Description
This fixed cartridge is intended for use in 76mm gun cannons against personnel at close range.
The canister has a heavy steel base and a lightweight body and is loaded with steel balls. The forward end is sealed with a closing cup. The canister body is distinguished by four equally spaced longitudinal slits in the lightweight body construction. The canister body is assembled to a brass or steel cartridge case, loaded with a single-base propellant, and fitted with a percussion primer. A distinguishing physical characteristic of these rounds is the case over band construction. The specially designed rotating band has a crimping groove which permits the cartridge case to be assembled over the rotating band and rigidly crimped to it.
Color:
Old - Black w/white marking
New - Olive drab w/white marking
Functioning
When the weapon is fired, a flash from the primer ignites the propellant. Gases from the burning propellant force the projectile out of the gun barrel. Immediately after leaving the gun barrel, the air pressure on the closing cup and the centrifugal force action on the body and balls cause the canister to break at the slits, dispersing the balls in a cone-shaped pattern along the line of flight.
Hazardous Components
Filler - Steel balls (9 lb, 4.05 kg)
Propelling charge - M6 (5 lb, 2.25 kg)
Primer - M62 percussion
Physical Data
Length, overall - 32.07 in, 814.6 mm
See Also
Nothing else to see.
Source(s)
TM 9-1300-203, Artillery Ammunition (1967)
