Chapter 7. AMMUNITION

TM 9-6920-361-13&P

CHAPTER 7

AMMUNITION

7-1. General. The 14.5-mm trainer ammunition is

7-4. Ballistic Data. This ammunition is capable of

classified as 'fixed' ammunition and is ready for firing as

functioning with all the ballistic properties of an artillery

it comes from the packing box. The cartridge size and

combat projectile. Propelling charge is 0.22g (3.5 gr),

manufacturer's identification are stamped on the base of

producing 328 f/s (100 m/s) initial velocity. Maximum

the cartridge case.

Subparagraph 1-4f shows an

effective range is 798.3 yds (730 m).

example of cartridge markings. Projectiles with two

types of fuze action are available for use with the trainer:

7-5. Markings. Fuze designation, charge designation,

and manufacturer's lot number are inscribed on the side

(1) A point-detonating (PD) fuze (M183) which

of the cartridge case with a black indelible ink

functions on impact.

(subparagraph 1-4f).

(2) A 3-second delay fuze (M181) and a 6-

7-6. Packaging. Ten cartridges are packed in a

second delay fuze (M182) which present airbursts when

cardboard box. Each box is marked with quantity of

fired at a time of flight in excess of 3 seconds and 6

cartridges, charge designation, fuze designation, model

seconds respectively from the time of firing. The latter

number, and lot number.

two fuzes are not "delay" as we think of them. They are

factory set time fuzes which do not have a point-

7-7. Preparation for Firing.

detonating element. A cross section of the 14.5-mm

projectile is shown in subparagraph 1-4f. The projectile

a. The cartridges are ready for firing as they come

is coated with cosmoline under the cartridge case.

from the cardboard box.

7-2. Ammunition Type. Ammunition for the 14.5-mm

b. Some of the cosmoline may appear on the

field artillery trainer M31 is classified as "fixed"

projectile forward of the cartridge case. Unless the

ammunition type.

A cartridge (complete round of

exposed cosmoline collects dust or dirt, it should not be

ammunition) consists of all the ammunition components

removed. The cartridge should be free of all foreign

necessary to fire the trainer once; this includes a loaded

matter before loading. In order to keep the ammunition

projectile, a propelling charge, a primer, and a fuze. A

clean, the round should not be removed from the

cross section of a cartridge is shown in subparagraph 1-

cardboard box until immediately before firing.

4f.

c. The ammunition should be protected from the

7-3. Cartridges. There are three kinds of cartridges

sun, rain, dust, or other damaging elements in order to

available for use with the trainer, as indicated below.

maintain standard performance. Due to the low muzzle

velocity (100 meters per second) a small increase or

a. Cartridge M183 (subparagraph 1-4f) has a point

decrease from standard will result in several decimeters

detonation (PD) fuze that produces smoke with a slight

in range dispersion.

detonation upon impact. The smoke cloud produced is

visible with the naked eye at a distance up to 3,280 feet

7-8. Dud Policing and Disposal. After firing on other

(1000 m) by day, and is visible by a flash at night.

than a permanent range, police the surface area to

locate dud projectiles.

Dud projectiles will be

b. Cartridge M181 has a fuze which has a three

conspicuously marked for later identification. Flags,

second delay detonation action.

The other

engineer tape, etc., may be used. Personnel will not

characteristics are the same as M183 above.

attempt to pick up duds with their hands or disturb the

duds during policing. The retrieving of duds to permit

c. Cartridge M 182 has a fuze which has a six

disposal by burning or demolition is authorized only when

second delay detonation action.

The other

the equipment used to retrieve the dud provides

characteristics are the same as M183 above.

adequate protection to

7-1