Description
The body has a streamlined shape that is characteristic of most modern artillery shell. The radius of ogive is 45.0 inches and the base is cylindrically tapered (7 deg 30 min). The length of the body is 18.90 inches excluding a 0.14 inch protrusion on the back and surrounding the base plate cavity. The purpose of this protrusion is to provide metal for a 360 degree crimp which secures a mild steel base plate 0.34 inch in thickness in a cavity in the base of the shell. This plate prevents the hot gases of the propelling charges from coming into contact with the bursting charge through possible defects in the base of the shell body. A knurled or grooved recess seats a 1.72 inches copper or gilding metal rotating band. The projectile is threaded at the nose to receive the fuze directly. When the body is made of cast steel it is designated as M65; when it is made of forged steel it is designated M65B1.
As is the case with all filled projectiles, the interior of the shell is coated with acidproof black paint. The filler may be one of three high explosives. The most common and most desirable is 4.49 pounds of cast TNT. If TNT is not obtainable, 4.08 pounds of 50/50 amatol or 4.64 pounds of trimonite may be used. When the bursting charge is amatol, a 0.2 pound TNT booster surround is inserted between the booster and the filler to act as an auxiliary booster. Regardless of the bursting charge, a molded bakelite fuze well cup is screwed into the nose of the shell ahead of the booster to protect the booster from corrosive action by explosives.
Functioning
No information about functioning.
See Also
Nothing else to see.
Source(s)
TM 9-1904, Ammunition Inspection Guide (1944)
