[Small-Arms Ammunition]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]
- - - - T ' - ■ ..... * *
1,35'.^-lcW° 1 Fi i 1* I "1
- - i - -- l f■- 3 rw4r - ~ ■Mfr-i r- i i (O i. 4 itt
TM 9-1990
WAR DEPARTMENT
TECHNICAL MANUAL
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
May 23, 1942
U OF NT LIBRARIES 76203
V# I » ins ■
\.A^\ 3 -19^0
TEXAS STAT^emfEar'FnR WOMeTM 9-1990 ljbWary 01
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
Changes I WAR DEPARTMENT,
No. 1 J Washington, September 22, 1942.
TM 9-1990, May 23, 1942, is changed as follows:
21. Identification of ammunition types. * * * * * * *
c. Color. * * * * * * *
[A. G. 062.11 (9-19-42).] (C 1, Sept. 22, 1942.)
(3) A light blue tip on the bullet indicates incendiary ammunition. *******
25. Color markings.
* * * * * * *
I) . The following color bands are used for each type:
Type * Band,
* * * * * * *
Ball and tracer--------- Red, yellow, and green.
*******
[A. G. 062.11 (9-19-42).] (C 1, Sept. 22, 1942.)
102. Exterior ballistics.
* * * * * * *
d. Accuracy.—When test fired, it will group within a mean radius of 4 inches at 300 yards.
[A. G. 062.11 (9-19-42).] (C 1, Sept. 22, 1942.)
By order of the Secretary of War :
Official :
G. C. MARSHALL, Chief of Staff.
J. A. ULIO, Major General,
The Adjutant General.
486801°—42
U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1942
- /fio /cjL-3
TM 9-1990 *C 3
TECHNICAL MANUAL
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
Changes 1 WAR DEPARTMENT,
No. 3 I Washington 25, D. C., 24 November 1943.
TM 9-1990, 23 May 1942, is changed as follows:
13. Grades and uses.
*******
Z>. Grades.
*******
(5) (Added.) Small-arms ammunition which has been graded “For training use only” will not be fired over the heads of troops under any circumstances.
#
[A. G. 300.7 (30 Oct 43).] (C 3, 24 Nov 43.)
By order of the Secretary of War :
G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff.
Official :
J. A, ULIO,
Major General,
*The individual items in this change will be cut apart and pasted over the specific paragraphs or subparagraphs affected.
562207° 43
U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1943
*TM 9-1990
TECHNICAL MANUAL No. 9-1990
WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, May 23, 1942.
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
Chapter 1. General. Paragraphs
Section I. General__________________________________________ 1-3
II. General discussion____________________________ 4—16
III. Identification________________________________17-22
IV. Marking________________________________________23-26
V. Packing________________________________________27-30
VI. Surveillance___________________________________31-34
VII. Care, handling, and preservation______________35-39
VIII. Field report of accidents_______________________ 40
Chapter 2. Ammunition, caliber .30.
Section I. General_________________________________________41-46
II. Cartridge, armor-piercing, caliber .30, M2____47-48
III. Cartridge, ball, caliber .30, Ml______________49-50
IV. Cartridge, ball, caliber .30. M2_______________51-52
V. Cartridge, tracer, caliber .30, Ml_____________53-54
VI. Cartridge, blank, caliber .30, M1909_____________ 55
VII. Cartridge, dummy, caliber .30, M1906____________ 56
VIII. Cartridge, dummy, caliber .30, M2_______________ 57
IX. Cartridge, gallery practice, caliber .30, M1919_ 58
X. Cartridge, guard, caliber .30, Ml_____________59-60
XI. Cartridge, guard, caliber .30, M1906__________61-62
XII. Cartridge, high-pressure test, caliber .30, Ml_ 63
XIII. Cartridge, incendiary, caliber .30, Ml__________ 64
Chapter 3. Ammunition, caliber .45.
Section I. General_________________________________________65-70
II. Cartridge, ball, caliber .45, M1911___________71-72
III. Cartridge, tracer, caliber .45, Ml____________73-74
IV. Cartridge, blank, revolver, caliber .45, Ml____ 75
V. Cartridge, dummy, caliber .45, M1921_____________ 76
VI. Cartridge, high-pressure test, caliber .45, Ml_ 77
Chapter 4. Ammunition, caliber .50.
Section I. General_________________________________________78-83
II. Cartridge, armor-piercing, caliber .50, M2____84-85
III. Cartridge, ball, caliber .50, M2______________86-87
IV. Cartridge, tracer, caliber .50, Ml_____________88-89
*This manual supersedes TR 1350-A, May 18, 1934, including C 1, January 2, 1935; C 2, January 2, 1936; C 3, January 3, 1938; C 4, January 3, 1939; and C 5, October 20, 1939.
452388°—42--1
1
TM 9-1990
1 ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
Chapter 4. Ammunition, caliber .50—Continued. Paragraphs
Section V. Cartridge, blank, caliber .50, Ml_____________ 90
VI. Cartridge, dummy, caliber .50, M2______________ 91
VII. Cartridge, dummy, caliber .50, Ml______________ 92
VIII. Cartridge, high-pressure test, caliber .50, Ml_ 93
IX. Cartridge, incendiary, caliber .50, Ml_________ 94
Chapter 5. Ammunition, miscellaneous.
Section I. General_________________________________________ 95
II. Cartridge, ball, caliber .22, long rifle_______96-97
III. Field artillery trainer ammunition________98-100
IV. Cartridge, carbine, caliber .30, Ml________101-102
V. Cartridge, rifle grenade, caliber .30, M3__103-104
VI. Cartridge, subcaliber, caliber .30_________105-106
VII. Cartridge, blank, 10-gage, for 37-min guns,
Ml916, M3, and M5_________________________ 107
VIII. Shell, shotgun, 12-gage_______________1____108-109
Page
Appendix. List of references_______________________________ 88
Index__________________________________________________________ 91
Chapter 1
GENERAL
Paragraphs
Section I. General______________________________________________ 1- 3
II. General discussion__________,______________________ 4—16
III. Identification______________________________________17-22
IV. Marking_____________________________________________23-26
V. Packing_____________________________________________27-30
VI. Surveillance________________________________________31-34
VII. Care, handling, and preservation____________________35-39
VIII. Field report of accidents__;_________________________ 40
Section I
GENERAL
Paragraph Purpose___________________________________________________________ 1
Scope_____________________________________________________________ 2
References________________________________________________________ 3
1. Purpose.—This manual is published for the information and • guidance of all concerned. Personnel of the Ordnance Department who are responsible for the care, handling, storage, or issue of smallarms ammunition should be familiar with the provisions of this manual.
2
TM 9-1990
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
2. Scope.—The information contained is such as to furnish a ready means of identification and to permit intelligent care, handling, and use of small-arms ammunition. The precautions and instructions with reference to care, handling, and use are intended for peacetime, but they should be followed so far as practicable at all times.
3. References.—Wherever appropriate in the text, reference is made to publications containing additional information. These and other pertinent publications are listed in the appendix.
Section II
GENERAL DISCUSSION
Paragraph
General_________________________________________________________._____ 4
Nomenclature----------------------------------------------------------- 5
Classification_________________________________________________________ 6
Components of cartridge______________________________________________ 7
Cartridge case_________________________________________________________ 8
Primer_________________________________________________________________ 9
Bullet_____________________________________________________________'__ 10
Propelling charge_____________________________________________________ 11
Accessories_______________________________________________________ 12;
Grades and uses______________________________________________________ 13
Priority of issue_____________________________________________________ 14
Danger zones and protection of personnel______________________________ 15
Firing tables_________________________________________________________ 16
4. General.—a. Small arms.—Small arms comprise those weapons normally accompanying foot troops (infantry). They include rifles, automatic rifles, pistols, and machine guns up to caliber .60 (0.60 in. diameter of bore) and also shotguns.
b. Small-arms am/munition.—In this manual, small-arms ammunition is restricted to mean ammunition for those small arms used in military service. These are—
(1) Caliber .50 machine guns.
(2) Caliber .30 carbines, rifles, semiautomatic rifles, automatic rifles, and machine guns.
(3) Caliber .22 pistols, rifles, and machine guns (for gallery practice).
(4) Shotguns of 12 gage.
(5) Caliber .45 automatic pistols, revolvers, and submachine guns.
(6) Subcaliber tubes and adapters for artillery weapons which use ammunition of similar size and type.
c. Caliber and gage.—(1) The caliber of a weapon is the diameter of the bore expressed in inches or, when specifically mentioned, in millimeters.
3
TM 9-1990
4—5
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
(2) The gage of a shotgun refers to the number of lead balls of the diameter of the bore required to weigh one pound. The bore of a 12-gage shotgun measures 0.785 inch in diameter.
5. Nomenclature.—a. Standard nomenclature is established in order that each item supplied by the Ordnance Department may be specifically identified by name. These names are published in Standard Nomenclature Lists (SNL’s). The use of standard nomenclature is mandatory for all purposes of record. It will be used in this manual wherever reference is made to specific items as in the following paragraph. It should be noted that this nomenclature completely describes the ammunition as to type, caliber, and model.
5. The following items of small-arms ammunition will be described in detail in later chapters:
(1) Cartridge, armor-piercing, caliber .30, M2.
(2) Cartridge, ball, caliber, .30, Ml.
(3) Cartridge, ball, caliber .30, M2.
(4) Cartridge, tracer, caliber .30, Ml.
(5) Cartridge, blank, caliber .30, M1909.
(6) Cartridge, dummy, caliber .30, M1906 (corrugated).
(7) Cartridge, dummy, caliber .30, M2.
(8) Cartridge, gallery practice, caliber .30, M1919.
(9) Cartridge, guard, caliber .30, M1906.
(10) Cartridge, guard, caliber .30, Ml.
(11) Cartridge, high-pressure test, caliber .30, Ml.
(12) Cartridge, subcaliber, caliber .30, M1925.
(13) Cartridge, carbine, caliber .30, Ml.
(14) Cartridge, ball, caliber .45, M1911.
(15) Cartridge, blank, revolver, caliber .45, Ml.
(16) Cartridge, dummy, caliber .45, M1921.
(17) Catridge, high-pressure test, caliber .45, Ml.
(18) Cartridge, tracer, caliber .45, Ml.
(19) Cartridge, armor-piercing, caliber .50, M2.
(20) Cartridge, ball, caliber .50, M2.
(21) Cartridge, tracer, caliber .50, Ml.
(22) Cartridge, blank, caliber .50, Ml.
(23) Cartridge, dummy, caliber .50, Ml.
(24) Cartridge, dummy, caliber .50. M2.
(25) Cartridge, high-pressure test, caliber .50, Ml.
(26) Cartridge, ball, caliber .22, long rifle.
(27) Cartridge, blank, caliber .22. field artillery trainer, M2.
(28) Cartridge, blank, caliber .22, field artillery trainer, M2A1.
(29) Shell, shotgun, 12-gage.
(30) Cartridge, blank, 10-gage (formerly shell, shotgun, 10-gage, blank).
TM 9-1990
6-8
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
6. Classification.—Dependent upon its purpose, small-arms ammunition is classified as follows:
a. Ball.—This type is effective against personnel or light materiel targets.
&. Armor-piercing.—This type has a bullet containing a hardened steel core. It is intended for use against armored aircraft and vehicles, concrete shelters, and other bullet-resisting targets.
c. Tracer.—This type has a bullet containing a chemical composition which burns in flight. It is used for observation of fire, for incendiary purposes, and for signaling.
d. Blank.—This type contains no bullet. It is used for simulated fire, for signaling, and for salutes.
e. Dummy.—This type has no propelling charge or primer. It is used for training.
/. Gallery practice.—This type has a reduced charge. It was formerly used for gallery practice, but is now standard for guard purposes.
g. Guard.—This type has a reduced propelling charge. It is used for guard purposes.
h. High-pressure test.—This type has an augmented propelling charge. It is used only in proof firing.
i. Incendiary.—This type may be identified by the light-blue paint on the tip of the bullet.
j. Subcaliber.—This type has a rimmed cartridge case. It is used in subcaliber tubes and mounts of cannon.
k. Shotgun shells.—These are used for guard purposes, target practice, and hunting.
7. Components of cartridge.—A round of small-arms ammunition is called a cartridge. As a complete round, the cartridge contains all the components necessary to fire the weapon once. In general these are the cartridge case, primer, propelling charge, and bullet. Typical cartridges are illustrated in figures 1 and 2.
8. Cartridge case.—a. Functions.—The cartridge case is the means whereby the other components, primer, propelling charge, and bullet, are assembled into a unit. It also provides a waterproof container for the propelling charge. When the cartridge is fired, the thin brass is forced against the walls of the chamber by the pressure, thus preventing the escape of gases to the rear. This sealing process is known as obturation.
b. Manufacture.—The cartridge case is made from a circular disk of brass which is punched into the form of a cup and drawn through, successive dies into shape (fig. 3). The closed end is pressed into shape to form the head which contains the primer pocket and vent.
5
TM 9-1990
8-9 ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
An extractor groove is machined in the side of the head to provide a grip for the mechanical extractor of the weapon. The case for pistol ammunition is cylindrical; that for carbine ammunition tapers slightly; that for rifle and machine-gun ammunition tapers slightly from the head to the shoulder—approximately % of its length—then sharply at the shoulder to the cylindrical neck. After each punching or drawing operation, the case is annealed to remove strains.
c. Assembly.—The primer is pressed into the primer pocket and staked or crimped; the joint is then sealed by a drop of shellac or lacquer. The propelling charge is inserted and the inside of the neck coated with lacquer or other waterproofing compound, the bullet is inserted and the mouth of the case crimped into the cannelure of the bullet.
9. Primer.—The primer, which is crimped into the primer pocket in the head of the cartridge case, consists of a soft metal cup, a priming or percussion composition, a disk of shellacked manila paper, and an anvil. A blow from the firing pin on the primer cup compresses the priming composition between the cup and the anvil, thereby producing a flame which passes through the vents in the anvil and cartridge case, and ignites the propelling charge of smokeless powder. Figure 4 shows details of caliber .30, .45, and .50 primers. The cup of the caliber .30 or caliber .50 primer is made of brass, whereas the cup of the caliber .45 primer is made of gilding metal, because the lighter blow of the firing pins of pistols and revolvers necessitates a softer materia]. The priming composition is inserted into the cup and is held in place and protected from moisture and electrolytic action by the paper disk. The brass anvil is inserted last. The following table gives the designation and weight of primers and primer compositions:
Caliber of cartridge Primer composition Primer
Designation Weight Designation Weight
Caliber .30 Caliber .45 Caliber .50 FA70 FA70 FA90A 0.45 grain 0.37 grain 2.0 grains Primer No. 26 Primer No. 27___ Primer No. 28 5.5 grains. 4.5 grains. 19.0 grains.
Recent primers of the noncorrosive, nonmercuric type are used in some caliber .45 cartridges and in the caliber .30 carbine cartridge. To function properly, primers must be free from such surface defects as folds, wrinkles, scratches, scales or dents. Other primer defects are cocked, broken, or inverted anvils; scratched, torn, or dirty cups; and missing anvils, disks, or pellets.
6
TM 9-1990
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION 10-11
10. Bullet.—a. Parts.—The bullet consists, in general, of a core covered by a gilding metal jacket. A cannelure is cut or rolled in the jacket to provide a recess into which the mouth of the case may be crimped at assembly (figs. 5 and 6).
h. Shape.—The body of the bullet is cylindrical. The nose may be round, as in the caliber .45 bullet, or ogival (curved taper) as in all service rifle and machine-gun bullets. The base may be “square”— that is, cylindrical, or “boat-tailed,” that is, having a conical taper.
c. Core.— (1) Armor-piercing bullets contain a core of hardened steel. There may be point or base fillers of lead or aluminum filling the spaces between the steel core and jacket.
(2) Bullets of ball cartridges usually contain a slug of antimony-hardened lead except in the case of caliber .50, wherein the core is of soft steel in order to insure similar ballistic properties for ball and armor-piercing cartridges.
(3) Tracer bullets contain a lead slug in the forward position, and a chemical composition in the rear.
(4) Incendiary bullets contain an incendiary composition.
d. Variations.—Special purpose bullets may vary in shape or component parts. These will be described in the section on the particular cartridge.
11. Propelling charge.—a. General.—The propelling charge consists of a quantity of smokeless powder. The weight of the charge is not constant. It is adjusted for each powder lot to give the required velocity with pressure within the limits prescribed for the weapon in which it is fired. The powder charge is assembled loosely in the cartridge case. Acceptance requirements for small-arms smokeless powders are outlined in the U. S. Army specifications listed in paragraph 2, appendix.
I). Characteristics.—Smokeless powder for small-arms ammunition is usually glazed with graphite to facilitate machine loading, and thus presents a black polished appearance. Single-perforated grains are usually used as small-arms propellants. Since the powder grains are small, they ignite more rapidly and burn more quickly than cannon powder. When abnormal temperatures prevail, small-arms powders are subject to rapid deterioration. Smokeless powder is not as sensitive to friction as black powder, but all precautions used in handling black powder should be observed for small-arms powders.
c. Types.—In general, there are two types of small-arms propellants: 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 single-base type.
7
TM 9-1990
12 ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
12. Accessories.—Those accessories which are connected with the use of small-arms ammunition, such as clips and metallic belt links, are described below. The packing of these items is also discussed.
a. Clips.—Caliber .30 cartridges for use in the M1903 and M1917 service rifles, or for both rifle and machine-gun use, are assembled in 5-round clips; those for the Ml rifle are assembled in 8-round clips. In time of peace 8-round clips are nonexpendable items.
(1) The 5-round clip (fig. 7) consists of a body and Spring, both of brass. Stop lugs on the exterior sides of the body seat the clip in its slots in the receiver of the rifle. The top edges of the sides are folded inward, forming flanges which fit into the grooves in the cartridge case heads, holding the cartridge in place. The spring is provided with narrow tongues which, when the clip is filled, are pressed into the grooves of the outside cartridges, holding them securely in the clip.
(2) The 8-round clip (fig. 8) consists only of a case made of steel. It is indented near the base along the sides to form an inner rib which engages the extractor groove in the cartridges. The sides are inclined sufficiently to clamp the cartridges firmly in place. The cartridges are held in two staggered rows. It is immaterial whether the uppermost cartridge of the loaded clip is on the left or right side of the clip as the follower slide of the gun adjusts itself for either loading. Experience in the field shows, however, that it is preferable to have the uppermost cartridge in the right side of the clip. The sides are curved at the ends to hold the cartridges securely in the clip.
(3) Caliber .30 dummy cartridges were formerly assembled in a special clip. Present practice is to use the standard 5-round clip without tongues, marked for use with dummy cartridges. The corrugated type of dummy cartridge, cartridge, dummy, caliber .30, M1906, may be used for instruction in functioning when loaded in 8-round clips.
(4) When used in the revolver, it is necessary to assemble the cartridge, ball, caliber .45, M1911, into clips. These clips are illustrated in figure 9. They are packed separately for assembly in the field.
b. Metallic belt links.—For use in automatic weapons, caliber .30 and caliber .50 ammunition is issued in metallic link belts. These belts are assemblies of unit links, one for each cartridge. Each link (fig. 10) has two loops fitting about one cartridge and a third loop fitting around one adjacent cartridge. Thus each cartridge in a metallic link belt, except the cartridges on the ends, has two links attached to it (fig. 11). Each link is made from strip steel. A blank form is stamped from the strip and the blank is bent to form the circular loops. It is then heat-treated and processed to prevent rusting. The links are manufactured to meet specified extraction tests from pre
8
TM 9-1990
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION 12-13
scribed steel plugs made in the shape of cartridges. Link, metallic belt, caliber .30, Ml, must withstand an extraction pull of 5 to 10 pounds and link, metallic belt, caliber .50, Ml or M2, must withstand an extraction pull of 10 to 25 pounds. Links designated for standard use are—
Link, metallic belt, caliber .30, Ml.
Link, metallic belt, caliber .50, M2.
The Ml caliber .50 link differs slightly in design from the M2 link. A metallic belt end is required for some aircraft gun installations.
c. Packing of accessories.—Clips for caliber .30, .45, or .50 ammunition are packed as required. Metallic belt links are packed in cardboard cartons which are packed in wooden boxes without liners or in wire-bound paper-lined boxes. Caliber .30 links are packed 20 per carton and 250 cartons (5,000 links) per box. The volume of the wooden box is 1.65 cubic feet and the weight is 66 pounds; the volume of the wire-bound box is 1.55 cubic feet and the weight, 61 pounds. The caliber .50 links are packed 10 per carton and 100 cartons (1,000 links) per box. The volume of the wooden box is 1.22 cubic feet and the weight, 53 pounds; the volume of the wire-bound box is 1.15 cubic feet and weight, 49 pounds. See SNL T-l for further information.
13. Grades and uses.—a. General.—Ammunition is manufactured to rigorous specifications and is inspected and tested thoroughly before acceptance. Since the various types of weapons—rifles, ground machine guns, aircraft machine guns, etc.—have different requirements, production orders and specifications call for the classification of lots for use in specific weapons. Variations in manufacture may occur because of problems of mass production of ammunition. Considering variations from lot to lot and the different requirements for each type of weapon, grades are assigned to each lot of ammunition, in accordance with acceptance tests, to designate their use in the different types of weapons.
b. Grades.—Current grades of all existing lots of small-arms ammunition are established by the Chief of Ordnance as a result of inspection and are published in OFSB 3-5. Grades are not marked on packing boxes or on slips inside the box. No lot other than that of grade appropriate for the weapon, as specified in the current publication of OFSB 3-5, will be fired.
(1) The grades for caliber .30 and .50 ammunition are as follows: AC—Aircraft and antiaircraft machine guns.
R—Rifles and semiautomatic rifles.
MG—Ground machine guns.
3—Unserviceable, not to be used.
9
TM 9-1990
13 ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
(2) The grades for caliber .45 ammunition are as follows:
1—Revolvers, automatic pistols, and submachine guns.
2—Automatic pistol and submachine guns, only.
RT—Not to be used. Requires roll test. Will be disposed of as directed in OFSB 3-5.
3—Unserviceable, not to be used.
(3) More than one grade may be authorized tor certain weapons. For example, grade AC or R may also be used for ground machine guns and grade MG or R may also be used for antiaircraft machine guns. For use in rifles, armor-piercing and tracer ammunition of grade AC may be used.
(4) When small-arms ammunition becomes unserviceable, it is designated as grade 3 and withdrawn from service. Ammunition which cannot be identified will be considered as grade 3. However, unidentified ammunition will not be classified as unserviceable for this reason until every effort has been made to establish its identity.
c. Examples.—Some of the considerations taken in grading of ammunition are illustrated by the following examples:
(1) Ammunition to be used in the bolt-action rifle requires that the average net extraction effort shall not exceed 15 pounds. This is essential for uniform and reliable action in a manually operated weapon but is of lesser importance in automatic and semiautomatic weapons.
(2) Ammunition for use in synchronized and remote-controlled aircraft machine guns must be of selected uniformity and have a minimum variation in rate of ignition. These requirements are essential to assure continuous feeding during combat use of aircraft guns, where malfunctioning might result in destruction of propellers or create other hazards.
(3) Due to the rugged construction of ground-type machine guns, the continuous control exercised by the operator, and the lower rate of fire, less stringent test limits are required. Ammunition that meets the general specifications for accuracy, pressure, dimensions, etc., is satisfactory.
d. Velocity, pressure, accuracy.—Regardless of the weapon in which the ammunition is to be used, the requirements for velocity, pressure, and accuracy, are uniform. However, due to uncontrollable factors, an ammunition lot meeting the special requirements of aircraft machine guns might be less accurate or develop higher or lower pressures oi velocities than a lot graded for ground machine guns or for rifles.
10
'A 'R 'r 4------- *
f. (Added.) Grades of repacked lots.—(1) Cartridges packed in rifle clips, web belts, and metallic link belts are assigned a repacked lot number (par. 19.1). The grades of these repacked lots are not published in OFSB 3-5, but are considered to have the following grades according to type of packing, pending any regrading of the original lot numbers:
Grade AC—Caliber .30 and caliber .50 cartridges in metallic link belts, with the exception of those caliber .50 cartridges in boxes marked “Ground Machine Guns.”
Grade R—Caliber .30 cartridges in 5-round and 8-round clips. Grade MG—Caliber .30 and caliber .50 cartridges in web belts. Grade MG—Caliber .50 cartridges in linked belts with the marking “Ground Machine Guns” on the box.
(2) If one lot of the cartridges comprising a repacked lot is regraded, it may be necessary to repack the cartridges. If this occurs, a new repacked lot number will be assigned to the new packing.
[A. G. 300.7 (5 .Tun 43).] (C 2, 7 Jun 43.)
TM 9-1990
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION 13-16
e. Regrading.-—-Ammunition in storage is periodically retested to insure that its characteristics have not changed. If changes have occurred, as shown by surveillance tests, the ammunition is regarded and the new grades published in OFSB 3-5.
14. Priority of issue.—a. Subject to special instructions from the Chief of Ordnance, ammunition of appropriate type and model will be issued in the following order: limited standard, substitute standard, standard. Following this rule, ammunition which has had the longest or least favorable storage will be issued first whenever practicable.
I). 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. Within any one grade priority of issue and use will be given those lots indicated in OFSB 3-5 and to lots containing less than 20.000 rounds.
c. Priority of issue for lots of small-arms ammunition is established by the Chief of Ordnance and published in OFSB 3-5, or in special instructions. See also AR 775-10.
15. Danger zones and protection of personnel.—AR 750-10 prescribes the regulations for firing ammunition in time of peace. It specifies the minimum thickness of various kinds of cover that is required for protection against bullets fired from small-arms weapons. The table below reproduces these data:
Nature of cover Thickness in inches
Caliber .30 Caliber .50
Concrete 4 8
Sandstone or granite earth 6 10
Broken stone 20 30
Dry sand 24 32
Wet sand . - _ _ - 36 48
Logs wired together (oak) 40 60
Earth, packed or tamped 48 60
Undisturbed compact earth 52 66
Earth, freshly turned 56 72
16. Firing tables.—From proving-ground data, firing tables are prepared for the using arms. Complete firing tables are based on the use of small-arms ammunition in the several weapons and are published under the direction of the Chief of Ordnance. They are listed in SNL F-69.
11
TM 9-1990
16
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
a a i
Hi H 1 /-I
i 11 ' JI HB
® I® OS? "
c
R M
II
■JH
A jf*
Ih $ !■
ijw 10 < X ii -'- I
■i ■|| |||| A
11 *BI HI
■ m is *
U n Cl
tl f| 111
DEF
RA PD 4507
A. Cartridge, carbine, caliber .30. Ml. D. Shell, shotgun, 12-gage.
B. Cartridge, ball, caliber .45, Ml 911. E. Cartridge, ball, caliber .30, M2.
C. Cartridge, ball, caliber .22, long rifle. F. Cartridge, ball, caliber .50, M2.
Figure 1. Types of small arms ammunition.
12
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
TM 9-1990
16
A
B
A. 0^
A
a J” *a A °
t Q
B P'480 “ G
:^r1 “ g4 J 1 1 00 if
A E--1 E---*
D--h I D------------h___]__[ D-------|H -J_____.L
CAL.. 4 5 CAL..30 CAL.,50
RA PD 4509
Figure 3.—Cartridge cases in section.
TM 9-1990
16
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
5 2
-.2112
CAL.45
1. Brass anvil.
2. Brass cup.
8. Gilding metal cup.
4. Paper disk.
------.225------>
CAL-5Q
RA PO 4510
5. Pellet.
Figure 4.—Primers in section.
BULLET, BALL. CAL. .30, M2
BULLET, ARMOR-PIERCING, CAL..30, M2
RED-APPR'OX.
BULLET, TRACER, CAL..30, Ml.
RA PD 4511
A. Base filler—gilding metal.
B. Composition, igniter.
C. Composition, tracer.
D. Core—steel.
E. Core—tungsten chrome-steel.
F. Jacket—gilding metal.
G. Point filler—lead “T” shot.
H. Slug-—lead with antimony.
Figure 5.—Representative bullets, caliber .30, in section.
15
16
TM 9-1990
16 ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
<---------- 2.31 --------->
D--------------------------------F
---G
BULLET, BALL, CAL..50, M2 rBLACK-APPROX. jg
E——~F
BULLET, ARMOR-PIERCING, CAL..50, M2 c r- RED-APPROX, -jg
A--------------------------------F
' ---H
B---.........
BULLET, TRACER, CAL..50, Ml
RA PD 4512
A. Composition, igniter. E. Core—tungsten chrome-steel.
B. Composition, sub-igniter. F. Jacket—gilding metal.
C. Composition, tracer. G. Point filler—lead with antimony.
D. Core—steel. , H. Slug—lead with antimony.
Figure 6. —Representative bullets, caliber .50, in section.
li ii.X...
•I ’ ..*in n- ■■ - i nifitWW***
Him
/ * I .* j ■■'**-*****T-' Ar„- " TL
/ // • — • ___•■ • TT ”
I Mi’ J jMWlitf ... ’ .
? ///if• - .»u *'4r
R A P D 4 513
Figure 7. —5-round clip of caliber .30 cartridges.
TM 9-1990
16
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
RA FSD 1948
Figure 8.—8-round clip of caliber .30 cartridges.
—42---2
17
9-1990
16 ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
TM
A. Loaded.
1.594 MAX.
RA PD 4515
B. Unloaded.
Figure 9.—Clip, cartridge, caliber .45, for revolver ball cartridge.
18
TM 9-1990
16
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
A. Link, metallic belt, caliber .30, Ml.
B. Link, metallic belt, caliber .50, M2.
Figure 10.
■ it t *1
Eii i i ,i
MH I I I I
I I I I
V W Il 11 II ||
Br a- 1 &■ 1 1 <
Figure 11.—Section of link belt loaded with cartridges, ball, caliber .30, M2.
19
TM 9-1990
17-18 ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
Section III
IDENTIFICATION
Paragraph
General------------------------------------------------------------ 17
Model______________________________________________________________ 18
Ammunition lot number______________________________________________ 19
Identification card________________________________________________ 20
Identification of ammunition types_________________________________ 21
Identification in target practice_________________________________ 22
17. General.—a. The type, caliber, ammunition lot number, and the symbol of the manufacturer are the essential factors for the identification of ammunition. Because of its small size, the marking on small-arms ammunition is the stamping of the manufacturer’s initials and year of original loading on the base of the cartridge case. For example, F. A. 38 means the lot was loaded at Frankford Arsenal in 1938. On lots manufactured prior to 1940, the caliber is al°' stamped on the base of some cartridge cases. National Match am nition has the initials N. M. stamped alongside the date of load) The ammunition is clearly and fully identified, except as to gra from the markings on the original packing boxes and cartons, addition to the marking, colored bands painted on the ammunitn boxes and on certain labels, provide a ready means of identificatic as to type. See section IV.
b. The following means are used to identify ammunition:
(1) Marking on the original packing box and on each carton. See section IV.
(2) An identification card, usually 6^ by 15 inches, sealed inside the metal liner on top of ammunition in each box (par. 20).
(3) A reference card inserted in the bandoleer, if ammunition is packed in clips and bandoleers.
(4) The stamping on the base of the cartridge case.
(5) The appearance of the cartridge and the painting on the bullet (see section on each cartridge).
18. Model.—To distinguish a particular design, a model designation is assigned at the time it is classified as an adopted type. The model designation becomes an essential part of the standard nomenclature of the item and one of the means of identification. Prior to July 1, 1925, it was the practice to use the year in which the design was adopted as the model designation, for example, cartridge, ball, caliber .45, M1911. The present system of model designation is to use the letter M followed by an Arabic numeral, for example, cartridge, ball, caliber .50. M2.
20
17. General.—a. The type, caliber, * * * date of loading. The ammunition is clearly and fully identified from the markings on the original packing boxes and cartons. In addition to the marking, stenciled figure silhouettes provide a ready means of identification as to type of inner packing, that is, packing in clips, web belts, or metallic link belts. See section IV.
b. The following means are used to identify ammunition: *******
(2) A reference data card is inserted in each packing box containing repacked lots of ammunition (par. 20).
[A. G. 300.7 (5 Jun 43).] (C 2, 7 Jun 43.)
19. Ammunition lot number.—When ammunition is * * * with pertinent specifications. This lot number is marked on all packing boxes containing carton-packed cartridges, on the cartons packed therein, and on the reference data card inclosed in each packing box containing repacked lots. It is required * * * be
19.1. (Added.) Repacked lot numbers.—a. Since ammunition packed in rifle clips, web belts, and metallic link belts may consist of more than one type of cartridge and hence would require two or more lot numbers marked on packing boxes and entered in records, a single repacked lot number is assigned by the repacker to replace the original ammunition lot numbers. This repacked lot number is marked on the packing box or crate and on the reference data card inclosed in the box.
1). The repacked lot number is not recorded in OFSB 3-5, its grade being considered as that appropriate for the type of packing (par. 13/).
c. The repacked lot number consists of the words “REPACKED LOT”; the repacker’s initials; the letter B, C, or L indicating belted, clipped, or linked cartridges, respectively; and the lot number assigned by the repacker.
20. (Superseded.) Reference data card.—A reference data card
is inserted in each ammunition box containing cartridges in clips, web belts, and metallic link belts. This card lists the ammunition lot or lots comprising the repacked lot and their ratios of packing._
TM 9-1990 C 1
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
Changes I WAR DEPARTMENT,
No. 1 j Washington, September 22, 1942.
TM 9-1990, May 23, 1942, is changed as follows:
21. Identification of ammunition types.
c. Color. ❖ [A. G. 062.11 (9-19-42).] (C 1, Sept. 22, 1942.)
(3) A light blue tip on the bullet indicates incendiary ammunition.
TM 9-1990
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION 19-22
19. 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 marked on all packing containers and on the identification card inclosed in each packing box. It is required for all purposes of record, including grading, use, and reports on condition, functioning, and accidents, in which the ammunition might be involved. No lot other than that of a current grade (as published in OFSB 3-5) appropriate for the weapon will be fired (par. 13). Since it is impracticable to mark the ammunition lot number on each individual cartridge, every effort should be made to maintain the ammunition lot number of the cartridges once they are removed from their ori inal packing. Cartridges for which the ammunition lot number has been lost automatically become grade 3. Therefore, when cartridges are removed from their original packings they should be so marked that the ammunition lot number may be preserved.
20. Identification card.—An identification card, approximately 6% by 15 inches, showing the quantity, type, caliber, model, ammunition lot number, and the symbol of the manufacturer is sealed inside the metal liner on top of the ammunition in each box. A card, 10 by 13 inches, is packed with some caliber .45 ball ammunition.
21. Identification of ammunition types.—a. General.—In general, all types of cartridges of one caliber have the same profile, and they may be identified, except as to ammunition lot number and grade, by the physical characteristics outlined below. Care should be taken not to confuse original markings with any subsequent markings made with lithographic marking ink, which is used for an entirely different purpose, as described in paragraph 22.
b. Tinned cartridge case.—A tinned cartridge case indicates high-pressure test or dummy cartridges. All dummy cartridges of recent manufacture are without primers. Those of older manufacture have inert primers and holes are drilled in the cartridge case for identification.
c. Color.— (1) A black tip on the bullet indicates armor-piercing ammunition.
(2) A red tip on the bullet indicates tracer ammunition.
(3) A purple tip on the bullet indicates incendiary ammunition.
d. No bullet present.—Indicates blank ammunition.
22. Identification in target practice.—The number of hits made upon a target by a certain machine gun or group of machine guns when others are firing upon the same target is sometimes determined by coating the tips of the bullets with lithographic ink. The bullets
21
TM 9-1990
22-25
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
of the cartridges for each weapon or group of weapons are coated with a distinctive color of ink which, upon striking the target leaves a smear indicating the source of fire. Cartridges which have been so coated must have the ink removed before return to storage. Methods of marking bullets for antiaircraft machine guns are described in paragraphs 31 to 37, inclusive, FM 4-135.
Section IV
MARKING
General___________
Marking on boxes.
Color markings____
Markings on cartons.
Paragraph ----- 23 ----- 24 ----- 25 ----- 26
23. General.—Small-arms ammunition boxes are painted brown and marked with color bands, lhe painting aids in the preservation of the boxes and the marking serves as a means of identification, making it unnecessary to open a box to identify its contents.
24. Marking on boxes.—a. In addition to color bands, described in paragraph 25, below, each box of small-arms ammunition is marked with complete information necessary for shipping, care, handling, and use.
b. The markings (fig. 12) include—
(1) Name and address of consignee (one side).
(2) Shipping designation of contents (top).
(3) Quantity and standard nomenclature of contents (4 sides).
(4) Gross weight in pounds and displacement in cubic feet (1 side).
(5) Number of shipping ticket and number of package (1 side).
(6) The letters U. S. (in several conspicuous places).
(7) Order number or contract number (1 side).
(8) Ordnance insignia and escutcheons (both ends).
(9) Name or designation of consignor (1 side).
(10) Ammunition lot number (top and 4 sides).
(11) Month and year packed.
(12) Inspector’s stamp.
c. Grade symbols will not be marked on ammunition boxes. However, prior to April 1933, descriptive phrases such as “for rifle use,” for aii craft use,” were marked on boxes. These indications will be disiegarded and the grade determined from the current publication of OFSB 3-5.
25. Color markings.—a. To provide a ready means of identification as to type, small-arms ammunition boxes are marked with color
22
23. General.—Small-arms ammunition boxes are painted or stained dark brown (chocolate), and markings are stenciled in yellow. The expendable steel boxes Ml for caliber .30 ammunition and M2 for caliber .50 ammunition in web belts are painted olive-drab. The painting aids in the preservation of the boxes and makes them less conspicuous when stored in the open. 1 he marking serves as a means of identification, making it unnecessary to open a box to identify its contents. The expendable steel boxes have no markings. The markings appear on the wire-bound crate in which they are shipped.
24. Marking on boxes.—a. In addition to stenciled figure silhouettes described in paragraph 25, each box of small-arms ammunition is marked with complete information necessary for shipping, care, handling, and use.
25. (As changed by C 1) (Superseded.) Stenciled figure silhouettes.—Stenciled figure silhouettes on boxes containing clipped, belted, and linked cartridges provide a means of quickly identifying the type of packing—packed in rifle clips, web belts, or linked belts. The silhouettes are vertical on boxes containing caliber .30 cartridges and diagonal for caliber .50 cartridges- (See figs. 12 to 12.10, incl.) The absence of the stenciled figure silhouettes on boxes indicates carton packing.
b. The markings (figs. 12 to 12.10 incl.) include—
(1) Name and address of consignee (one side) or code address.
(2) Shipping designation of contents (top).
(3) Quantity, caliber, type, and model of contents, and their ratios.
/J2 ) Ammunition Identification Code symbol as published in Standard Nomenclature Lists, Group T, and OFSB 3-14.
(4) Gross weight in pounds and displacement in cubic feet (1 side).
(5) Number of shipping ticket and number of package (1 side). (Less than carload lots only.)
(6) The letters U. S. (in one place only). (Less than carload lots only.)
(7) Rescinded.
(8) Ordnance insignia and escutcheons.
(9) Name or designation of consignor (1 side).
(10) Ammunition lot number or repacked lot number.
(11) Rescinded
(12) Inspector’s stamp.
* * * * * * * [A. G. 300.7 (5 .Tun 43).] (C 2, 7 Jun 43.)
d. (Added.) Packing boxes containing caliber .50 cartridges in metallic link belts of a grade for use only in ground machine guns are marked “Ground Machine Guns.” Caliber .50 cartridges in metallic link belts in boxes which do not have this marking are for use in either aircraft or ground machine guns.
e. (Added.) Marking to indicate special use of ammunition may appear on packing boxes. Four special types are stenciled as follows:
“For M. G. Training Only”
“For Rifle Training Only”
“For M. G. Functioning Test Only”
“For Revolver Training Only”
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
TM 9-1990
25
23
RA PD 4014
Figure 12.—Packing boxes for small-arms ammunition.
TM 9-1990
25-27
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
bands. On boxes for caliber .30 and caliber .45 cartridges, the band is painted vertically on the sides and horizontally on the ends. On boxes for caliber .50 cartridges, the bands are painted diagonally on ends and sides. Prior to 1933 the band was also painted across the top.
b. The following color bands are used for each type:
Type Band
Ball Blank 2 Dummy Gallery practice Guard High-pressure test Armor-piercing Tracer Incendiary Rifle grenade Red. Blue. Green. Brown. Orange. Yellow. Blue on yellow. Green on yellow. Red on yellow. 2 blue bands y2 inch wide, y2 inch apart.
Armor-piercing and tracer. Ball and tracer Blue, yellow, green (3 stripe band). Yellow, red, and green.
c. Wherever yellow bands on boxes interfere with the legibility of the stenciled yellow markings, the former will be given a different color.
26. Markings on cartons.—Carton labels are marked to show the quantity, type, caliber, model, ammunition lot number, kind of propelling charge, and manufacturer. Color stripes similar to those on the packing boxes are marked on the labels, except that for blank ammunition the label itself is blue, and for dummy ammunition it is green. The printing on the label is black, except in the case of high-pressure test cartridges, where it is red. In addition, the carton label for high-pressure test cartridges is marked with the word “Dangerous” and that for blank revolver cartridges, caliber .45, “Dangerous within 10 feet.”
Section V
PACKING
Paragraph
General_________________________________________________________________ 27
Packing boxes___________________________________________________________ 28
Cartons_________________________________________________________________ 29
Bandoleers______________________________________________________________ 30
27. General.—a. The containers and methods for packing small-arms ammunition are given in the drawings, specifications, and stand-
24
26. Markings on cartons.—Carton labels are marked to show the quantity, type, caliber, model, ammunition lot number, kind of pro-
TM 9-1990
. SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION C 2
pelling charge, and manufacturer. For blank ammunition the label itself is blue, and for dummy ammunition it is green. The printing-on * * * within 10 feet.”
[A. G. 300.7 (5 Jun 43).] (C 2, 7 Jun 43.)
Figure 12 is rescinded and the following substituted therefor:
Figure 12.—Caliber .30, caliber .45, and caliber .50 packing boxes containing carton-packed ammunition in waxed containers.
Figure 12.1.—Packing box Ml (steel) for 250 caliber .30 cartridges in web belts.
4
RA PD 68319.
HA PD 6120$
TM 9-1990
c 2
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
Figlke 12.2,—Packing box M2 (steel) for 110 caliber .50 cartridges in web belts.
Figure 12.3. Wire-bound crate for two ammunition boxes, caliber .50, M2 (steel).
5
BOX CLOSED BOX OPEN RA-PC6E351
RA P£> 69060
TM 9-1990
c 2
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
/ ?
ll
i - • hSi
I ’ ■ 10 - ’’ L ■ •’
V * I v >
""’A
. RA p0 68346
Figure 12.4.—Wire-bound crate for four ammunition boxes caliber .30, Ml (steel)—open.
v > x- d
S w fiJ •
1 C'"''
V PVcM-U-
0‘®
|.-"^ RA PD 61210
Figure 12.5.—Wire-bound crate for four ammunition boxes, caliber .30, Ml (steel).
6
TM 9-1990
C 2
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
..... '.....
" ...i
■ --k...... , p
£;\;. .
_>F
RA PO 61211
Figure 12.6.—Packing box M1917 for 1344 caliber .30, A. P.. M2 cartridges in 8-round clips in bandoleers
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
TM 9—1990
C 2
Figure 12.7.—Packing box M1917 for 1500 caliber .30, ball, M2 cartridges, in 5-round clips in bandoleers.
8
RA PB 61212
TM 9-1990
C 2
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
Figure 12.8.—Packing box M1917 for 1500 caliber .30, ball, M2 and
tracer Ml cartridges in 250-round machine-gun belts.
a
RA PD 51213
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
TM 9-1990
C 2
Figure 12.9.—Packing box M1917 for 1200 caliber .30, A. P. M2, incendiary Ml, and tracer M2 cartridges in 100-round metallic link belts.
10
RA PD 61214
TM 9-1990
C 2
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
Figure 12.10—Packing box M1917 for 265 caliber .50 A. P., M2, incendiary Ml, and tracer M2 cartridges in metallic link belt.
FA. G. 300.7 (5 Jun 43).] (C 2, 7 Jun 43.)
By order of the Secretary of War :
Official :
J. A. ULIO,
Major General,
The Adjutant General.
G. C. MARSHALL.
Chief of Staff.
11
U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1943
RA PO 61215
25. Color markings.
* * * * * * *
b. The following color bands are used for each type :
Type Band
*******
Ball and tracer_ Red, yellow, and green.
* ***** *
[A. G. 062.11 (9-19-42).] (C 1, Sept. 22, 1942.)
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
TM 9-1990
27
25
A. Removing wooden cover. B. Opening metal liner. C. Box open—bandoleers removed.
1. Wing nuts. 4. Metal liner. 7. 8-round clip.
2. Identification. 5. Bandoleers. 8. Reference card (one for each bandoleer).
3. Felt liner (top). 6. Bandoleer carton.
Figure 13.—Correct method of opening standard ammunition box (cartridge, ball, cal. .30, M2, packed in clips and bandoleers).
TM 9-1990
27-29 ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
ard nomenclature lists. The containers for this ammunition are reduced to a few standard types and are designed to withstand all conditions commonly encountered in handling, storage, and transportation—while at the same time complying with Interstate Commerce Commission regulations.
b. With few exceptions, as noted in subsequent chapters, smallarms ammunition is issued in the standard wooden packing box with moisture-proof metal liner. In these boxes, cartridges are packed in cartons, bandoleers, and in machine-gun belts. Caliber .50 ammunition in link belts is usually packed directly into the meta] liner. Wherever there is a possibility that cartridges may be jumbled together during transportation, they are packed first in cartons or bandoleers. The clips and machine-gun belts in which certain cartridges are packed are not in themselves packing items, but are accessories designed for the functioning of ammunition in a specific weapon. They are described in paragraph 12. Packing data are given in tables in chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5.
28. Packing boxes.—Standard wooden packing boxes are illustrated in figure 12. The outer wooden cover of the box is held in place by six wing nuts. These boxes have watertight, metal liners. The cover is closed by soldering but can readily be torn or ripped off by use of a wire handle provided for this purpose. Correct procedure for opening this box is shown in figure 13. The boxes are sealed and marked at the place where packed. Unless the entire marking surface has been defaced, the contents of the boxes can be determined without opening them. The standard packing box. with metal liner used for both caliber .30 and caliber .50 ammunition, weighs approximately 20 pounds when empty. Its dimensions, in inches, are 187/16 by 9%6 by 14!%6, and its volume is 1.49 cubic feet. The caliber .45 ammunition packing box weighs approximately 19 pounds. Its dimensions, in inches, are 16%6 by 12iy16 by 7%, and its volume is .92 cubic feet.
29. Cartons.—Cartons are made of single, manila-lined chipboard. Cartons for caliber .30 ammunition are designed to contain 20 cartridges. Cartons for caliber .50 cartridges contain 10 cartridges. Cartons of caliber .30 cartridges are packed 75 to the standard packing box; cartons of caliber .50, 35 to the box. Older packings for caliber .50 ammunition contain only 30 cartons per box. After packing, the carton is sealed by pasting a label over the top and sides. Some types of cartons have tearing strips or strings, but generally a small semicircular recess in the chipboard at the top of one of the sides is left as a means of opening the carton. The paper over
26
TM 9-1990
• 29-32
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
this recess is easily punctured by the thumb and the carton opened by pulling up on the cover, shearing the paper label.
30. Bandoleers.—a. The purpose of the bandoleer is to afford an easy means of carrying ammunition in an accessible manner. The bandoleer is made of olive-drab cotton cloth and is divided into six pockets. A shoulder strap of webbing and a safety pin are attached to provide an easy means of carrying it on the person. In one pocket of the bandoleer a reference card is inserted showing the type, ammunition lot number, manufacturer, and powder lot with which the ammunition is loaded. Twenty-five bandoleers are packed in the standard packing box; older packings had 20 bandoleers per box.
b. The bandoleer, M1906, is designed to hold a carton of two 5-round clips in each pocket. The packed bandoleer weighs approximately 4 pounds.
c. The bandoleer Ml is designed to hold a carton containing one 8-round clip in each pocket. The packed bandoleer weighs about 3% pounds.
Section VI
SURVEILLANCE
Paragraph
General_________________________________________________________________
Description of tests-----.---------------------------------------------- 32
Defects found on visual examination------------------------------------- 33
Defects found during and after firing----------------------------------- 34
31. General.—Surveillance includes, in part, the observation, inspection, investigation, and test of explosives and ammunition both in storage and in use. The Chief of Ordnance exercises general supervision over the surveillance of explosives and ammunition, prescribes the tests, and maintains records of the condition of all lots in service and in storage.
32. Description of tests.—Tests to which small-arms ammunition is subjected for acceptance and, subsequently, for surveillance and grading are visual examination; velocity test; pressure test; functioning and casualty tests in specified weapons; hangfire test; bolt-lift test; accuracy test; tracer test; loading and unloading test. Some of these tests are described below.
a. Visual inspection.—Examination of sample for season cracks, corrosion, or other visual defects is described in paragraph 33.
b. Velocity test— Standard methods are used for conducting velocity tests. Screens are placed a definite distance apart and the velocity of the bullet is calculated from the time of flight in traveling from the first screen to the second. In the Boulenge test, the first
27
TM 9-1990
32-33
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
screen is placed 3 feet from the gun muzzle and the second screen is placed 150 feet from the first. The velocity determined from the time of flight between the two screens is the velocity at 78 feet from the muzzle. A modification of the above test where distance is not available requires the screens to be spaced 100 feet apart, and the calculated velocity is the velocity at 53 feet from the muzzle of the gun. Other modifications of the test are to ascertain the velocities at the same average distance from the muzzle of the gun.
c. Pressure test.—This test is conducted in a pressure barrel. The barrel has a small hole drilled in the side of the chamber into which is inserted a small piston (fig. 14). On firing the cartridge, the pressure of the gases forces the piston against a copper cylinder and compresses it. The amount of compression of the cylinder is an index of the pressure developed.
d. Hangfire test.—In this test the cartridges are fired in a machine gun at a disk revolving at a prescribed speed. By means of a mechanical device the gun is synchronized with the disk; that is, the gun is mechanically timed to fire at a given point on the disk each time it makes a complete revolution. A small group of holes is produced on the disk, which must not exceed 15° for grade AC ammunition, nor 28° for other grades, when the disk speed is 1,800 r.p.m.
e. Machine-gun functioning test.—A number of cartridges are fired in a machine gun to determine the number of jams, ruptures, or other mechanical defects.
/. R'lfle functioning test.—A number of rounds are fired in a rifle whose head space is specified.
g. Tracer test.—Tracer ammunition is given a tracer test in which the ammunition is fired in a machine gun. The number of shots failing to trace the required distance and the number of muzzle bursts, blinds, or other erratics are recorded.
33. Defects found on visual examination.—The following defects may be found in cartridges during examination. The various types of splits that may occur in cartridge cases are shown in fig. 15.
a. Defects found on visual examination before firing.
Name of defect
How to recognize
Common causes—precautions
(1) Body or shoulder splits.
(2) Corrosion________
Pressing with the thumb on cartridge case, near neck.
Coloring of cases (green, blue, yellow, or white colors). Also appearance of chemical deposit. Not to be confused with true discoloration; blackening of case.
Improper annealing, weak structure and strain. Should not be fired.
Metal eaten into and weakened; will cause rupture when cartridge is fired. Deposit interferes with chambering. Cartridges showing advanced corrosion should not be fired.
28
TM 9-1990
33
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
Name of defect
(3) Crease________
(4) Draw scratch__
(5) Folded neck___
(6) Indent and bur_
(7) Inset primer__
(8) Loose rounds__
(9) Mouth pulldown.
(10) Oil dent______
(11) Round head____
(12) Scale_________
(13) Season crack__
(14) Short rounds-_
(15) Shoulder bulge.
(16) Split bullets (tracer).
(17) Split mouth___
(18) Thick head____
(19) Thin head_____
How to recognize
Similar to a fold in case neck or shoulder.
Longitudinal scratch on case.
Overlapping of metal in case and neck indicated by longitudinal protuberance.
Indentations and burring____
Primer set too deep in pocket.
Bullet loose in case________
Mouth of case shoved to one side by bullet when seated in case.
Smooth surface indent in or near shoulder or neck of case.
Head of cartridge case beveled on outer edge so that it is practically round.
Inclusions of impurities in the metal, sometimes observable to the eye, sometimes hidden.
Split in the neck of case. Definite longitudinal cracking when exposed to severe weathering conditions or certain reagents.
Bullet seated too deep______
Pucker at the junction of shoulder and body.
Longitudinal cracks in the bullet.
Split in edge of case________
Head of case has a thickness of metal greater than the maximum allowed.
Head of case has a thickness of metal less than minimum allowed.
Common causes—precautions
Thin metal at crease spot.
Caused by grit in the final draw die. Deep scratch will open up on firing.
Metal thinner on one side; insufficient annealing.
Rough handling during manufacturing process. Dangerous pressure only if dent is large.
Likely to misfire. Should not be used.
Should not be fired.
Mouth annealed very soft.
Excess of oil used in tapering operation. Negligible defect unless extremely large.
Too little metal in head to form properly; also a thickheaded cartridge appears as a round head. Causes trouble in extraction.
Causes irregular break in cartridge case and loss of velocity due to escape of gas when fired.
Due to the distortion of the normal crystalline structure of the metal as result of drawing and tapering operations (not to be confused with split necks occurring after firing).
Not serious unless it is so deep as to affect density of charge.
Metal too soft or thin at this point. Also by forceful seating of bullet.
Ruptures neck of cartridge case. Free mercury from tracer mixture amalgamates with metal of bullet causing the split. Serious defect; to be reported when found.
Often result of plugging operation.
Extractor may not be able to function.
Extractor may pull through thin metal of the head.
29
TM 9-1990
33-34
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
b. Machine-gun belts.—These defects may be found in ammunition loaded in belts for use in machine guns:
(1) The cartridges are not properly alined in the belts.
(2) There is an improper proportion or spacing of tracer ammunition, when used.
(3) Web belts may be dirty, wet, and have torn loops.
(4) When caliber .50 ammunition is used, it must be loaded into belts for left-hand feed so that when the points of the bullets are toward the front, the double loop of each link will be to the right. When loading for right-hand feed, the double link must be to the left.
34. Defects found during and after firing.—a. Misfire.— (1) The primer shows a normal impression of the firing pin indicating that a blow sufficiently hard to ignite a primer in perfect condition has been delivered (fig. 16). Such a misfire indicates that the primer is defective. This defect may be caused by—
(a) Thick metal in the base of the primer cup.
(&) Thick primer pellet which cushions the blow.
(c) No priming mixture.
( o 2 ° ®
T B' w
Si aq o
o to
-I " I
Cartridges per clip Cartridges per car-O ton । ।
O 1 Cartridges per metallic link belt in i carton I I
I _________________
i Cartridges per ma-। chine-gun belt i । Clips per carton I _________________
1 Clips per bando-।________leer______
-> -I Cartons per box tO Cn_______________
[ Bandoleers per ।________box_______
1 Machine-gun belts i______per box_____
-“U* Total cartridges to cn Per box
g o -> Total weight— O pounds
Armor-piercing, M2 (tracer, Ml).2 180-AP___ (20-trac — 12 — 1, 200 107
Ball, Ml 20 75 — 1, 500 115
Ball, Ml b — 4 — 75 — 1, 500 117
Ball, Ml 5 — 4 12 — 25 — 1, 500 120
Ball, Ml 5 — 4 12 — 20 — 1, 200 100
Ball, Ml 8 — 250 6 6 — 25 — 1, 200 101
Ball, Ml 100 180-ball___ (20-trac 5 1, 250 101
Ball, Ml 2 — 12 — 1, 200 108
Ball, Ml (tracer) 2 — — 12 — 1, 200 108
Ball, Ml, national match. 5 — 4 — 75 1, 500 117
Ball, M2 20 75 — 1, 500 110
Ball, M2 5 — 4 — 75 — 1, 500 116
Ball, M2 5 4 12 — 25 — 1, 500 120
Ball, M2 5 J 4 12 — 20 — 1, 500 98
Ball, M2 8 J 250 5 6 — 25 — 1, 200 101
Ball, M2 5 1, 250 96
Ball, M2 national 5 — 4 — 7 b 1, 500 116
match.
Ball, M2 2 100 — 12 1, 200 105
Ball, M2 (tracer) 2 — I oU-ball (20-trac__ — 12 — 1, 200 105
Ball, M2 (armor-pierc- f40-ball___
ing, M2 and tracer, — (40-AP J 12 — 1, 200 106
Ml).2 (20-trac
Blank, M1909 20 — 100 — 2, 000 90
Blank, M1909 Dummy, M2 }5 — 4 — 100 — 2, 000 90
Dummy, M1906—Cor- 5 4 — 75 — 1, 500 99
rugated.
Dummy, M1906—Cor- 5 91 — 1, 820 116
rugated. 1, 250
Gallery practice, M1919- J20 — 62 — 87
(10 — 1 1, 680
Guard, Ml 20 — 84 — 110
Guard, Ml906 5 — 4 — 82 — 1, 640 106
High-pressure test, Ml_ — 20 — 75 — 1, 500 116
Incendiary, Ml 20 — 75 — — 1, 500 —
Tracer, Ml 6 20 — 75 — 1, 500 110
1 All rounds are packed in boxes lSJis by 9^6 by 141M« inches which occupy 1.21 square feet and 1.49 cubic feet. 2 Special packing for Army Air Forces. 3 See also ball. M2 (armor-piercing and tracer).
4 Bandoleer, M1906. 5 Bandoleer, Ml.
6 See also| armor-piercing, M2 (tracer); ball, M2 (tracer); ball, M2 (armor-piercing and tracer); ball, Ml (tracer).
43
TM
9-1990
45
ORDNANCE
DEPARTMENT
44
45. Component parts.—The following table lists the component parts of caliber .30 cartridges. For description of case, primer, and powder charge, see section II, chapter 1. Components which differ from the standard type are described in the section for the specific cartridge.
Bullet
Cartridge case Propellent powder-----------------------------------------------
Jacket Core Point filler Base filler
AP, M2--------- Brass------ Smokeless------ Gilding metal_ Alloy steel____ Lead shot. _ Gilding metal.
Ball Ml-------- Brass------ Smokeless______ Gilding metal_ 1 antimony_______________
Ball Ml—Alt---- Brass------ Smokeless______ Gilding metal_ 1 antimony_______________
Tracer, Ml----- Brass------ Smokeless------ Gilding metal----------------- 1 antimony Tracer compo-
.a (39 lead). sition.
Blank, Ml909--- Brass------ EC Blank powder. ________________ Paper cup or wad. _
Dummy, M2------ Brass tinned. None------------ Gilding metal_ 1 antimony 39 lead____
Dummy, M1906--- Brass------ None______________ Cupro-nickel or _____________________
gilding metal.
Gallery practice, Brass____ DuPont No. 80 _______________ Lead_____________________
M1919. smokeless.
Guard, Ml------- Brass_____ DuPont No. 80 _______________ Lead_____________________
smokeless.
Guard, Ml906---- Brass----- Bullseye smokeless._ Cupro-nickel_ 1 antimony 39 lead___
High-pressure test, Brass tinned. IMR No. 25__ Gilding metal. _ _ Lead_
ML "
Incendiary, Ml- Brass______ Smokeless______ Gilding metal________
TM 9-1990
46
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
46. Component weights.—The following table gives the weights of all caliber .30 cartridges. The weights listed are the maximum limits permitted in manufacture.
Weight of Weight of
Component weights (in grains) caHridg! Cartridge' chZrle W-eigkht°f Weight of Wp£t°f Weight of Wblse °f Weight of tracer
(approxi- ease (approxi- bullet Jacket mre filler Primer filler composition mate) mate)
AP, M2------------- 414 200 53 168. 5 65 84 12. 15 5. 594 19
Ball, Ml___________ 420 200 50 174. 5 62 112. 5 ___ 5. 594 _____
Ball, Ml—Alt____________ 420 200 50 174 60 114 _ __ 5. 594 _____
Ball, M2________________ 396 200 50 152 54. 5 97. 5 ____ 5. 594 _____
Ball, M2—Alt_______ 396 200 50 152 52. 5 99. 5 ____ 5. 594 _____
Blank, M1909______ 207 200 12 _______ ______ __ 5. 594 ___
Dummy, M2__________ 341 200 _____ 152 54. 5 97. 5 _________________
Dummy, Ml906 (Ml)_______ 363 200 _____ 174.5 62 112.5 _ _________ _____
Dummy, Ml906 (M2)_______ 341 200 _____ 152 54.5 97.5 ___ ____ __
Dummy, Ml906 (06)_______ 340 200 _____ 151 38.5 112.5 _________________
Gallery practice, M1919_ 346 190 10. 5 140 _ ______ _________ 5. 482 _ __
Guard, Ml_______________ 346 200 10.5 142 ___ ______ _______ 5.594 _____
Guard, M1906_______ 354.5 190 9.1 150 38 112 __ 5.482 ______
( 433. 5 213 I
High-pressure test Ml___< or or > 52 174.5 62 112.5 5.594 ____
I 420. 5 200 J
Tracer, Ml--------- 396 200 50 152. 5 83 52. 5 ____ 5. 594 _____ Ignition com-
position 17.
Incendiary Ml____________ 200 50 _________________________ 5. 594
45
TM 9-1990
46
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
BULLET, BALL, CAL. .30, M2
BULLET, ARMOR-PIERCING, CAL. .30, M2
BULLET, TRACER, CAL. .30, Ml
RA PD 4521
Figure 17.—Bullets, caliber .30.
PAPER CUP
*---PAPER DISK
FELT WAD
RA PD 4524
Figure 18.—Blank cartridges—necks in section showing weds.
46
TM 9-1990
47-48
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
Section II
CARTRIDGE, ARMOR-PIERCING, CALIBER .30, M2
Paragraph
Description____________________________________________________________________ 47
Exterior ballistics_______________________________________________r____________ 43
47. Description.—a. General.—This cartridge (fig. 19) is a current standard item of issue and is, fired from machine guns and rifles. It is designed for use against armored aircraft, armored vehicles, concrete shelters, and similar bullet-resisting targets.
b. Visual identification.—This cartridge may be identified by the additional cannelure and the blackened tip of the bullet.
c. Components.—The cartridge consists of a cartridge case, primer, propelling charge, and bullet. The complete assembly weighs approximately 414 grains.
(1) The cartridge case, primer, and propelling charge for this cartridge are described in section II, chapter 1.
(2) The bullet (fig. 17) consists of four parts: a gilding metal jacket, a hardened steel core, a lead “T” shot point filler, and a gilding metal base filler. The over-all length of this bullet is 1.370 inches and its point is blackened for a distance of approximately %2 inch. The base is boat-tailed (has a 5° taper beginning at a point approximately 0.093 inch from the base line). The mouth of the case is crimped into the cut cannelure at assembly, and a minimum pull of 45 pounds is required to remove the bullet from the case.
48. Exterior ballistics.—a. Maximum range.—Approximately 3,500 yards.
b. Average maximum pressure.—50,000 pounds per square inch.
c. Velocity.— (1) At 78 feet, 2,715 feet per second.
(2) At 53 feet, 2,730 feet per second.
(3) Muzzle, 2,775 feet per second.
d. Muzzle energy.—2,780 foot pounds.
e. Accuracy.—Average of mean radii of all targets at 500 yards, not greater than 9.0 inches; at 600 yards, not greater than 10.0 inches.
f. Table of fire.
Range Angle of elevation Time of flight Maximum ordinate Angle of fall
Yards Mils Seconds Yards Mils
0 0 0 0 0
200 1. 5 . 24 . 1 1. 7
400 3. 4 . 52 . 4 4. 3
600 5. 8 . 87 1. 0 8. 8
800 9. 1 1. 30 2. 3 16. 0
. 1, 000 13. 7 1. 82 4. 5 26. 7
47
TM 9-1990
48
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
48
--------------------- 3 .34 MAX.--------------------»
a (• Q , " ..........„ .....................
BLACK-APPROX.|| ------k
RED—APPROX.-j|- —-
c (Ce J l. ^jS>
*'• " * । .
■ :
. ffi) ?................"""" ................. I1.............. *.
RA PD 4522
A. Cartridge, ball, caliber .30, M2. D. Cartridge, ball, caliber .30, Ml.
B. Cartridge, armor-piercing, caliber .30, M2. E. Cartridge, ball, caliber .30, M2, national
C. Cartridge, tracer, caliber .30, Ml. match.
Figure 19.—Armor-piercing, ball, and tracer cartridges, caliber .30.
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
TM 9-1990
48
452388°—42-
49
-------------2.5 MAX.------------
a’W II11"1 J.."1.1..'.....
TIN COATED
B-O 3tess=sssaaaaS*™“~-^
TIN COATED--.
* C - P^||| IB „ ■■■ -■ ■
LEAD ALLOY
°-O ;[1L—
CUPRONICKEL JACKET
1
I!
/ TIN COATED
....... -<-W : . | , . _
P ~ t®O*5JK IE „ , _ £. iiuiinaif o'****
v IX ........-.....'
RA PD 4523
A. Cartridge, blank, caliber .30, M1909. D. Cartridge, guard, caliber .30, Ml.
B. Cartridge, dummy, caliber .30, M2. E. Cartridge, guard, caliber .30, M1906.
C. Cartridge, dummy, caliber .30, M1906. F. Cartridge, high-pressure test, caliber .30, Ml.
Figure 20.—Blank, dummy, guard, and high-pressure test cartridges, caliber .30.
TM 9-1990
49-50 ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
Section III
CARTRIDGE, BALL, CALIBER .30, Ml
Paragraph
Description_____________________________________________________________________ 49
Exterior ballistics_____________________________________________________________ 50
49. Description.—a. General.—This cartridge (fig. 19) is a limited standard item of issue and is used in the same weapons and for the same purposes as the cartridge, ball, caliber .30, M2.
b. Visual identification.—This cartridge cannot be readily distinguished from the M2 ball cartridge of late manufacture except by weight and date.
c. Components.—The cartridge consists of a cartridge case, primer, propelling charge, and bullet. The complete assembly weighs approximately 420 grains.
(1) The cartridge case, primer, and propelling charge for this cartridge are described in section II, chapter 1.
(2) The bullet (fig. 17) consists of two parts, a lead alloy core, composed of 90 percent lead and 10 percent antimony, and a gilding metal jacket. An alternative bullet having a gilding metal jacket and a core composed of 97% percent lead and 2% percent antimony may also be used. The base of either bullet has a 9° taper, called a boattail. The over-all length of the Ml bullet is 1.32 inches, and that of the Ml alternative bullet, 1.265 inches. The mouth of the cartridge case is crimped into the knurled cannelure at assembly and a minimum pull of 45 pounds is required to remove the bullet from the case.
50. Exterior ballistics.—a. Maximum range.—5,500 yards (approximate).
b. Average maximum pressure.—48,000 pounds per square inch.
c. Velocity.—(1) At 78 feet, 2,600 feet per second.
(2) At 53 feet from muzzle, 2,620 feet per second.
(3) Muzzle, 2,647 feet per second.
d. Muzzle energy.—-2,675 foot-pounds.
e. Accuracy.—Average of mean radii of all targets at 500 yards, not greater than 4.5 inches; at 600 yards, 5.5 inches, when fired from a Mann accuracy weapon. Dispersions obtained from firings under service condition at all ranges are published in firing tables for the weapons in which this ammunition is used.
f. Penetration.—Firings of caliber .30, Ml, ball ammunition, into various materials resulted in the penetrations shown in the table below:
50
TM 9-1990
50-51
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
Material Penetration in inches
200 yards 600 yards 1,500 yards 1
Average Maximum2 Average Maximum 2 Average Maximum 2
%-inch armor plate3 0. 1 8. 0 0 5. 0 0
Gravel 7. 0 4. 5 4. 1 5. 5
Brick masonry 4 4. 3 6. 5 5 2. 2 5 3. 6 1. 5 1. 9
Concrete: 4. 0 18. 0 1. 0 13. 6 0. 5 —
Solid oak 13. 8 12. 0 2. 1 3. 8
Dry sand 6 6. 5 8. 2 7. 1 8. 5 8. 2 9. 0
Moist sand 6 7. 3 9. 2 9. 6 11. 2 8. 7 9. 5
Loam 24. 1 24. 5 24. 0 25. 0 22. 7 26. 2
Greasy clay 24. 6 29. 0 22. 0 23. 0 14. 2 15. 0
Loose earth 7 19. 0 — 15. 8 —
i Fired over 78-foot range with reduced charge to simulate remaining velocity at 1,500 yards.
2 Maximum penetration for a single shot.
3 Penetration shown is average for single shots. A recent test showed that the first shot weakened the structure of the plate so that succeeding shots in the same place effected appreciable penetration.
4 Penetrations given in table are for single shots striking brick only. A bullet striking only mortar has penetrated 18.84 inches with a velocity corresponding to a range of 1,500 yards. A series of 6 shots, fired under these conditions at the same point, penetrated 6.72 inches of brick, and a seventh struck mortar, penetrating to 14.52 inches. A succession of 5 shots, with a charge to simulate 600 yards range, penetrated brick masonry to 9.36 inches.
3 Fired over 78-foot range with reduced charge to simulate remaining velocity at 600 yards.
6 Penetration at 600 yards is often greater than at 200 yards, due to the larger yaw of the bullet at 200 yards.
7 Average penetration at 400 yards.
g. Table of fire.
Range Angle of elevation Time of flight Maximum ordinate Angle of fall
Yards Mils Seconds Yards M?7s
0
100 0. 8 0. 12 0. 8
200 1. 6 . 25 0. 1 1. 8
300 2. 5 . 39 . 2 3. 0
400 3. 5 . 54 . 39 4. 4
500 4. 7 . 70 . 67 6. 0
600 6. 0 . 88 1. 03 8. 1
700 7. 5 1. 07 1. 52 10. 6
800 9. 1 1. 27 2. 15 13. 7
900 10. 9 1. 50 3. 00 17. 5
1, 000 12. 9 1. 75 4. 1 22. 0 „
Based on muzzle velocity of 2,600 feet per second.
Data from FT 0.30-C-4.
Section IV
CARTRIDGE, BALL, CALIBER .30, M2
Paragraph
Description_______________________________________________________________________ 51
Exterior ballistics--------------------------------------------------------------- 52
51. Description.—a. General.—This cartridge (figs. 1, 2, and 19) is a current standard item of issue and is used in machine guns and rifles against personnel and light materiel targets.
51
TM 9-1990
51-52
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
b. Visual identification.—Cartridges of recent manufacture cannot be readily distinguished from the Ml cartridges by visual inspection, although this can be done by weight and date. Cartridges manufactured prior to September 20, 1940, could be readily distinguished from the Ml cartridges by their tin-coated, gilding metal bullet jackets.
c. Components.—The cartridge consists of a cartridge case, primer, propelling charge, and bullet. The complete assembly weighs approximately 396 grains.
(1) The cartridge case, primer, and propelling charge for this cartridge are described in section II, chapter 1.
(2) The bullet (fig. 17) consists of two parts, a lead alloy core, composed of 90 percent lead and 10 percent antimony, and a gilding metal jacket. An alternative bullet having a gilding metal jacket, and a core composed of 97% percent lead and 2% percent antimony may also be used. The base of the bullet retains its cylindrical shape to the base line. The over-all length of the M2 bullet is 1.125 inches, and that of the M2 alternative bullet, 1.103 inches.
52. Exterior ballistics.—a. Maximum range.—Approximately 3,500 yards.
b. Average maximum pressure.—50,000 pounds per square inch.
c. Velocity.— (1) At 78 feet, 2,740 feet per second.
(2) At 53 feet, 2,755 feet per second.
(3) Muzzle, 2,805 feet per second.
d. Accuracy.—From accuracy rifle—average of mean radii of all targets at 500 yards not greater than 6.5 inches; at 600 yards not greater than 7.5 inches.
e. Table of fire.
Range Angle of elevation Time of flight Maximum ordinate Angle of fall
Yards Mils Seconds Yards Mils
100 0. 7 0. 12 0 1
* 200 1. 5 . 25 . 1 2
300 2. 4 . 38 . 2 3
400 3. 4 . 53 . 4 4
500 4. 6 . 70 . 6 6
600 6. 0 . 89 1. 0 9
700 7. 7 1. 11 1. 7 12
800 9. 6 1. 35 2. 4 17
900 11. 9 1. 62 3. 6 22
1, 000 14. 6 1. 91 5. 1 28
Based on muzzle velocity of 2,700 feet per second. Data from FT 0.30-A-4.
52
TM 9-1990
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION 53-54
Section V
CARTRIDGE, TRACER, CALIBER .30, Ml
Paragraph
Description_____________________________________________________________________ 53
Exterior ballistics_____________________________________________________________ 54
53. Description.—a. General.—This cartridge (fig. 19) is a standard item of issue and is used in both machine guns and rifles. It is intended for use with other ammunition to show the gunner, by its trace, the path of the bullets. While tracer cartridges were primarily intended for machine-gun use, there are cases wherein they can be advantageously used in rifles; for example, for signal and incendiary purposes, target designation, and range estimation.
A. Visual identification^—The cartridge is readily identified by its characteristic red bullet point, red indicating the color of the trace.
c. Components.—The cartridge consists of a cartridge case, primer, propelling charge, and bullet. The complete assembly weighs approximately 396 grains.
(1) The cartridge case, primer, and propelling charge for this cartridge are described in section II, chapter 1.
(2) The bullet (fig. 17) consists of three parts: a gilding metal jacket, a lead alloy slug, and a tracer composition. The over-all length of this bullet is 1.45 inches and point is painted red for a distance of approximately 5/16 inch. It has a square base which contains an inflammable substance which is ignited by the propelling charge when the cartridge is fired. The tracer composition burns with a bright red flame which enables the course of the bullet to be followed by the gunner. The mouth of the cartridge case is crimped into the knurled cannelure at assembly and a minimum pull of 45 pounds is required to remove the bullet from the case.
54. Exterior ballistics.—a. Maximum range.— (1) Bullet.—Approximately 3,450 yards.
(2) Range of trace.—Trace begins at a distance not greater than 125 yards from weapon and bullets continue tracing to 750 yards from weapon.
b. Average maximum pressure.—50,000 pounds per square inch.
c. Velocity.— (1) At 78 feet, 2,650 feet per second.
(2) At muzzle, 2,715 feet per second.
d. Accuracy.—Average of mean radii of all targets at 600 yards less than 15 inches.
e. Trajectory.—This ammunition is designed so that the bullet’s trajectory will cross the trajectory of ball, M2, and AP, M2, ammunition of the same caliber at approximately 600 yards.
53
TM 9-1990
55-56 ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
Section VI
CARTRIDGE, BLANK, CALIBER .30, M1909
Paragraph
Description_______________________________________________ 55
55. Description.—a. General.—This cartridge (fig. 20) is a current standard item of issue and is used in the U. S. rifles, M1903 and M1917, for simulated fire during maneuvers, for signaling purposes, and for firing salutes. It is also used in machine guns and automatic rifles equipped with blank firing attachments, in order to operate these weapons for instructional purposes.
b. Visual identification.—It is readily identified since it has no bullet, and furthermore, a cannelure is present in the neck of the case.
c. Components.—The cartridge consists of a cartridge case, primer, propelling charge, and a paper cup or wad of thin paper (fig. 18). Prior to January 1925, a felt wad was used but was discontinued due to the occurrence of accidents caused by the clogging of gas escape holes in the blank firing attachment of machine guns and automatic rifles. The complete assembly weighs approximately 207 grains.
(1) The cartridge case differs from the standard caliber .30 cartridge case described in paragraph 8, only in that the neck has a cannelure and that the mouth is slightly rounded. Second-class cartridge cases having small dents, scratches, or other minor defects may be used in the assembly of this ammunition.
(2) The primer and propelling charge for this cartridge are described in paragraphs 9 and 11.
(3) The paper cup or wad is inserted in the neck against the cannelure and sealed in place with a few drops of shellac. The mouth of the case is then rose-crimped to keep the wad in place.
Section VII
CARTRIDGE, DUMMY, CALIBER .30, M1906
Paragraph Description_______________________________________________- 56
56. Description.—a. General.—This cartridge (fig. 20) is a current standard item of issue and is used for training personnel in the operation of loading and unloading rifles, and simulating rifle fire. Prior to January 15, 1940, this cartridge was assembled only with the M1906 ball bullet. Since then, however, it has been permissible also to use either the M2 or the Ml ball bullet.
54
TM 9-1990
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION 56-58
b. Visual identification.—There are still six longitudinal corrugations on the tinned cartridge case. Before January 15, 1940, the cartridge case contained an inert primer and 3 holes, 0.125 inch in diameter, drilled through the case in alternate corrugations. Since that date the cartridge has been assembled without the inert primer and the holes are omitted.
c. Components.—The cartridge consists of a cartridge case and a bullet. The complete assembly weighs 339 grains when assembled with either the M2 or M1906 ball bullet and 363 grains when assembled with the Ml ball bullet. Second class components are used in the cartridge assembly. The cartridge case (fig. 20) is essentially the caliber .30 case described in paragraph 8, but it is corrugated and tinned for identification purposes.
Section VIII
CARTRIDGE, DUMMY, CALIBER .30, M2
Paragraph Description________________________________________________ 57
57. Description.—a. General.—This cartridge (fig. 20) is used only in the inspection of weapons and will not be issued to the service.
b. Visual identification.—This cartridge is easily identified by its tinned brass cartridge case and the absence of a primer. It differs from the dummy M1906 in not having corrugations in the case.
c. Components.—The cartridge consists of a cartridge case and bullet. Second class components may be used in the assembly of this cartridge. The complete assembly weighs approximately 341 grains.
(1) The cartridge case is described in paragraph 8. It is tinned for identification purposes. .
(2) The bullet consists of a gilding metal jacket encasing a lead alloy core. It is a ball M2 bullet, and prior to September 20, 1940, was tin-coated for further identification.
Section IX
CARTRIDGE, GALLERY PRACTICE, CALIBER .30, M1919
Paragraph Description________________________________________________ 58
58. Description.—This cartridge is now superseded by the cartridge, ball, caliber .22, long rifle (see ch. 5) for gallery practice. Stocks on hand, however, are retained for guard purposes, for use
55
TM 9-1990
58-61 ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
when the supply of cartridge, guard, caliber .30, M1906, is exhausted. Cartridges of older manufacture are labeled cartridge, gallery practice, but new manufacture will be designated cartridge, guard, caliber .30, Ml. This cartridge is described under that designation in paragraph 59.
Section X
CARTRIDGE, GUARD, CALIBER .30, Ml
Paragraph
Description_____________________________________________________________________- 59
Exterior ballistics_____________________________________________________________ 60
59. Description.—a. General.—This cartridge (fig. 20) was formerly the cartridge, gallery practice, caliber .30, M1919. It is now standard for guard purposes, and is used only in the caliber .30 rifle.
b. Visual identification.—It is easily identified by its short, round nose, lead bullet.
c. Components.—The cartridge consists of a cartridge case, primer, propelling charge, and bullet. The complete assembly weighs approximately 346 grains.
(1) The cartridge case, primer, and propelling charge for this cartridge are described in section II, chapter 1.
(2) The bullet is composed of a lead alloy and has a round nose and a cylindrical base. Its over-all length is approximately .815 inch and it has two knurled cannelures. A pull of not less than 45 pounds is required to remove the bullet from the case.
60. Exterior ballistics.—a. Maximum range.—2,500 yards (approximate) .
b. Average maximum pressure.—15,000 pounds per square inch.
c. Velocity.—The standard instrumental velocity at 53 feet is 1,100 feet per second. The muzzle velocity is approximately 1,200 feet per second.
d. Muzzle energy—376 foot-pounds.
e. Accuracy.—At 100 yards the group diameter will be not greater than 6 inches.
/. Penetration.—The bullet will penetrate 7.87 inches through 1-inch pine boards placed 1 inch apart at a distance of 45 feet.
Section XI
CARTRIDGE, GUARD, CALIBER .30, M1906
Paragraph
Description______________________________________________________________________ 61
Exterior ballistics_______________________________________:______________________ 62
61. Description.—a. General.—This cartridge (fig. 20) is a limited standard item of issue and is used in the caliber .30 rifle for guard
56
TM 9-1990
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION 61-63
purposes. Second-class bullets and cartridge cases may be used in the assembly of this cartridge.
5. Visual identification.—This cartridge is easily recognized by its six short corrugations just below the neck of the cartridge case.
c. Components.—The cartridge consists of a cartridge case, primer, propelling charge, and bullet. The complete assembly weighs approximately 355 grains.
(1) The cartridge case is essentially the same as the caliber .30 vase described in paragraph 8, except that it has six short flutes or corrugations just below the neck (fig. 20).
(2) The primer and propelling charge for this cartridge are described in paragraphs 9 and 11.
(3) The bullet consists of a cupro-nickel jacket encasing a lead alloy slug. It has a cylindrical base.
62. Exterior ballistics.—a. Maximum range.—Approximately 2,000 yards.
b. Average maximum pressure.—Approximately 15,000 pounds per square inch.
c. Muzzle velocity.—Approximately 1,200 feet per second.
d. Muzzle energy.—Approximately 479 foot-pounds.
Section XII
CARTRIDGE, HIGH-PRESSURE TEST, CALIBER .30, Ml
Paragraph Description------------------------------------------------ 63
63. Description.—a. General.—This cartridge (fig. 20) is used for proof-firing rifles, automatic rifles, and machine guns. It is loaded with a powder charge sufficient to give a breech pressure of approximately 68,000 pounds per square inch. Due to this excessive pressure, and the consequent danger involved in firing, the guns under test are fired from a fixed rest under a hood by means of a mechanical firing device. This cartridge will be fired only by authorized personnel.
b. Visual identification.—This cartridge is identified by its tinned cartridge case. Some models have the word “Test” stamped on the head.
c. The cartridge consists of a cartridge case, primer, propelling charge, and bullet. The complete assembly weighs approximately 433 grains.
(1) The cartridge case is the same as those used in service cartridges and is further identified by being tinned. Its construction is further described in paragraph 8.
57
TM 9-1990
63-64
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
(2) The primer and propelling charge for this cartridge are described in paragraphs 9 and 11.
(3) The bullet consists of a gilding metal jacket encasing a hardened lead core, and has a cylindrical base. Its over-all length is 1.235 inches. The mouth of the case is crimped into the knurled cannelure after assembly and a pull of not less than 40 pounds is required to remove the bullet from the case.
Section XIII
CARTRIDGE, INCENDIARY, CALIBER .30, Ml
Paragraph Description___________________________________________________ 64
64. Description.—This cartridge is a standard item of issue. The cartridge resembles the cartridge, ball, caliber .30, M2, in outward appearance, but it may be identified by the light blue paint on the tip of the bullet. Other information is not available at this time.
58
TH 9-1990
65-68
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
Chapter 3
AMMUNITION, CALIBER .45
Paragraphs
Section I. General________________________________________65-70
II. Cartridge, ball, caliber .45, M1911____________71-72
III. Cartridge, tracer, caliber .45, Ml_____________73-74
IV. Cartridge, blank, revolver, caliber .45, Ml____ 75
V. Cartridge, dummy, caliber .45, M1921_____________ 76
VI. Cartridge, high-pressure test, caliber .45, Ml_ 77
Section I
GENERAL
Paragraph
Types---------------------------------------------------------------- 65
Identification_______________________________________________________ 66
Grades and uses_____________________________________________________ 67
Marking and packing-------------------------------------------------- 68
Component parts______________________________________________________ 69
Component weights---------------------------------------------------- 70
65. Types.—Caliber .45 ammunition consists of ball cartridges, blank cartridges, dummy cartridges, high-pressure test cartridges, and tracer cartridges.
66. Identification.—a. In common with all other small-arms ammunition, caliber .45 cartridges are identified by the marking on the packing boxes and cartons and by the identification card. These include the type, caliber, model, manufacturer’s symbol, and ammunition lot number. For further information see section III, chapter 1.
b. Physical differences in the cartridges are described in the sections on the several cartridges.
67. Grades and uses.—For information concerning grades and uses, see paragraph 13 and OFSB No. 3-5.
68. Marking and packing.—a. Marking.—For information concerning markings and color schemes see section IV, chapter 1.
b. Packing.—All caliber .45 ammunition is packed 20 per carton, 100 cartons per box with the exception of the cartridge, blank, revolver, Ml, which is packed 24 per carton, 240 cartons per box.
c. Packing data.—The following table of packing data includes packing for all standard caliber .45 cartridges. Further information will be found in section V, chapter 1.
59
TM 9-1990
68-70
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
Packing data for caliber .45 cartridges
Ball, M1911 Tracer, Ml Dummy, M1921 High-pressure test Blank, revolver, Ml
Cartridges per carton Cartons per box Total rounds per box Weight of box and carton. Dimensions of box Area of box Volume of box 20 100 2, 000 110 1 20 100 2, 000 103 6%6 x 12 1.45 0.92 20 100 2, 000 105 % x 75/ q. ft. !U. ft. 20 100 2, 000 110 Z8 24 240 5, 760 135 18/16 X 9/16 X 14™/16 1.21 sq. ft. 1.49 cu. ft.
69. Component parts.—The following table lists the component parts of caliber .45 cartridges. For description of the parts see section II, chapter 1. Components which differ from the standard type are described in the section on the specific cartridge.
Component parts Ball, M1911 Tracer, Ml Dummy, M1921 High-pressure ■ test Blank, revolver, Ml
Cartridge case. Bullet jacket. Brass Gilding Brass Gilding Tinned brass. Gilding Brass Gilding Brass.
metal. metal. metal. metal.
Bullet slug__ Primer cup__ 139 lead (1 antimony. Gilding 39 lead 1 antimony. Gilding 39 lead 1 antimony None 39 lead 1 antimony Gilding Gilding
Primer anvil. metal. Brass metal. Brass None metal. Brass metal. Brass.
Primer disk.. Primer pellet Paper F. A. 70 Paper F. A. 70 None None Paper F. A. 70— Paper. F. A. 70.
Propellent powder. Smokeless powder. Smokeless powder. None_____ 1 Smokeless powder. Smokeless powder.
Wad None — None — Paper.
70. Component weights.—The following table gives the weights of the components of all caliber .45 cartridges. The weights listed below are the maximum limits permitted in the manufacture of the cartridges.
Caliber .45 Weight of complete cartridge Weight of bullet I Weight of jacket Weight of slug Weight of tracer composition Weight of primer Weight of propellent powder Weight of cartridge case
Ball, M1911 327 234 37 197 4. 524 5 87 87
Ball, M1911 325 234 37 197 4. 422 5.
Tracer, Ml Blank, revolver, Ml. High-pressure test, Ml. Dummy, M1921 303 123 195 (’) 75 100 Igniter composition 20. 4. 524 4. 524 5. 6. 87 120
327 313 234 234 37 37 197 197 — 4. 524 7. 87 87
Dummy, M1921 318 234 37 197 — 4. 11 — 85. 5
i Wad .7.
60
TM 9-1990
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION 71-72
Section II
CARTRIDGE, BALL, CALIBER .45, M1911 Paragraph
Description___________________________________________________________________ 71
Exterior ballistics___________________________________________________________ 72
71. Description.—a. General.—This cartridge (fig. 21) is a current standard item of issue and is used in the automatic pistol, M1911 and M1911A1, the Colt revolver M1917, the Smith and Wesson revolver M1917, and the Thompson submachine gun M1928 and M1928A1, against personnel. To adapt it for use in the revolvers, it must be assembled in clips designed for this purpose. These clips are described in paragraph 12.
b. Components.— (1) The cartridge consists of the cartridge case, primer, propelling charge, and the bullet. The complete assembly weighs approximately 327 grains.
(2) The case, primer, and propelling charge for this cartridge are described in section II, chapter 1.
(3) The bullet has a round nose and a flat base. It consists of two parts, a gilding metal jacket and slug of lead hardened with antimony. In early designs bullet jackets were made of cupro-nickel and these have a silvery appearance. This was later changed to gilding metal which was given thin tin wash which has a close resemblance to the cupro-nickel jacket. The practice of tinning the jackets has since been discontinued and the bullets of current design have the natural copper color of gilding metal. The over-all length of the bullet is 0.68 inch. The mouth of the case may be crimped to the bullet and a pull of approximately 40 pounds is required to remove the bullet from the case.
72. Exterior ballistics.—a. Maximum range.— (1) In pistol, 1,600 yards.
(2) In submachine gun, 1,700 yards.
b. Pressure.—14,000 pounds per square inch.
c. Velocity.— (1) Pistol.—(a) 25.5 feet, 820 feet per second.
(b) Muzzle, 825 feet per second.
(2) Submachine gun.—(a) At 25.5 feet, 885 feet per second.
(5) At muzzle, 990 feet per second.
d. Muzzle energy.—(1) 329 foot-pounds in pistol.
(2) 383 foot-pounds in submachine gun.
61
TM 9-1990
72-73 ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
e. Accuracy with muzzle test.
Mean variations for several targets
Range Mean radii
Yards Inches
25 0. 86
50 1. 36
75 2. 24
/. Penetration.—In white pine.
Range Depth
Yards Inches
25 6. 0
100 5. 5
250 4. 0
The penetration in moist loam at 25 yards is about 10 inches. The penetration in dry sand at 25 yards is about 8 inches.
g. Table oj fire.
Range Time of flight Drop Deflection due to drift1
Yards Seconds Inches Inches
10 0. 037 0. 3 0. 1
20 . 75 1. 1 . 2
30 . 113 2. 4 . 3
40 . 151 4. 4 . 4
60 . 229 9. 9 . 8
80 . 308 18 1. 3
100 . 388 28 2. 0
1 Drift is to the left. Based on a velocity of 800 feet per second, 25 feet from muzzle.
Section III
CARTRIDGE, TRACER, CALIBER .45, Ml
Paragraph
Description______________________________________________________________________ 73
Exterior ballistics______________________________________________________________ 74
73. Description.—a. General.—This cartridge (fig. 21) is a current standard item of issue lor use in the Thompson submachine gun, M1928A1, for observation of fire, and incendiary purposes. It may, however, also be used for signal purposes in the automatic pistol.
b. Visual identification.—The cartridge is readily identified by its red-tipped bullet, and the fact that the cartridge case has no cannelure.
62
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
TM 9-1990
73
A. Cartridge, ball, caliber .45, M1911.
B. Cartridge, blank, revolver, caliber .45, Ml.
C. Cartridge, dummy, caliber .45, M1921.
D. Cartridge, high-pressure test, caliber .45, Ml.
E. Cartridge, tracer, caliber .45, Ml.
Figure 21.-—Cartridges, caliber .45.
c. Components.—The cartridge consists of the cartridge case, primer, propelling charge, and bullet. The complete assembly weighs approximately 303 grains.
(1) The cartridge case, primer, and propelling charge for this cartridge are described in section II, chapter 1.
63
--- 1.275 MAX.-4
B | k k ... ' ■ ■
TIN COATED -
c . GhmUm© \£U' IV. • .*"
TIN COATED-
D ( O
RED-APPROX. .18' —\
. 81 S&jwSb
'U\ RA RO 452$
TM 9-1990
73-76 ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
(2) The bullet has a round nose and a flat base. It consists of three parts—a gilding metal jacket, which is painted red for a distance of approximately %6 inch from the tip, a slug of lead hardened with antimony in the forward portion of the jacket, and a tracer mixture in the rear portion. The over-all length of the bullet is .857 inch. The case may be crimped to the bullet and a pull of approximately 40 pounds is required to extract the bullet from the case.
74. Exterior ballistics.—a. Average maximum pressure.—18,000 pounds per square inch.
b. Velocity.—From submachine gun, 975 feet per second at 25.5 feet from muzzle.
c. Accuracy.—Fires within a mean radius of 8 inches at 100 yards.
d. Range of trace.—200 yards.
Section IV
CARTRIDGE, BLANK, REVOLVER, CALIBER .45, Ml
Paragraph Description_______________________________________________ 75
75. Description.—a. General.—This cartridge (fig. 21) is a current standard item of issue for use in the Colt, and Smith and Wesson .45 caliber revolvers, M1917. It is used for signaling purposes, firing salutes, training cavalry horses, and in maneuvers where simulated fire is desired. It is fired from the revolver without the use of clips, as the cartridge case has a rim for extracting purposes.
b. Visual identification.—This cartridge is identified by the absence of a bullet.
c. Components.—The cartridge consists of the cartridge case, primer, propelling charge, and a paper wad. The complete assembly weighs approximately 123 grains.
(1) The cartridge case differs from the standard caliber .45 cartridge case in that it is heavier and has a rim for extracting purposes.
(2) The primer and propelling charge for this cartridge are described in paragraphs 9 and 11.
(3) The paper wad, inserted over the powder charge, is sealed in with a coat of varnish, and the mouth of the case is roll crimped to a diameter of 5/16 inch.
Section V
CARTRIDGE, DUMMY, CALIBER .45, M1921
Paragraph Description----------------------------------------------- 76
76. Description.—a. General.—This cartridge (fig. 21) is a current standard item of issue and is used for training personnel in the
64
TM 9-1990
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION 76-77
operation of loading and unloading revolvers and to simulate firing. It is also used as a range dummy cartridge in the automatic pistol. In this latter case it is mixed with live ammunition in pistol magazines, the purpose being to detect and correct flinching and faulty trigger squeeze.
b. Visual identification.—This cartridge is identified by its tinned case which either has no primer or has holes drilled in the side.
c. Components.—The cartridge consists of a cartridge case and a bullet. The complete assembly weighs approximately 313 grains.
(1) The case of earlier design contained three %-inch holes drilled in the body of the case equally distant from each other, and an inert primer. In later design, the holes and the inert primer are omitted. Both cases are tinned for further identification.
(2) The bullet is the same as that in the cartridge, ball, M1911, described in paragraph 71.
Section VI
CARTRIDGE, HIGH-PRESSURE TEST, CALIBER .45, Ml
Paragraph Description________________________________________________ y7
77. Description.—a. General.—This cartridge (fig. 21) is used for proof-firing caliber .45 weapons at the place of their manufacture. It contains a powder charge that will develop a breech pressure of approximately 20,000 pounds per square inch, this pressure being 4,000 pounds in excess of that required in caliber .45 service ammunition. Due to the danger involved in firing this cartridge, it should only be fired from a fixed rest under a hood, by means of a mechanical firing device, and only by authorized personnel.
b. Visual identification.—It is readily identified by its tinned cartridge case.
c. Components.—The cartridge consists of the cartridge case, primer, propelling charge, and bullet. The complete assembly weighs approximately 327 grains.
(1) The case, primer, and powder charge for this cartridge are described in section II, chapter 1.
(2) The bullet is the same as that in the cartridge, ball, M1911, described in paragraph 71.
452388°—42----5
65
TM 9-1990
78-81
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
Chapter 4
AMMUNITION, CALIBER .50
Paragraphs
Section I. General-----------------------------------78-83
II. Cartridge, armor-piercing, caliber .50, M2---— 84-85
III. Cartridge, ball, caliber .50, M2------------------86-87
IV. Cartridge, tracer, caliber .50, Ml----------------88-89
V. Cartridge, blank, caliber .50, Ml------------------ 90
VI. Cartridge, dummy, caliber .50, M2------------------- 91
VII. Cartridge, dummy, caliber .50, Ml------------------- 92
III. Cartridge, high-pressure test, caliber .50, Ml---- 93
IX. Cartridge, incendiary, caliber .50, Ml-------------- 94
Section I
GENERAL
Paragraph
78 Types---------------------------------------------------------
Identification------------------------------------------------
Qn
Grades and uses-----------------------------------------------
Packing and marking----------------------------------------
Component parts-----------------------------------------------
Component weights---------------------------------------------
78. Types.—The ammunition described in this chapter is designed for use in all caliber .50 machine guns. It includes cartridges of the following types: armor-piercing, ball, tracer, incendiary, blank, dummy, and high-pressure test.
79. Identification.—a. In common with all other small-arms ammunition, caliber .50 cartridges are identified by the marking on the packing boxes and cartons and the identification card. These include the type, caliber, model, manufacturer’s symbol, and ammunition lot number. For further information see section III, chapter 1.
b. Physical differences in the cartridges are described in the sections on the several cartridges.
80. Grades and uses.—For information concerning grades and uses see paragraph 13 and OFSB No. 3—5.
81. Packing and marking.—a. Marking.—The markings on boxes and cartons are described in section IV, chapter 1.
b. Packing—The following table of packing data includes packing for all standard caliber .50 cartridges. Further information will be found in section V, chapter 1.
66
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
TM 9-1990
81-82
e
67
1 Also packed 265 cartridges in link belts.
82. Component parts.—The following table lists component parts of caliber .50 cartridges. For description of the parts see section II, chapter 1. Components which differ from the standard type are described in the section on the specific cartridge.
Packing cartridges, caliber .50 Cartridges per carton Cartons per box Total rounds per ’ box Total weight of box, pounds
AP M2 10 35 350 113
AP M2 i
Ball M2 10 35 350 113
Ball M2 1
Blank Ml 10 45 450 350 81
Dummy Ml or M2 10 35 99
High-pressure test Ml 10 30 300 108 111
Tracer Ml .. .. 10 35 350
AP M2 (80) and tracer Ml (20)
Ball M2 (86) and tracer Ml (20) ..
AP M2 (40) and ball M2 (40) and tracer Ml (20) _ _ _ _ _ _
Incendiary Ml 10 35 350
Cartridge case Propellent Bullet
powder Jacket Filler | Core
AP M2 Ball M2 Tracer Ml Tracer M2 Blank Ml Dummy Ml__ Dummy M2__ High-pressure test M1. Incendiary Ml. Brass Brass J Brass Brass Tinned brass. Tinned brass. Tinned brass. Brass IMR 4814 IMR 4814 IMR 4814 IMR 4814 None. Nohfe. IMR 4814 IMR 4814 Gilding metal. Gilding metal. Gilding metal. None Gilding metal. Tin coated gilding metal. Gilding metal. Gilding metal. Antimony lead. Antimony lead. Point lead, rear tracer composition. None Antimony lead. Antimony lead. Forward slug antimony lead; rear antimony lead. Hard steel Soft steel. None. None. Soft steel. Soft steel. None.
o- fl®§ 34
® 2 m Q o °
T3 3 ft ^2 fl CO CG -15
-■g-§
c s fl T fl s S
a-fl u o>° ° ® S —
O H
"’166’ ”266’ 83
166’ ”266" 83
106 ”200’ 83
100 200 83
100 200 81
TM 9-1990
83
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
83. Component weights.—The following table gives the weights of the caliber .50 cartridges. The weights listed are the maximum limits permitted in the manufacture of these cartridges. --------- --------------------------------------j “_——
Weight of . . j
complete Weight of Weight of Wel^°f Weight of Weight of Weight of j Weight of Component weights (in grains) cartridge cartridge primer bullet core jacket , filler
(approxi- case 1 charge
mate)
Ap M2 _______________________ 1, 837 850 19. 06 250 718 410 253 56. 5
RF„’^29(;’terna,e)---------------------- ■■’WiftOS 250" 7U.5 to2 ■" 263 ' BaS
“liEuuzEuzuuzuuu JI? S?6 4:1 -
Dummy M2___________?.___________________ 1,569 850 ------------- { ^87 } 260 82
5Se?muretotM1- " 1»:“ !«*’!£?
........ sso 19.00--------------------------------------
1 2 3
Front slug.
Rear slug.
Tracer composition.
68
TM 9-1990
84-85
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
Section II
CARTRIDGE, ARMOR-PIERCING, CALIBER .50, M2
Paragraph Description_________________________________________________ 84
Exterior ballistics__________________________________________ 85
84. Description.—a. General.—This cartridge (fig. 22) is a current standard item of issue for all caliber .50 machine guns. It is designed for use against armored aircraft, armored vehicles, concrete shelters, and similar bullet-resisting targets.
b. Visual identification.—This cartridge may be identified by the blackened tip of the bullet.
c. Components.— (1) The cartridge consists of a cartridge case, primer, propelling charge, and bullet. The complete assembly weighs 1,800 grains.
(2) I he cartridge case, primer, and propelling charge are described in section II, chapter 1.
(3) The bullet (fig. 21) consists of three parts—a gilding metal jacket, a hardened steel core, and a point filler of an antimony-lead alloy. The over-all length of the bullet is 2.29 inches and the point is blackened for approximately %6 inch. The base has a 9° taper beginning .386 inch from the base. The mouth of the case is crimped into cannelure at assembly and a minimum pull of 100 pounds is required to extract the bullet from the case.
85. Exterior ballistics.—a. Maximum range.—Approximately 7,200 yards.
b. Maximum pressure.—52,000 pounds per square inch.
c. Velocity.— (1) At 78 feet, 2,900 feet per second.
(2) Muzzle, 2,935 feet per second.
d. Accuracy. At the time of acceptance, this ammunition will group within a mean radius not greater than 8.0 inches at 500 yards or 9.0 inches at 600 yards.
e. Table of fire.
Range Angle of elevation Time of flight Maximum ordinate Angle of fall
Yards Mils Seconds Yards
0 0 0 0 0
200 1. 2 . 22 . 1 1. 4
400 2. 7 . 46 . 3 3. 3
600 4. 3 . 72 . 7 5. 2
800 6. 1 1. 00 1. 4 7. 4
1, 000 8. 2 1. 32 2. 4 10. 5
1, 200 10. 7 1. 69 3. 9 15. 4
1, 400 13. 7 2. 10 6. 0 22. 0
1, 600 17. 3 2. 56 8. 9 30. 5
1, 800 21. 5 3. 07 12. 7 40. 6
2, 000 26. 3 3. 61 17. 5 52. 3
69
9-1990
85
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
TM
2.31
BULLET. BALL, CAL .50, M2
BULLET, ARMOR-PIERCING, CAL. .50. M2
RED
BULLET. TRACER. CAL. .50. Ml
RA PD 4526
Figure 22.—Bullets, caliber .50.
70
TM 9-1990
85
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
’ 1 reD
z IB
X
' 3 1 ™ < MF »"-W
g g3 ■ ||B|
«= W U B ft *1
II 2* « » i w ■
Ji l 4k si ' ® *
■ » K I * ■
» J « ‘
AJJSt*—I—
A B C
®i o o
RA PD 2117
Figure 23.—Armor-piercing, ball, and tracer cartridges, caliber .50.
71
TM 9-1990
85
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
RA PD 4530
Figure 24.—Blank, dummy, and high-pressure test cartridges, caliber .50.
72
TIN COATED
— 3,9 MAX. -
TM 9-1990
86-88
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
Section III
CARTRIDGE, BALL, CALIBER .50, M2
Paragraph
Description_______________________________________________________ 86
Exterior ballistics_________________________>_____________________ 87
86. Description.—a. General.—This cartridge (fig. 23) is a standard cartridge for caliber .50 machine guns.
b. Visual identification.—This cartridge does not have any identification markings and the tip of the bullet is not painted.
c. Components.— (1) The cartridge consists of cartridge case, primer, propelling charge, and bullet. The complete assembly weighs 1,800 grains.
(2) The cartridge case, primer, and propelling charge are described in section II, chapter 1.
(3) The bullet (fig. 22) consists of three parts: a gilding metal jacket, a soft steel core, and a point filler of antimony-lead alloy. The over-all length of the bullet is 2.29 inches. The base has a 9° taper beginning at a point .386 inch from the base. The mouth of the case is crimped into the cannelure at assembly and a minimum pull of 100 pounds is required to extract the bullet from the case.
87. Exterior ballistics.—a. Maximum range.—Approximately 7,200 yards.
b. Maximum pressure.—52,000 pounds per square inch.
c. Velocity.— (1) At 78 feet, 2,900 feet per second.
(2) Muzzle, 2,935 feet per second.
d. Accuracy.—At the time of acceptance, this ammunition will group within a mean radii not greater than 8.0 inches at 500 yards, or 9.0 inches at 600 yards, when fired from an accuracy rifle held in a V-block.
e. Trajectory.—The trajectory of this ammunition is the same as the trajectory of the cartridge, armor-piercing, caliber .50, M2.
Section IV
CARTRIDGE, TRACER, CALIBER .50, Ml
Paragraph
Description_______________________________2__________________________1__________ 88
Exterior ballistics______________________________________________________________ 89
88. Description.—a. General.—This cartridge (fig. 23) is standard for observation of fire in all caliber .50 machine guns. It may also serve as an incendiary against balloons and other readily inflammable targets. Care must be exercised in the use of this cartridge to guard against its igniting dry vegetation on the range.
73
TM 9-1990
88-90 ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
b. Visual identification.-—-This cartridge may be identified by the point of the bullet, which is painted red to indicate the color of the trace.
c. Components.— (1) The cartridge consists of cartridge case, primer, propelling charge, and bullet. The complete assembly weighs 1,760 grains.
(2) The cartridge case, primer, and propelling charge are described in section II, chapter 1.
(3) The bullet (fig. 22) consists of three parts—a gilding metal jacket, a hardened lead slug which fills the forward end of the jacket, and tracer and igniter compositions which fill the balance. Unlike the bullets for armor-piercing and ball cartridges, this bullet is cylindrical to the base which is open to permit the propelling charge to ignite the tracer composition. The over-all length of the bullet is 2.4 inches. The mouth of the case is crimped into the cannelure at assembly and a minimum pull of 100 pounds is required to extract the bullet from the case.
89. Exterior ballistics.—a. Maximum range.— (1) Bullet.—3,500 yards.
(2) Trace.—The trace begins at a distance not greater than 250 feet from the weapon; the range of the trace is about 1,600 yards.
b. Maximum pressure.—52,000 pounds per square inch.
c. Velocity.— (1) At 78 feet, 2,830 feet per second.
(2) Muzzle, 2,865 feet per second.
d. Accuracy.—At the time of acceptance, this ammunition will group within a mean radii not greater than 20 inches at 600 yards.
e. Trajectory.—The trajectory of this ammunition approximates that of the caliber .50 ball and armor-piercing M2 ammunition at ranges near 1,000 yards.
Section V
CARTRIDGE, BLANK, CALIBER .50, Ml
Paragraph Description________________________________________________ 90
90. Description.—a. General.—The cartridge, blank, caliber .50, Ml (fig. 24) is standard item of issue designed for use in caliber .50 machine gun with a blank firing attachment in order to operate the weapon for training purposes.
b. Visual identification.—This cartridge is identified by the absence of the bullet.
c. Components.— (1) This cartridge consists of case, wad, primer, and propelling charge.
74
TM 9-1990
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION 90-92
(2) The case has a slight annular groove about 14 inch from the mouth, which serves as the seat for the wad.
(3) The wad is a disk punched out of strawboard sheet, %6 inch thick, and is lacquered on both sides before the blanking operation.
(4) The powder charge consists of 43 grains of E. C. blank powder or equivalent.
(5) The primer is described in paragraph 9. After loading, a heavy coat of lacquer is applied to the wad and the mouth is crimped.
Section VI
CARTRIDGE, DUMMY, CALIBER .50, M2
Paragraph Description________________________________________________ 91
91, Description.—a. General.—This cartridge (fig. 24) is standard for use in all caliber .50 machine guns for training purposes. It may also be used for testing the mechanism of the gun.
b. Visual identification.—This cartridge is distinguished from live ammunition by the cartridge case, which is tin-coated, has three holes drilled in the side, and an empty primer pocket. It is distinguished from the cartridge, dummy, caliber .50, Ml, by the bullet which is tin coated.
c. Components.— (1) This cartridge consists of cartridge case and bullet.
(2) The cartridge case is identical with service cases except, as noted above, it is tin-coated and has three holes drilled about the midpoint.
(3) The bullet consists of three parts, a tin-coated gilding-metal jacket, a soft steel core, and a point filler of hardened lead. The mouth of the case is crimped into the cannelure at assembly and a minimum pull of 100 pounds is required to extract the bullet from the case.
Section VII
CARTRIDGE, DUMMY, CALIBER .50, Ml
Paragraph Description------------------------------------------------ 92
92. Description.—a. General.—This cartridge is limited standard for the same purposes and weapons as the dummy M2.
b. Visual identification.—This cartridge may be distinguished from the M2 by the bullet, which is not coated, and the fact that it has a single hole drilled in the case 2 inches from the base.
c. Components.—Except as noted above, this cartridge is identical with the cartridge, dummy, caliber .50, M2, for which see paragraph 91.
75
TM 9-1990
93—94 ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
Section VIII
CARTRIDGE, HIGH-PRESSURE TEST, CALIBER .50, Ml
Paragraph Description______________________________________________ 93
93. Description.—a. General.—The cartridge, high-pressure test, caliber .50, Ml (fig. 22), is used for proof-firing caliber .50 machine guns at the place of manufacture. The cartridge is loaded with a powder charge sufficient to develop a breech pressure averaging 62,500 pounds per square inch for any ten consecutive shots. Due to this excessive pressure and the danger involved in firing, the guns under test are fired from a fixed rest under a hood by means of a mechanical firing device. This cartridge should be fired only by authorized personnel.
b. Visual identification.—This cartridge is distinguished from other caliber .50 cartridges by the tinned cartridge case. Dummy cartridges, which also have tinned cases, have holes drilled through the case.
c- Components.— (1) The cartridge consists of a cartridge case, primer, propelling charge, and bullet. The entire assembly weighs 1,980 grains.
(2) The case is made of tinned cartridge brass; in other respects it is the same as the cases of other cartridges of this caliber.
(3) The primer is described in paragraph 9.
(4) The bullet consists of a gilding metal jacket and a core made up of 2 slugs, a front slug and a rear slug. The mouth of the case is crimped into the cannelure at assembly and a minimum pull of 100 pounds is required to extract the bullet from the case.
Section IX
CARTRIDGE, INCENDIARY, CALIBER .50, Ml
Paragraph General__________________________________________________ 94
94. General.—This cartridge is a standard item of issue for use in caliber .50 machine guns. The cartridge resembles the cartridge, ball, caliber .50, M2, in outward appearance, but it may be identified by the light blue paint on the tip of the bullet. Other information about this ammunition is not available at this time.
76
TM 9-1990
95—96
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
Chapter 5
AMMUNITION, MISCELLANEOUS
Paragraphs
Section I. General--____________________________________ 95
II. Cartridge, ball, caliber .22, long rifle____ 96-97
III. Field artillery trainer ammunition__________ 98-100
IV. Cartridge, carbine, caliber .30, Ml_________101-102
V. Cartridge, rifle grenade, caliber .30. M3___103-104
VI. Cartridge, subcaliber, caliber .30__________105-106
VII. Cartridge, blank. 10-gage, for 37-mm guns, M1916, M3, and M5__________________________________ 107
VIII. Shell, shotgun, 12-gage_____________________108-109
Section I
GENERAL
Paragraph Scope______________________________________________________________ 95
95. Scope.—In this chapter the following cartridges are described: caliber .22 ammuntion; shotgun ammunition; and several caliber .30 cartridges which are not included in chapter 2 because they do not have the standard caliber .30 cartridge case. Ammnni-tion lot numbers are ordinarily assigned by the manufacturer and should be used for reporting any defect or malfunctioning. Special ballistic and surveillance tests are directed by the Chief of Ordnance should there be any indications of unfitness for use.
Section II
CARTRIDGE, BALL, CALIBER .22, LONG RIFLE
Paragraph
Description___________________________________________________________________ 99
Exterior ballistics___________________________________________________________ 97
96. Description.—a. General.—This cartridge (fig. 26) has superseded the caliber .30 gallery practice cartridge, M1919, and is used in the caliber .22 U. S. rifles, M1922, M1922M1, and M2, and in caliber .22 machine guns, machine-gun trainers, and pistols for gallery practice and training purposes.
b. Component parts.—These cartridges are purchased by the Ordnance Department from several commercial manufacturers. They are all of the same general appearance, but differ slightly in the shape of
77
TM 9-1990
96-97
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
bullet, powder used, and ballistic qualities. The cartridge complete weighs approximately 53 grains and consists of cartridge case, priming composition, propelling charge, and bullet. The cartridge case is made of brass or gilding metal and is of the rim-fire type; that is, the priming composition is spun into a circular recess inside the rim instead of being seated in the center of the case head as a separate component. A blow from the firing pin at any position on the rim compresses the priming composition causing it to explode and ignite the powder charge. The priming composition and charge of smokeless powder may differ for each manufacturer. Caliber .22 long rifle ammunition contains a noncorrosive, nonmercuric primer composition. The type of powder used is usually marked on the containers and the charge weighs approximately 1.7 grains. The bullet is made of lead. Bullets of different manufacture differ slightly in shape, but all weigh approximately 40 grains.
c. Identification.—Containers of this ammunition are marked by the manufacturer with the caliber, type, and such trade names as “Klean-bore,” “Lubaloy,” “Rustless,” “Tackhole,” “Copperheads,” etc. Caliber .22 ammunition has the manucturer’s lot number stamped on the wooden packing box. This provides a means of identifying and reporting any ammunition of this type which may become defective.
d. Packing.—The cartridges are packed 50 in a cardboard box and 10 such boxes (500 cartridges) are packed in a paper carton. The outside wooden packing cases contain 10,000 cartridges, 20 cartons. The packing cases are marked with the manufacturer’s name, quantity, and type of ammunition. Boxes of this ammunition procured for oversea shipment contain an air-tight metal liner. A case of 10,000 cartridges without metal liner weighs 85 pounds. See SNL T-l.
97. Exterior ballistics.—Caliber .22 long rifle cartridges of different manufacture vary somewhat in velocity and pressure. The following tables and data are approximate:
a. The maximum range is approximately 1,500 yards with the piece elevated at an angle in the order of 30°.
b. The average muzzle velocity is 1,100 feet per second.
c. Pressure in the chamber averages 16,000 pounds per square inch. d. Accuracy.—As determined by firings to date.
Range Diameter of group circle
Yards Inches
25 0. 5
50 1. 0
too 3. 0
200 8. 0
78
TM 9-1990
97—99
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
e. Penetration.—When fired into 1-inch pine boards, spaced 1 inch apart at a range of 15 feet, the bullet will penetrate the first five boards and % inch into the sixth board.
f. Table of fire.—Cartridge, ball, caliber .22, long rifle.
Range (yards) Velocity Bullet energy Time of flight Drop at target Ordinate of trajectory half range Mean accuracy Angle of departure
Feet per Foot-
second pounds Seconds Inches Inches Inches Minutes
0 1, 100 102
25 1, 070 95 0. 068 0. 89 0. 24 0. 14 ”3.’5
50 1, 020 89 . 140 3. 17 . 98 . 33 7. 6
75 980 84 . 214 8. 06 2. 28 . 45 11. 7
100 950 79 . 292 14. 82 4. 08 . 57 15. 8
125 920 75 . 372 24. 73 6. 78 . 80 20. 5
150 890 71 . 455 36. 64 10. 02 . 98 24. 9
175 860 67 . 541 50. 80 14. 20 1. 13 29. 6
200 840 64 . 630 72. 93 19. 10 1. 25 34. 3
225 810 61 . 720 93. 04 28. 30 1. 45 39. 7
250 790 58 . 812 118. 21 31. 87 1. 65 44. 7
275 770 55 . 911 147. 20 39. 87 1. 88 50. 8
300 750 52 1. 005 177. 12 48. 69 2. 12 55. 7
. Section III
FIELD ARTILLERY TRAINER AMMUNITION
Paragraph
Ball, steel, 1-inch diameter, field artillery trainer, M2 and M2A1______________ 98
Cartridge, blank, caliber .22, field artillery trainer, M2 and M2A1_____________ 99
Exterior ballistics_____________________________________________________________100
98. Ball, steel, 1-inch diameter, field artillery trainer, M2 and M2A1.—This is an ordinary commercial steel ball which has been hardened, ground, and polished. It is used as the projectile in the field artillery trainer M2 and M2A1. A caliber .22 blank cartridge (see par. 99) serves as the propelling charge. The ball weighs approximately 1,024 grains, and may be reused if kept clean and polished. It is packed as required. See SNL T-l.
99. Cartridge, blank, caliber .22, field artillery trainer, M2 and M2A1.—This cartridge (fig. 26) is a rim fire cartridge of commercial manufacture. It is the standard item to be used as the propelling charge for the 1-inch steel ball projectile in the field artillery trainer M2 and M2A1 (par. 98). The powder is held in place by a paper wad which is retained by crimping the mouth of the case. Cartridge, blank, caliber .22, field artillery trainer, M2 and M2A1, is packed 10,000 per box without metal liner (commercial). Packing box data are as follows:
79
TM 9-1990
99-102
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
Dimensions (inches) Square feet Cubic feet Weight (pounds)
18 by 9)4 by 4% 1. 19 0. 45 21
100. Exterior ballistics.—See FT 1-A-l (or TM 6-225) for complete range and elevation table of field artillery trainer, M2, firing 1-inch steel ball, approximate weight 1,024 grains. The range of the projectile is changed or adjusted by micrometer adjustment of the interior length of the barrel, and by spacers inserted in the barrel, thereby changing the length of travel of the ball within the barrel. Adjustments in length of barrel may be made to calibrate the individual trainers with any battery, also to obtain for any given range setting with the trainer, 1/100 of the range of the weapon being simulated. The range scale on the trainer is graduated 1/100 of the range of the 75-mm gun, M1897, firing Mk. I, HE, shell (M46 or M47 fuze), for which the maximum range is 9,000 yards. The estimated velocity is 100 feet per second.
Section IV
CARTRIDGE, CARBINE, CALIBER .30, Ml
Paragraph
Description_________________________________________________________________1___101
Exterior ballistics________________________>____________________________________102
101. Description.—a. General.—The cartridge, carbine, caliber .30, Ml (fig. 25), is a current standard item of issue for use in the carbine, caliber .30, Ml.
b. Visual identification.—This cartridge can be readily identified by its characteristic shape.
c. Component parts.—The cartridge consists of a cartridge case, primer, propelling charge, and bullet. The complete assembly weighs 195 grains. The cartridge case has a slight taper for its entire length. The bullet consists of two parts, a lead alloy core, and the jacket. The bullet weighs 110 grains.
d. Packing and marking.—It is packed similar to caliber .45 ammunition, 2,700 rounds in a metal lined box, in 60 cartons of 45 rounds each with separators containing 15 rounds each.
102. Exterior ballistics.—a. Range.—This ammunition is intended for use for ranges up to 300 yards.
b. Maximum pressure.—31,000 pounds per square inch.
c. Velocity.— (1) At muzzle, 2,000 feet per second.
(2) At 53 feet. 1.900 feet per second.
d. Accuracy.—When test fired, it will group within a mean radius of 4 inches at 300 feet.
80
102. Exterior ballistics.
*******
d. Accuracy.—When test fired, it will group within a mean radius of 4 inches at 300 yards.
[A. G. 062.11 (9-19-42).] (C 1, Sept. 22, 1942.)
By order of the Secretary of War :
G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff.
Official :
J. A. ULIO,
Major General, The Adjutant General.
TM 9-1990
102
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
CARTRIDGE, CARBINE, CAL. .30, Ml
CARTRIDGE, SUBCALIBER, CAL. .30, M1925
RA PD 4532
Figure 25.—Cartridges, carbine and subcaliber.
CARTRIDGE, BLANK, CAL. .22, FIELD ARTILLERY TRAINER M2 AND M2A1
LEAD BULLET
.984 MAX.-i
CARTRIDGE, BALL, CAL. .22, LONG RIFLE
Figure 26.—Cartridges, caliber .22.
RA PD 4531
452388°—42----6
81
TM 9-1990
102-103
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
RA PD 4533
A. Shell, shotgun, 12-gage, brass, loaded with smokeless powder and No. 00 buckshot. B. Cartridge, blank, 10-gage, 37-mm, guns, M3, M5, and M1916.
Figure 27.—Shot shells.
Section V
CARTRIDGE, RIFLE GRENADE, CALIBER .30, M3
Paragraph
Description____________________________________________-_________________________103
Exterior ballistics___________________________________________;__________________104
103. Description.—a. General.—This cartridge is used in caliber .30 rifles, M1903, M1903A1, and M1917, for discharging antitank rifle grenades. This cartridge will not be used in lieu of the caliber .30, M1909 blank cartridge in automatic weapons, nor will it be fired in the direction of personnel.
82
TM 9-1990
103-104
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
b. Visual identification.—This cartridge may be identified by the five-petal-rose crimp in the mouth of the case.
c. Components.—The case is the same as the standard caliber .30 case except for a cannelure located about 14 inch from the mouth. A wad is seated immediately above the cannelure after the propelling charge has been inserted. A drop of red lacquer is applied to wad and the mouth of the case is closed by crimping in the shape of a five-leaf rosette. See section II, chapter 1, for description of case construction and primer. The cartridge is first loaded with a charge of five grains of black rifle powder, then with a progressive-burning small-arms powder. The component weights are as follows:
Grains
Case------------------------------------------------200
Wad-----------------------------------------------Negligible
Primer------------------------------------------------ 594
Propelling powder M3________________________________ 51
Total weight of cartridge___________________________246
d. Packing.—Twenty cartridges are packed in a paper carton, 100 cartons (2,000 cartridges) to the standard metal-lined packing box.
e. Marking.—The label for cartons containing this ammunition is described in paragraph 26. The information given on identification card is as follows:
Line
1 2,000 cartridges
2 Rifle grenade
3 Caliber .30, M3
4 In cartons
5 For grenade use only
6 Ammunition lot number
7 Name of manufacturer
The marking on boxes is as described in section IV, chapter 1. The box for this ammunition is further distinguished by two color bands of blue, V2 inch wide and separated from each other by 1 inch.
104. Exterior ballistics.—The cartridge, grenade, caliber .30, M3, is loaded to obtain a grenade velocity of 165 feet per second at 5.5 feet.
Section VI
CARTRIDGE, SUBCALIBER, CALIBER .30
Paragraph
Description______________________________________________________________________ 105
Exterior ballistics________________________x_____________________________________100
83
TM 9-1990
105
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
105. Description.—a. General.—The cartridge, subcaliber, caliber .30 (fig. 25), is designed for firing from the subcaliber tube of the 3-inch (15 pdr.) seacoast gun. Its use for subcaliber practice with other types of cannon has been discontinued. There are two types of caliber .30 subcaliber cartridges: the cartridge, subcaliber caliber .30, M1925; and the cartridge, subcaliber, caliber .30, old stock. Both types of caliber .30 subcaliber cartridges are limited standard; the old stock on hand is given priority of issue. Under no circumstances will the cartridge, subcaliber, caliber .30, be used in other than “Krag” type rifle barrel chambers.
b. Visual identification.—Subcaliber cartridges are distinguished from other caliber .30 types by the presence of an extracting rim on the cartridge case.
c. Component parts.— (1) This cartridge consists of cartridge case primer, propelling charge, and bullet.
(2) The cartridge case differs from that of other caliber .30 types in that it has an extracting rim instead of a groove.
(3) The primer is assembled in a monel metal primer cup in order that it may function on the light blow of a rifle firing pin as well as on the heavy blow of that of a gun.
(4) The propelling charge consists of approximately 35 grains of pyro D. G. powder.
(5) The bullet of the old style cartridge is cylindrical, with a round nose; the jacket is cupro-nickel; the filler, hardened lead. The bullet of the M1925 is boat-tailed and pointed; the jacket is gilding metal.
Component weights
Item Weight in grains 1
Old type Ml 925
Cartridge, complete (approximate) 438. 5 385 5
Cartridge case (unprimed) 173 173
Primer (loaded) 10. 1 5 37
Bullet _ 220 172
Jacket 57 63
Lead slug 163 109
Propelling charge (approximate) 35 35
1 7,000 grains=l pound avoirdupois.
d. Packing and marking.— (1) OU stock.—Cartridges of this type are packed in two different boxes, one holding 1,000 rounds, and the other 1,400. The box containing 1,400 rounds is the standard packing box. In it are packed 70 cartons of 20 rounds each; total weight
84
TM 9—1990
105-106
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
with contents is 112 pounds. The 1,000-round box is smaller, accommodating 50 cartons of 20 rounds each, weighing when packed 81 pounds. The marking on the outside of both boxes is, respectively, as follows:
Box of 1,000 rounds
Line
On side of box
Line
On ends of box
1------ 1,000 subcaliber_________________
Cartridges, caliber .30
For subcaliber_________________
Cartridge______________________
Manufactured by (name of manufacturer).
(Day, month, and year cartridges were loaded.)
Box of 1,400 rounds
Line On side of box Line On ends of box
1 1,400 caliber .30 cartridges... 1 1,400 caliber .30.
2 Subcaliber 2 Subealiber
3 For subcaliber cartridges 1 3 Cartri d ge
4 Packed in cartons 4 Packed in
5 Cartridge lot number 5 Cartons.
6 (Name of manufacturer) 6 (Shell and flame.)
7 Loaded (day-month-year) 7 (Initials of manufacturer.)
1 This refers to the subcaliber cartridge (for 3-inch seacoast guns) from which the caliber .30 subcaliber cartridges are fired.
(2) M1925 cartridges are packed 75 cartons of 20 rounds each (1,500 rounds) in the standard packing box. a gross weight of 107 pounds. Boxes of this ammunition packed since April 1933 are marked as follows:
Line On side of box Lino On ends of box
1 1,500 cartridges 1 1,500 cartridges. Subcaliber. Caliber .30, M1925. In cartons. (Shell and flame.) Lot (manufacturer’s initials, number of lot).
2 Subcaliber 2
3 Caliber .30, Ml925 3
4 In cartons 4
5 For subcaliber firings Ammunition lot number 5
6 6
7 (Manufacturer, number of lot) _
The, ammunition lot number should be shown on the lid and address side of box.
106. Exterior ballistics.—The maximum range of the M1925 subcaliber cartridge, caliber .30, is 4,300 yards. The powder pressure may vary slightly for each lot of powder as the weight of charge is
85
TM 9-1990
106-108
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
adjusted to give the required muzzle velocity. This is 2,025 feet per second for the old type and 1,990 feet per second for the M1925. The average maximum breech pressure is 40,000 pounds per square inch. The old type bullet will penetrate 58 pine boards % inch thick.
Section VII
CARTRIDGE, BLANK. 10-GAGE, FOR 37-MM GUNS, M1916, M3 AND M5
Paragraph
Description________________________________________________ 107
107. Description.—a. General — The cartridge, blank, 10-gage (fig. 27), is used with appropriate adapters in lieu of blank ammunition for 37-mm guns, M3, M5, and M1916. The adapters consist of a standard cartridge case modified in accordance with GA 1785 for the M3 and M5 guns, and with GA 1786 for the M1916 gun. This cartridge was formerly listed as shell, shotgun, 10-gage, blank. This ammunition is of commercial manufacture. The charge is black powder weighing 8 grains, and is kept in place by means of dry felt pads.
b. Packing.—Cartridge, blank, 10-gage, is packed 25 rounds per carton, 20 cartons (500 rounds) per box. The box may be of wood or heavy fiber. The box is 15% by 9% by 9% inches. The volume is 0.83 cubic feet. It weighs 37.5 pounds.
Section VIII
SHELL, SHOTGUN, 12 GAGE
Paragraph
Description______________________________________________________________108
Packing and marking------------------------------------------------------109
108. Description.—a. General.—Shotgun shells (shot shells) (fig. 27) are procured by the Ordnance Department from several manufacturers for use in 12-gage sporting and riot-type shotguns. They are intended for guard or combat use and for hunting or trap shooting.
b. Visual identification.—Shells for guard and combat use have a brass head extending at least 1 inch along the case. Shells for sporting uses have a head extending only % inch along the case.
c. Components.— (1) The shell consists of a case, a primer, several wads, a propelling charge, and a load of lead shot.
(2) The case consists of a brass head and a paper case or shell body. In guard or combat shells, the head extends a distance of 1 inch along
86
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
TM 9-1990
108-109
the case. (In some shells, the entire case is of brass.) In sportin shells, the head extends % inch. The head is reinforced by a base oi compressed paper in which the primer pocket is formed. Some paper shells have a steel reinforcement, called the lining, under the brass head. The shell body is made of paper and waterproofed. The head is attached to the shell body by crimping.
(3) The primer is a commercial type suitable for ignition of the smokeless powder used.
(4) I he propelling charge and shot load for each type are shown in the following table.
Type of shell Propelling charge Shot
Weight Type Weight in ounces Size
Guard or combat Trap shooting Hawk load 26 grains 3 drams do _ . Dense smokeless Bulk smokeless do 1. 125 1. 25 1. 125 00 7% 6
(5) The arrangement of paper and felt wads is shown in figure 2.
109. Packing and marking.—a. Packing.—(1) Shot shells are packed twenty-five per carton, twenty such cartons (500 rounds) per case. The case for domestic shipment may be wood or fiber; for oversea shipment, it will be metal-lined wood.
(2) Packing box data.—(a) Size in inches, 15 by 10% by 9-%.
(&) Area.—1.08 square feet.
(c) Volume.—0.88 cubic foot.
(tZ) Weight.—65 pounds.
b. Marking—In addition to the markings on the cartons and boxes, symbols indicating the powder charge and shot load are stamped on the closing wad. These shells can be identified further by the following, stamped on the head of the shell:
Manufacturer
Marking on head for—
Guard and combat load
Sporting load
Winchester Repeating Arms Co.
Remington Arms Co______
Western Cartridge Co___
U. S. Cartridge Co_____
Peters Cartridge Co____
WRA 12 Leader__________
Rem. UMC No. 12 Arrow-Western No. 12 Record - _ U. S. No. 12 Ajax_______
P-Peters No. 12 Ideal___
P-Peters No. 12 Premier
WRA 12 Ranger.
Rem. No. 12 Economy.
Western No. 12 XPert. U. S. No. 12 Defiance. P-Peters No. 12 Victor.
87
TM 9-1990
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
Appendix
LIST OF REFERENCES
1. Standard Nomenclature Lists.
a. Ammunition.
Ammunition, blank, for pack, light, and medium SNL R-5. field artillery.
Ammunition, fixed, for harbor defense, heavy SNL P-4, field and railway artillery.
Ammunition, revolver and automatic pistol______ SNL T-2.
Ammunition, rifle and automatic gun____________ SNL T-l.
Ammunition, small-arms, obsolete and non- SNL T-6. standard.
Ground mines and fuzes_________________________ SNL R-7.
Miscellaneous service components of small-arms SNL T-4. ammunition.
Shells, shotgun________________________________ SNL T-3.
b. Cleaning, preserving, and lubricating materials.__ SNL K-l.
c. Firing tables and trajectory charts_____________ SNL F-69.
d. Current Standard Nomenclature Lists are as tab- (OPSI.) ulated here. An up-to-date list of SNL’s is maintained as the “Ordnance Publications for Supply Index.”
2. Explanatory publications.
a. Ammunition.
Ammunition condition report____________________ O.O. 7235.
Ammunition, general____________________________ TM 9-1900.
Military explosives____________________________ TM 9-2900.
Qualifications in arms and ammunition training AR 775-10. allowances.
Range regulations for firing ammunition in time AR 750-10. of peace.
Small-arms ammunition__________________________ OFSB 3-5.
Smokeless powder for caliber .30 U. S. Army Specification service ammunition. 50-12-9.
Smokeless powder for caliber .45 U. S. Army Specification ammunition. 50-12-11.
Smokeless powder for caliber .50 U. S. Army Specification ammunition. 50-12-2.
b. Cleaning, preserving, and lubricating materials_ TM 9-850.
88
TM 9-1990
SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION
c. Gun materiel.
Aircraft machine gun, caliber .30__________
Automatic pistol, caliber .45, M1911 and M1911A1.
Browning automatic and machine rifles______
Browning automatic rifle, caliber .30, M1918A2, with bipod.
Browning automatic rifle, caliber .30, M1918A2, without bipod.
Browning machine gun, caliber .30, ground, tank, and antiaircraft types.
Browning machine gun, caliber .30, HB, M1919A4, ground.
Browning machine gun, caliber .30, HB, M1919A4 (Mounted in combat vehicles).
Browning machine gun, caliber .30, M1917___
Browning aircraft machine guns, caliber .30, M1918M1 andM1919.
Browning machine gun, caliber .50, HB, M2, ground.
Browning machine gun, caliber .50, HB, M2 (Mounted in combat vehicles).
Browning machine gun, caliber .50, M1921, aircraft, fixed and flexible.
Browning machine gun, caliber .50, M2, aircraft, fixed and flexible.
Browning machine gun, caliber .50, M2, watercooled, and mounts.
Pistols and revolvers___________________
Thompson submachine gun, caliber .45, M1928A1.
U. S. rifle, caliber .30, Ml_._____________
U. S. rifle, caliber .30, M1903____________
U. S. rifle, caliber .30, M1903, M1903A1, and M1917.
U. S. rifle, caliber .22, M1922, M1922A1, and M2.
d. Gunnery.
Gunnery, fire control, and position finding, antiaircraft guns.
TR 1400-30G.
FM 23-35.
TR 1400-30E.
FM 23-15.
FM 23-20.
TM 9-1205.
FM 23-45.
FM 23-50.
FM 23-55.
TR 1300-30G.
FM 23-60.
FM 23-65.
TM 9-220.
TM 9-225.
TM 9-226.
TM 9-1295.
FM 23-40.
FM 23-5.
FM 23-10.
TR 1400-30A.
TM 9-280.
FM 4-110.
89
TM 9-1990
ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT
d. Gunnery—Continued.
Gunnery, fire control, and position finding, FM 4-112. antiaircraft automatic weapons.
Marksmanship and service of the piece— FM 4-135. antiaircraft machine gun.
e. Miscellaneous.
Field artillery trainer______________________ TM 6-225.
Ordnance field service in time of peace______ AR 45-30.
Ordnance safety manual_______________________ 00 7224.
f. Transportation.
Transportation of supplies___________________ AR 30-955.
Transportation by water of explosives, inflam- AR 30-1270. mables, and chemical warfare materials.
90
TM 9-1990
INDEX
Paragraph Page
Accessories __________________________________________________ 12 8
Accidents, report_____________________________________________ 40 40
Ammunition:
Caliber .30____________1__________________________________ 41-64 42
Caliber .45----------------------------------------------- 65-77 59
Field artillery trainer__________________________________ 98-100 79
Subcaliber, caliber .30_________________________________ 105,106 84,85
Armor-piercing cartridge:
Caliber .30, M2___________________________________________47, 48 47
Caliber .45----------------------------------------------- 84, 85 69
Ball, steel, 1-incb diameter__________________________________ 98 79
Ball cartridge:
10-gage -------------------------------------------------- 10 7
Caliber .22, long rifle___________________________________ 96, 97 77, 78
Caliber .30, Ml___________________________________________49, 50 50
Caliber .30, M2-------------------------------------------51, 52 51, 52
Caliber .45, M1911________________________________________ 71,72 61
Caliber .50, M2„__________________________________________ 86, 87 73
Bandoleers____________________________________________________ 30 27
Blank cartridge:
Caliber .22__________________________________________________ 99 79
Caliber .30, M1909___________________________________________ 55 54
Caliber .50_________________________________________________ 90 74
Precautions_______________________________________________ 38 37
Revolver, caliber .45, Ml____________________________________ 75 64
Boxes:
Handling----------------------------------------------------- 36 34
Markings__________________________________________________ 24 22
Bullet___________________________________________________________ 10 7
Carbine cartridge, caliber .30, Ml____________________________ 101, 102 80
Card, identification_____________________________________________ 20 21
Care------------------------------------------------------------- 36 34
Cartons:
Markings_____________________________________________________ 26 24
Types-------------------------------------------------------- 29 26
Cartridge, definition_____________________________________________ 7 5
Cartridge case____________________________________________________ 8 5
Case-------------------------------------------------------------- 8 5
Classification____________________________________________________ 6 5
Clips____________________________________________________________ 12 8
Color markings________________________._______________________ 25 22
91
TM 9-1990
INDEX
Paragraph Page
Danger zones___________________________________________________ 15 H
Defects:
Found during and after firing____________________________ 34 30
Visual----------------------------------------------------- 33 28
Dummy cartridges:
Caliber .30, M1906_________________________________________ 56 54
Caliber .30, M2____________________________________________ 57 55
Caliber .45, M1921_________________________________________ 76 64
Caliber .50, Ml____________________________________________ 92 75
Caliber .50, M2_________________________________________ 91 75
Field artillery trainer ammunition_________________________ 98-100 79
Firing tables__________________________________________________ 16 n
Gallery practice cartridge, caliber .30, M1919_________________ 58 55
Grades--------------------------------------------------------- 13 9
Guard cartridge:
Caliber .30, Ml_________________________________________ 59,60 56
Caliber .30, M19O6__________________________~___________ 61, 62 56, 57
Handling---------------------------------------------------- 36 34
Hangfire---------------------------------------------------- 34, 36 30,34
High-pressure test cartridge:
Caliber .30, Ml__________________________________________ 63 57
Caliber .45, Ml___________________________________________ 77 65
Caliber .50, Ml____ _______________________________________ 93 76
Identification:
Ammunition types___________________________________________ 21 21
Card------------------------------------------------------- 20 21
Caliber .30 ammunition_____________________________________ 42 42
Caliber .45 ammunition_____________________________________ 66 59
Caliber .50 ammunition_____________________________________ 79 66
Lot number------------------------------------------------- 19 21
Markings___________________________________________________ 17 20
Means------------------------------------------------------ 17 20
Model------------------------------------------------------ 18 20
Target practice__________________________________________ 22 21
Incendiary cartridge:
Caliber .30, Ml____________________________________________ 64 58
Caliber .50. Ml__________________________________________ 94 70
Links, metallic belt___________________________________________ 12 8
Lot number_____________________________________________________ 19 21
Machine-gun belts______________________________________________ 33 28
Marking:
Boxes----------------------------------------------------- 24 22
Caliber .30 ammunition_____________________________________ 44 43
Caliber .45 ammunition_____________________________________ 68 59
92
TM 9-1990
INDEX
Marking—Continued. ,
,, ” _zx Paragraph Page
Caliber .50 ammunition_________________________________ gl gg
Cartons________________________________________________ 26 24
Color---------------------------------------------"" 25 22
Purpose____________________________________ ______ _ 93 22
Misfire----------------------------------------------------- 34 36 30 34
Model designation____________________________________________ 4g 20
Nomenclature____________________________________________________ 5 4
Packing:
Caliber .30 ammunition_____________________________________ 44 43
Caliber .45 ammunition________________________________ gg g9
Caliber .50 ammunition_____________________________________ g4 gg
Containers_________________________________ 27________________3g o4
Methods------------------------------------------------- 27-30 24
Packing boxes_________________________________________________ 28 26
Parts:
Caliber .30 ammunition_____________________________________ 45 44
Caliber .45 ammunition____________________________________ 69* 60
Caliber .50 ammunition_____________________________________ g2 67
Powder---------------------------------------------------------- 39 39,
Precautions:
Blank cartridges___________________________________________ 3g 37
Handling--------------------------------------------------- 3g 34
Primer----------------------------------------------------------- 9 g
Priority of issue______________________________________________ 44. 44
Propelling charge_______________________________________________ 44 7
Propellent powder_______________________________________________ 39 39
References_____________________________________________________ App gg
Shell, shotgun, 12-gage------------------------------------ 108,109 86,87
Small arms, definition___________________________________________ 4 3
SNL’s----------------------------------------------------------- k .
Subcaliber cartridge, caliber .30___________________________ 105,106 84 85
Storage----------------------------------------------------- ’ 37 ’36
Surveillance_________________________________________________ 31-34 27
Target practice, identification_________________________________ 22 21
Tests, description______________________________________________ 32 27
Tracer cartridge:
Caliber .30, Ml__________________________________________ 53,54 53
Caliber .45, Ml-----------------------------------------73, 74 62, 54
Caliber .50, Ml-----------------------------------------gg, 89 73,74
Trainer, field artillery, ammunition_________________________98-100 79
Types:
Caliber .30 ammunition______________________________________ 41 42
Caliber .45 ammunition______________________________________ gg 59
Caliber .50 ammunition-. _________■_____________________ 7g 66
Identification______________________________________________ 21 21
93
TM 9-1990
INDEX
Paragraph Page
Visual examination_______________________________________ 33 28
Weights:
Caliber .30 cartridges_______________________________ 46 45
Caliber .45 cartridges_______________________________ 46 45
Caliber .50 cartridges------------------------------- 83 68
[A. G. 062.] 1 (2-25-42).]
By order of the Secretary of War :
G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff.
Official :
J. A. ULIO,
Major General,
The Adjutant General.
Distribution :
Bn 9(1) ; C 9(3).
(For explanation of symbols see FM 21-6.)
94
U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1942
££9009200L llllllllllll eojsz xi NoiN3a saiuvuan ±nh
LaCrosse Public Library