Description
The M70 AP Projectile is a solid shot of hardened steel with a cavity machined into the base to receive a tracer. The ogive is continued to a point, and has a radius of 3.14 inches. A waved or knurled recess 0.79 inch wide is machined into the shot 1.01 inches above the base to receive a copper rotating band. A cannelure for receiving the crimps from the cartridge case is located 0.51 inch behind the rotating band.
The complete round is 23.20 inches long and weighs about 12.64 pounds with the brass cartridge case. The size, length of cartridge case, stubby projectile, and black painting with white stencil identify the round as CARTRIDGE, AP-T, M70. On visual inspection the only difference between this round and the target practice round is the blue painting and white stenciling of the practice projectile, however, by examining the manufacturer’s information just above the rotating band, it may be possible to distinguish between the two if the painting and stenciling is obliterated.
Hazardous Components
The M23A2 Brass Case is “Standard”; M23A2B1 Steel Case is “Substitute Standard.”
Primer - The M1B1A2, 100 grain percussion primer.
Propelling charge - FNH powder (2.25 lb, 1.02 kg) poured loosely into the cartridge case.
The tracer charge consists of approximately 73 grains of red tracer composition in the form of 3 solid pellets and 20 grains of igniter charge in one pellet. The tracer charge is sealed into the tracer cavity with a clear celluloid cup cemented into place. The tracer burns for about 3 seconds.
See Also
Source(s)
TM 9-1904, Ammunition Inspection Guide (1944)
