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FM 23-45 Basic Field Manual
32
e.
Do not fire dented cartridges, cartridges with loose bullets, or otherwise defective
rounds.
f.
Do not allow the ammunition to be exposed to the direct rays of the sun for any
length of time. This is liable to effect its firing qualities seriously.
g.
No caliber .30 ammunition will be fired until it has been positively identified by
ammunition lot number and grade as published in the latest revision or change to
Ordnance Field Service Bulletin no. 3-5.
65. Storage.—
a.
Whenever practicable, small arms ammunition should be stored under cover. This
applies particularly to tracer ammunition which is subject to rapid deterioration if it
becomes damp. It may even ignite spontaneously. Should it become necessary to leave
small arms ammunition in the open, it should be raised on dunnage at least 6 inches
from the ground and the pile covered with a double thickness of paulin. Suitable
trenches should be dug to prevent water flowing under the pile.
b.
If practicable, tracer ammunition should be stored separately from other
ammunition.
c.
If fired into or placed in a fire, small arms ammunition does not explode violently.
There are small individual explosions of each cartridge, the case flying in one direction
and the bullet in another. In case of fire it is advisable to keep those not engaged in
fighting the fire at least 200 yards from the fire and have them lie on the ground. It is
unlikely that the bullets and cases will fly over 200 yards.
66. B
ALLISTIC DATA.—The approximate maximum ranges and average velocities and
the several types of models of caliber .30 ammunition authorized for use in the machine
gun, caliber .30, Browning, M1919A4, are shown below:
Type and model of caliber .30 cartridges
Average
velocity 78
feet from
muzzle
(feet per
second)
Approxi-
mate
maximum
range
(yards)
Ball, M2 2,630 3,450
Ball, M1 2,600 5,500
Ball, M1906 2,640 3,450
Tracer, M1
1
2,650 3,450
Armor piercing, M2
2
2,730 4,500
Armor piercing, M1
1
3,260 4,000
Armor piercing, M1922 2,600 4,400
Blank, M1909 20
Dummy, M1906 (Corrugated)
1
Approximate.
2
At 53 feet from muzzle