145
205
TM 9-1900
INDEX
Paragraph
Irritants______________________________________________________ 36
Gas________________________________________________________ 38
Smoke______________________________________________________ 38
Issue of ammunition:
At firing point __________________________________________ 146
Priority of_______________________________________________ 10
Lacrimators_______________________________________________ 36-38
Land mine. (See Antitank mine.)
Lead azide___________________________________________________ 33
Lewisite_____________________________________________________ 38
List of references_____________________________________ App. Ill
Loading—
Artillery ammunition____________________________________ 149
Shell in harbor defenses______________________________ 154
Lot number________________________________________________ 7, 138
Low explosives____________________________________________ 13—24
Storage_________________________________________________ 116
Page
19
20
20
155
7
19
18
20
197
159
165
4, 144
8
112
Magazine and magazine areas___2_____________________ 114-118
Care and maintenance_______________________________ 115
Inspection__________________________________________ 120
Maintenance, definition_________________________________ 119
M alf un ctioning—
Of ammunition_______________________________________ 147
Of small-arms ammunition____________________________ 148
Mark number_____________________________________________ 7
Marking__________________________________ _______7, 8, 133-139
Antitank mines______________________________________ 70
Artillery ammunition______________________________87, 137
Bombs__________________________________________ 90, 98, 137
108
110
134
134
157
158
4
4, 5, 139
41
*58, 142
76, 78, 142
Chemical ammunition___________________________________37 20
. Color_______________________________________________ 8, 137 5, 142
Containers, packing______________________________________ 137 142
For shipment______________________________________________ 12 7
Grenades__________________________________________________ 63 38
Identification. (See Identification.)
Igniters_________________________________________________ 137 142
Lot number_________________________________________________ 7 4
Model number_______________________________________________ 7 4
Mortar ammunition _______________________________________ 75 49
Packages______._______________________________________ 137 142
Pyrotechnics__________________________________________ 110, 137 93, 142
Regulations______________________________________________ 133 139
Small-arms ammunition_________________________________ 57, 137 30,-142
Maximum quantity of explosives in magazine___________________ 116 112
Mercury fulminate_____________________________________________ 32 18
Use_______________________________________________________ 32 18
Methyl violet test paper_____________________________________ 121 134
Mines. (See Antitank mines.)
206
TM
9-1900
INDEX
Misfire: Paragraph
Artillery ammunition__________________________________ 149
Small-arms ammunition________________________________ 56, 148
Model number___________________________________________________ 7
Mortar ammunition__________________________________________ 71-75
Destroying______________________________________________ 165
On the firing line______________________________________ 153
Storage..___________________________________________ 116-118
Motor truck shipments________________________________________ 144
Multisection propelling charges_______________________________ 82
Mustard gas___________________________________________________ 38
National Match cartridges____________________________________ 51
Navigable stream, definition_________________________________ 116
Nearest magazine, definition_________________________________ 116
New construction_____________________________________________ 115
NH powder_____________________________________________________ 19
Night bombing flares_________________________________________ 103
Nitrocellulose powders___________________________________ 15-17
Nitroglycerin_____________________________________________ 18, 19
Nitrostarch explosives______________________________________ 30
Nomenclature Lists, Standard----------------------------------- 5
Nonpersistent gas_____________________________________________ 38
Normal charge________________________________________________ 149
Obturation____________________________________________________ 41
Ogive_________________________________________________— 79
Packages, marking____________________________________________ 137
Packing_______________________________________________ 12, 133-136
Antitank mines___________________________________________ 70
Artillery ammunition_________________________________ 87, 149
At the firing point_____________________________________ 146
Bombs_________________________________________________ 98
Boxes___________________________________________________ 134
Containers, marking_____________________________________ 137
Crates______________________■------------------------- 134
Grenades_________________________________________________ 63
Mortar ammunition________________________________________ 75
Projectiles—
In freight cars_____________________________________ 142
In motortrucks______________________________________ 144
Pyrotechnics__________________________________________ 110
Small-arms ammunition____________________________________ 57
Painting. (See Marking.)
Percussion primer_____________________________________________ 83
Persistent gas________________________________________________ 38
Personnel, protection of__________________________________ 111, 147
Phosgene______________________________________________________ 38
Phosphorus_________'_______________________________________ 38
Photoflash bombs. (See Bombs, photoflash.)
Picric acid________________________________________________ 29
Page
159
29, 158
4
46
176
165
112
150
54
20
28
112
112
110
10
90
9
10
17
3
20
159
26
51
142
7, 139
41
58, 159
155
78
140
142
140
38
49
147
150
93
30
56
20
102, 157
20
20
16
207
TM 9-1900
INDEX
Paragraph
Pistol, pyrotechnic__________________________________________ 103
Placing ammunition at the firing point_______________________ 146
Point-detonating fuze_________________________________________ 79
Practice—
Ammunition_________________________________________________ 6
Storage..^.________________________________________ 118
Bombs_____________________________________________________ 94
Precautions. {See Care and precautions in handling; Safety precautions.)
Preservation. {See Care, handling, and preservation.)
Pressures; erratic and excessive_____________________________ 149
Primacord Bickford____________________________________________ 26
Primer-detonators:
Marking for location of__________________________________ 137
Storage______________________________________________ 116-118
^Primers.___________________________________'_______________ 14, 25
Cannon____________________________________________________ 83
Destroying_____________1_______________________________ 168
Small-arms________________________________________________ 41
Storage_____________________________________________ 116-118
Priority of issue___________________________________________ 10
Projectiles___________________________________________:____ 79
Packing—
In freight cars___________________________________ 142
In motortrucks____________________________________ 144
See also Shell and Artillery ammunition.
Propellants______________________________________-_________ 13-24
Propelling charges:
Base and increment type___________________________________ 82
Blending_________________________________________________ 149
In harbor defenses__________________________________ 154
Cartridge storage cases__________________________________ 118
Colors_________________________________________________ 82, 137
Dummy____________________________________________________ 82
Equal section type________________________________________ 82
Erratic and excessive pressures__________________________ 149
Explosive train___________________________________________ 14
On the firing line_______________________________________ 149
Multisection______________________________________________ 82
Normal charge____________________________________________ 149
Premature ignition_____________________________________ 149
Separate loading:
Destroying__________________________________________ 161
Inspection__________________________________________ 121
Single section____________________________________________ 82
Small-arms_______________________________________________ 41
Storage______________________________________________ 116-118
Supercharge_____________________________________________ 149
Unequal section type______________________________________ 82
Protection of personnel__________________________,_________ 147
Public railway, definition_______________________;_________ 116
Page 90 155 51
4 124
77
159
49
142
112
8, 14
56
177
26
112
7
51
147
150
8
54'
159
165
124
54, 142
54
54
159
8
159
54
159
159
173
134
54
26
112
159
54
157
117
208
TM 9-1900
INDEX
Paragraph Page
Publication file pertinent to inspection___________________ 132 139
Pyro powder________________________________________________ 15, 17 9, 10
Pyrocellulose_________________________________________________ 17 10
Pyrotechnic—
Compositions______________________________________________ 101 89
Pistol____1_______________________________________________ 103 90
Pyrotechnics______________________________________________ 99-110 89
Destroying________________________________________________ 170 178
Inspection________________________________________________ 128 138
Marking___________________________________________________ 137 142
On the firing line________________________________________ 151 163
Serviceable life__________________________________________ 128 138
Storage_________________________________________ 109, 116-118 93, 112
Quantity-distance tables____________________________________ 116 112
See also Storage.
Rail shipments______________________________________________ 142 147
Ranges, maxi mum _•_________________________________________ 149 159
Reconnaissance flares______________________•------------- 103 90
References_____________________________________________ App. Ill 197
Renovating shell in harbor defenses_________________________ 154 165
Repairs to magazines______________________________________ 115 110
Reports of accidents, malfunctions, defects----------------- 147 157
Rotating band________________________________________________ 79 51
Round________________________________________________________ 76 49
Safe, dropping_____________________________________-_____ 88, 103 75, 90
Safety precautions______________________________________ 111-113 102
Before firing___________________________________________ 146 155
Containers______________________________________________ 111 102
Destroying ammunition, explosives, duds----------------- 159 171
During and after firing_________________________________ 147 157
Fire_______________________________________________ 111, 113 102, 104
Handling ammunition_____________________________________ 111 102
Personnel______________________________________________ 111 102
Target ranges___________________________________________ 173 180
Safety zones________________________________________________ 146 155
Saluting charges, .storage__________________________________ 118 124
Screening—
Agents__________________________________________________ 36 19
Smokes___________________________________________________ 38 20
Sealing packings-------------------------------------------- 136 142
Semifixed ammunition----------------------------------------- 76 49
Inspection______________________________________________ 122 135
Storage_____________________________________________ 116-118 112
Separate loading— Ammunition___________________________________________________ 76 49
Propelling charges. (See Propelling charges, separate loading.)
Shell. (See Shell, separate loading.)
463962°—42---14
209
TM 9-1900
INDEX
Paragraph Page
Service ammunition________________________________________ 6 4
Set back_______________________________________________________ 80 53
Shell:
Chemical___________________________________________________ 79 51
Destroying________________________________________________ 162 174
High explosive_____________________________________________ 79 51
In harbor defenses________________________________________ 154 165
Reconditioning____________________________________________ 125 137
Shotgun____________________________________________________ 53 28
Storage________________________1______________________ 116-118 112
See also Projectile.
Shipping__________________________________________________ 140-144 145
Labels________________________________________________ 137 142
Packing andmarking____________________________________ 12 7
Tags______________________________________________________ 137 142
Shotgun shell__________________________________________________ 53 28
Shrapnel_______________________________________________________ 79 51
Storage___________________________________________________ 116 112
Sign als: Aircraft______________________________________________________ 105 91
Drift_____________________________________________________ 106 92
Ground____________________________________________________ 107 92
Very light________________________________________________ 108 92
Simulated agents_______________________________________________ 36 19
Single section propelling charges______________________________ 82 54
Small-arms ammunition_______________________________________ 40-57 25
Destroying________________________________________________ 166 176
Identification_______'________________________________ 148 158
Color scheme_______________________________._____ 8 5
Inspection________________________________________________ 123 136
Malfunctioning____________________________________________ 148 158
Marking_______________________________________________ 57, 137 30, 142
Propellants_________________________________________________ 22 10
Storage_______________________________________________ 116-118 112
Smoke-puff ammunition:
Inspection________________________________________________ 124 137
On the firing line________________________________________ 150 163
Storage___________________________________________________ 118 124
Smokeless powder__________________________________________ 15, 16 9
Destroying________________________________________________ 160 173
Inspection________________________________________________ 121 134
Storage_______________________________________________ 116-118 112
Smokes____________________________________________________ 36, 38 19,. 20
Sneeze gas________________________________________________ 38 20
Spotting charges, storage_________________________________ 116-118' 112
Square base_______________________________________________ 79 51
Standard Nomenclature Lists____________________:__________ 5 3
Sternutatbrs______________________________________________ 36, 38 19, 20
Storage___________________
Field pack and dumps
Pyrotechnics__________
114-118,120 108,134
_____ 156 167
109, 116-118 93, 112
210
TM 9-1900
INDEX
Paragraph Page
Strip powder_____________________________________________________16 9
Subcaliber—
Cartridge___________________________________________________ 49 28
Projectile__________________________________________________ 79 51
Substitution of ammunition__________________________________ 146 155
Sulfur trioxide-chlorsulfonic acid mixture _____________________ 38 20
Supercharge_______________________ _ _ ___________________ 149 159
Superquick fuze_________________________________________________ 80 53
Supersensitive fuze_____________________________________________ 80 53
Surveillance_______________________________________________ 119-132 134
Target-practice projectile______________________________________ 79 51
Target ranges, precautions_____________________________________ 173 180
Tear gas________________________________________________________ 38 20
Tetryl__________________________________________________________ 31 17
Destroying_________________________________________________ 160 173
Thermit________________________________________________________ 38 20
Time fuze_______________________________________________________ 80 53
Titanium tetrachloride__________________________________________ 38 20
TNT (trinitrotoluene)_____________1_________________________ 26 14
Destroying_________________________________________________ 160 173
Tracer—
Artillery shell_____________________________________________ 79 51
Cartridge____________________________________________________ 45 27
Trench mortar ammunition. (See Mortar ammunition.)
Trimonite___________________________________________________ 34 18
Trinitrophenol______________________________J_______________ 29 16
Trinitrotoluene_________________________________________________ 26 14
Triton__________________________________________________________ 26 14
Trojan explosives_______________________________________________ 30 17
Types of ammunition_________ _______________________________ 4, 40 3, 25
Unequal section propelling charges______________________________ 82 53
Unserviceable ammunition:
Destroying_____________________________________________ 158-173 169
Dumping at sea_____________________________________________ 158 169
Report and inspection______________________________________ 131 139
Very light signals_____________________________________________ 108 92
Vesicants_______________________________________________________ 36 19
Visibility of pyrotechnic signals______________________________ 102 89
Water shipments________________________________________________ 143 148
Web size________________________________________________________ 16 9
211
TM 9-1900
INDEX
Paragraph Page
White phosphorus__________________________________ 38 20
Windshield---------------------------------------- 79 51
[A. G. 062.11 (5-11-42).]
By order of the Secretary of War:
G. C. MARSHALL, Chief of Staff.
Official :
J. A. ULIO,
Major General, The Adjutant General. Distribution :
D (2); IBn 9 (2) ; IC 9 (4).
(For explanation of symbols see FM 21-6.)
212
U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1942
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, Washington. D. C.
& L
UNT LIBRARIES DENTON TX 76203
ill linn 11 mu
1001895643
NTSU LIBRARY