Description
The M3 series propelling charges are green bag type designed for use in 155mm howitzers for firing in Zones 1 through 5.
The full charge consists of approximately 5.50 pounds of propellant including a base charge and four unequal increments loaded in cloth bags. The hags are fastened together with four cloth straps sewn to the base and tied on top of Increment 5. Charge M3 is assembled without flash reducer pads. Charge M3A1 includes 3 flash reducer pads containing potassium nitrate or potassium sulphate. A 2 ounce pad is assembled forward of the base charge and there are two l-ounce pads forward of Increments 4 and 5. The igniter charge of the M3A1 is 3.5 ounces of clean burning igniter (CBI) in a red cloth bag sewn to the rear of the base section. The igniter charge of the M3 is 3 ounces of black powder. The seams of the base charge section are inverted on the M3A1 only so that the edges of the cloth are inside to reduce residue after firing.
Model M3 does not include flash reducers. The igniter charge is 3 ounces of black powder instead of CBI. and the base seams are not inverted.
Functioning
No information about functioning.
Hazardous Components
No information about hazardous components.
See Also
Source(s)
TM 43-0001-28, Artillery Ammunition (chg 11, 2003)
TM 9-1904, Ammunition Inspection Guide (1944)
