Description
The cartridge is assembled with an M505A3 point detonating (PD) fuze. The projectile, in addition to the M505A3 fuze, consists of a high explosive incendiary (HEI) charge, self-destroying (SD) relay charge, and a tracer charge. These charges form the SD chain. The tracer burns for about 3 to 7 seconds, whereupon the relay charge is ignited which detonates the HEI charge low order. If impact with target occurs prior to self destruction, the M505A3 fuze causes the HEI charge to detonate high order.
The basic difference between the models is in the loading of the projectiles. In the M246 projectile, the incendiary mix and the HE mix are combined in one pellet. In the M246A1 projectile, the incendiary is loaded as a separate pellet. The HE mix is also loaded as a separate pellet along with the SD relay charge pellet and the tracer charge pellet. This improves fire start capability.
Hazardous Components
Tracer - R505
Primer - Electric, M52A3B1
Explosive - H761 (115 grains)
Propellant - WC 870 (585-605 grains)
See Also
Source(s)
TM 43-0001-27, Small Caliber Ammunition (chg 7, 2004)
