This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
There's a stinking error in that publication for the M339 76 mm AP-T and its been there for years and years. Well at least 1967, as it's the same in the publication 'TM 9-1300-203 - Artillery Ammunition'.
The page in question, from 'TM 43-0001-28 - Army Ammunition Data Sheets - Guns, Howitzers, Mortars, Rifles, Grenade Launchers & Fuzes', change 15 version from 2006.
And the statement is... 'The solid tungsten carbide projectile is fitted with a lightweight windshield to provide a better ballistic shape'.
Yeah, it's made of solid tungsten carbide, not! If you're going to fire that one with a normal weight propellant charge meant for a steel AP-T, can I please vacate the tank and the local area.
Actually, both drawings are incorrect. The newer one shows the straight tapered windscreen, but with a flat tip, which it doesn't have, as seen in the photo that Sebastian has posted. The older drawing shows the radiused, steel, crimped-on ogive/windscreen of the old WWII M61 and M62 projectiles, which it also doesn't have.
I thought to post a couple of pictures of the 1968 manufactured 76mm M339 projectile in my collection. For comparison it is pictured alongside a 75mm M338 projectile. My understanding is the 76mm was used with the Walker-Bulldog tank and the 75mm was fitted to the standard M18 case for the Sherman tank gun, happy to be corrected! I have never been sure as to when the M338 75mm projectile entered service, later part of WW2 or only post WW2.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.