Description
The M203 is a Zone 8 S charge designed to supplement the standard M3, M4, and M119 series charges and to provide extended range for the 155mm Howitzer M198.
The M203 Propelling Charge is a single increment, red bag charge, approximately 30 1/4 inches long. The charge contains approximately 26 pounds of the high energy, M30A1 propellant in a cloth bag. A red cloth igniter pad containing 1 ounce of black powder is sewn to the base of the charge. A central ignition core extends through the center of the charge for almost its entire length. This ignition core consists of a nitrocellulose paper tube containing a bag of black powder which is sewn to the base igniter. A liner consisting of a cloth side impregnated with titanium dioxide and wax, and a lead side lines the forward end of the charge. Four tie straps sewn to the base of the charge run the length of the charge and are tied to the forward end of the charge, A donut shaped flash reducer is inserted under the tie straps at the forward end of’ the charge. A cylindrical jacket is placed over the charge length and tightly laced. This lacing jacket serves to provide necessary rigidity and structural stability of the assembled charge, and serves to differentiate the 8S from the M119/M119A1 Zone 8 charge.
Functioning
No information about functioning.
Hazardous Components
No information about hazardous components.
See Also
Propelling Charge, 155mm, M3 Series
Propelling Charge, 155mm, M4A1
Propelling Charge, 155mm, M4A2
Propelling Charge, 155mm, M119, M119A1
Propelling Charge, 155mm, M119A2
Source(s)
TM 43-0001-28, Artillery Ammunition (chg 11, 2003)
