Ammunition marking. Artillery ammunition Painting of German mines, shells and fuses

For fragmentation and smoke shells, the bodies of which are made of steel cast iron, above the lower centering thickening. or a continuous black annular stripe is applied to the leading belt. Thus, a steel cast iron smoke projectile will have two black stripes - one on the head and the other above the lower centering bulge. All other shells are easily recognized by their appearance and do not have a distinctive color,

On cartridge cases of unitary loading shots assembled with a reduced charge, a solid black ring stripe is applied above the marking. The same stripe applied to the cartridge case for a shot of separate cartridge loading indicates that the cartridge case contains a special charge intended for firing an armor-piercing tracer projectile.

A distinctive color is applied to fuses and tubes if there are several samples that are similar in appearance, but different in their effect on the target or purpose.

The distinctive coloring on capsule bushings is applied only after they have been restored. After the first restoration, one white stripe 5 wide is applied along the chord of the bottom cut of the capsule bushings. mm, and after the secondary - two white parallel stripes 5 wide mm each.

All artillery weapons, including ammunition, are divided into ten sections (types).

Department numbers have a two-digit number and begin with the number 5. If there is a different number at the beginning of the department number, this means that this item is not under the jurisdiction of the GRAU.

Shots, shells, mines, fuses, tubes and their capping are assigned to the 53rd department.

Charges, cartridges, ignition means, auxiliary elements of shots and their capping - to the 54th department.

Small arms ammunition and hand grenades - to the 57th department. Each item is assigned a short symbol - index.

In ammunition, indices are assigned to artillery rounds, their elements and closures.

Indexes can be full or abbreviated.

Full index consists of two numbers in front, one - three letters in the middle, and three numbers to the right of the letters.

For example, 53-UOF-412. The first two digits indicate the weapons department to which the sample belongs, the letters indicate the type of sample (in most cases, they are the initial letters of the name of the image), the last three digits indicate the sample number.

If a shot or its element (projectile, charge) is adopted for firing from a specific weapon (mortar), then it is assigned the same number as the weapon. If the shot element is intended for firing from different guns of the same caliber, then a zero is placed instead of the last digit of the index. For example: 53-G-530.

In the case when a new model of ammunition is adopted for service, similar in purpose and name to an existing model for a given weapon, but having features that affect ballistics or operational properties, one to three letters are placed at the end of the index.

For example, a 100-mm field gun mod. 1944 had an armor-piercing tracer pointed-head projectile index 53-BR-412. A 100-mm armor-piercing tracer projectile with a blunt point and a ballistic tip is being adopted. Unlike the first, it is assigned the index 53-BR-412B. Later, the same gun was equipped with an armor-piercing tracer projectile with improved armor penetration (a projectile with armor-piercing and ballistic tips), which was assigned the index 53-BR-412D.

The meanings of the letters included in the ammunition indices are given in the table.

No. of weapons departments	Letter designations	Name of items
	U V F O OF OR OZR BR BP BC G D Z S A PBR	Unitary cartridge Separately loaded shot High-explosive grenade Fragmentation grenade High-explosive fragmentation grenade Fragmentation-tracer projectile Fragmentation incendiary-tracer projectile Armor-piercing tracer projectile Cumulative rotating projectile Cumulative non-rotating projectile Concrete-piercing projectile Smoke projectile Incendiary projectile Illumination projectile Propaganda projectile Practical armor-piercing tracer projectile
		A B F ZhN ZhD ZhK Z	Charge in a bag for filling into a cartridge Charge in a cap for inserting into a cartridge Charge in a cartridge Charge in a cartridge of nitroglycerin powder Charge in a cartridge of nitrodiglycol powder Charge in a cartridge of nitroxylite powder Charge in a cartridge for a shot of separate cartridge loading

Abbreviated index differs from full in that it does not have a first two-digit number. For example, BR-412D; UOF-412U.

The markings on shots, shells, mines, cartridges and closures are marked with an abbreviated index, and the markings on caps and ammunition cases, as well as in technical documents - the full index.

In 1955, GRAU introduced a new indexation, according to which new types of weapons, ammunition and property are assigned shorter indices that encode the caliber and type of weapon and ammunition.

According to this indexation, the full product index includes:

Conventional number of the weapons department;

The serial number of the product within this category.

The weapons department is indicated by one number, starting from zero, the product category - by letters of the Russian alphabet, the serial number - as the next number of the product entry in the “key sheet”.

For example, consider the full index 3БК6. In this index, the number 3 denotes the weapons department; BC - cumulative non-rotating projectile; 6 - projectile sample number. Or 2A7, where 2 is the weapons department; A- item category (artillery system); 7 - serial number of the sample in the “key sheet”.

The abbreviated index of these products does not have a first digit, for example BK6 and A7. The abbreviated index is used when designating products in technical documentation and in official correspondence; in the latter case, the name of the product is given before the abbreviated index, for example “A7 gun”. If the product has been modernized, then the letter M and a number indicating the model (modernization) number are placed at the end of the index.

Question No. 3 “Marking of ammunition and closures”

Marking is called inscriptions and symbols painted on ammunition and its closure.

Markings are applied to shells, mines, cartridges, caps and their closures with special black paint. Practical equipment painted black is marked with white paint.

Marking of shells. Markings are applied to the head and cylindrical parts of the projectile. On the head part there is information about the equipment of the projectile. These include: Explosive Code 6 , with which the projectile is loaded, equipment plant number 1, batch 2 and equipment year 3 . Abbreviated name (index) on the cylindrical part 8, projectile caliber 4 and ballistic (weight) marks 5. On armor-piercing tracer projectiles, in addition to the above data, the mark of the bottom fuse is applied under the explosive code 9, by which the projectile is brought into its final equipped form.

Codes are used to abbreviate explosive, smoke-producing and toxic substances.

The most common explosives used to fill projectiles have the following codes:

TNT - T;

TNT with a smoke-reinforcing bomb - TDU;

TNT with dinitronaphthalene - TD-50, TD-58;

TNT with hexogen - TG-50;

TNT, hexogen, aluminum, golovax - TGAG-5;

Ammotol - A-40, A-50, A-60, A-80, A-90 (the figure shows the percentage of ammonium nitrate);

Ammotol with TNT plug - AT-40, AT-50, etc.;

Phlegmatized hexogen -A-IX-1;

Phlegmatized hexogen with aluminum powder - A-IX-2.

On smoke shells, instead of the explosive code, the code of the smoke-forming substance is placed 7.

The weight (ballistic) sign applied to the projectile shows the deviation of the weight of this projectile from the table weight. If the equipment has a table weight or a deviation from it upward or downward of no more than 1/3%, then the letter H is written, which means the weight is normal. If the weight of the projectile deviates from the table by more than 1/3%, then this is reflected by the “plus” or “minus” signs. For each sign a weight fluctuation is given within 2/3% of the table.

MARKET MARKING

The use of a large number of different types of cartridges in modern automatic weapons, usually similar in appearance, has led to the use of special markings to distinguish them from each other. Therefore, one of the sources of information about cartridges are markings in the form of distinctive colors, signs and inscriptions applied both to the components of cartridges and to packaging with cartridges.

Markings on small arms cartridges may contain the following basic data:
1. Service marks on the bottom parts of the cartridge cases - place of manufacture (country, enterprise or manufacturer); type (name) and caliber of cartridge; manufacturing time of the cartridge or cartridge case; sleeve material; purpose of the cartridge; the type or model (sample) of the weapon for which the cartridge is intended.
2. Painting of cartridge elements (bullets, primers, bottom parts of cartridge cases) - type of cartridge, its purpose, some features of the device.
3. Labels (labels) - the same data contained in service marks, as well as some information about the elements of cartridges and their ballistic characteristics, applied to packaging - on wooden boxes, metal boxes, moisture-proof bags, cardboard boxes, paper bags.

Markings on cartridges, as well as similar designations on other industrial products, originate from the marks of craftsmen, which have long been placed on various goods (weapons, pottery and jewelry, etc.). Currently, they perform two functions: technical, informational and advertising, and are a type of trademark.

Brands are symbols in the form of letters, numbers, drawings, embossed on the surface of cartridge elements. They are service and control. Service marks contain data about the manufacturer (manufacturer), date of production, time of manufacture of cartridges, some design features, purpose, and may also contain other data characteristic of certain periods of time of their activity or always characteristic of manufacturers of a certain country. For this purpose, on the outer surface of the bottom of the sleeve, on diametrically opposite sides, the plant number is indicated - for domestic cartridges or the name of the company (its conventional index) - for foreign-made cartridges, as well as the year of manufacture. Control marks indicate passing technical control. They are usually placed only on elements of powerful ammunition (artillery, etc.).

Depending on the types of cartridges and their purpose, one or another content may predominate in the marking. For example, on military cartridges it contains mainly technical information, and on hunting and sporting cartridges it often contains advertising information. An advertising character is given to it due to both the visual form (types of fonts, decorative elements, etc.) and the content (catchy and memorable names, proper names, etc.), emphasizing the quality of the products and their popularity.

Cartridge markings, which include stamps, labels and conventional coloring of elements, are systems of conventional signs containing certain information necessary primarily to distinguish between the types and purposes of cartridges.

Labels (labels) are markings applied to cartridge packaging (boxes, cartons). They are designed to obtain information about cartridges without opening the packages.

The coloring of cartridge elements is intended to provide an easily perceived distinctive feature of the type and purpose of the cartridges. At the same time, it serves as a means of protection against corrosion.

In domestic small arms cartridges, the coloring of the head part (top) of the bullet is adopted as the simplest in terms of technology. For example, an armor-piercing incendiary bullet is painted black and red; tracer - green; armor-piercing-incendiary-tracer - in purple and red; incendiary (targeting-incendiary) - in red; with reduced initial speed - black and green, etc. Ordinary bullets usually do not have a distinctive color. A similar principle of different colors of cartridges with different bullets has been adopted in a number of armies of foreign countries. Sometimes the cartridge primer and the junction of the bullet and the cartridge case are colored. In this case, coloring is used not only as a distinctive feature of cartridges with different bullets, but also as a way to ensure the tightness of cartridges. This method of painting is less convenient not only technologically, but also causes certain inconvenience when visually determining the nomenclature of the cartridge.

Cartridge marking systems are different for different countries, times, manufacturers, and types of cartridges.

CASE MARKING

Basic information contained in the marks on small arms cartridges of cartridges from some manufacturing countries.

Manufacturers:
Soviet/Russian
Contents of information:
abbreviated name or symbol of the cartridge manufacturer, time (year) of manufacture of the cartridge case.

English, Canadian, Australian:
abbreviated name or symbol of the manufacturer of the cartridge or cartridge case; type (brand) of cartridge.

French:
abbreviated name or symbol of the company supplying the metal of the sleeve; time (year and quarter) of manufacture of the sleeve.

German:
abbreviated name or symbol of the sleeve manufacturer; time (year) of manufacture of the sleeve; symbol of the sleeve material; conditional batch number of cartridges.

Italian:
state-owned enterprises: full or abbreviated name of the manufacturer; time (year) of manufacture of the sleeve; State Comptroller's initials; private enterprises: full or abbreviated name of the manufacturer; time (year) of manufacture of the sleeve.

Japanese:
abbreviated name or symbol of the manufacturer; caliber; abbreviated designation of the year of manufacture of the sleeve (according to the Japanese calendar) and the quarter of manufacture.

Stamps on cartridge cases are inscriptions (alphabetic and digital texts) and drawings (symbols, ornaments, etc.), usually made in depressed, less often in convex relief. Their contents are the full, abbreviated (abbreviations, abbreviations of individual words, etc.) or expressed by symbols names of manufacturers (company, enterprise), country, geographical location or administrative region where they are located. As a rule, the texts are made in the language of the country where the manufacturer operates, however, on cartridges produced for the foreign market or for foreign orders, stamps may be made in other languages.

In terms of artistic design, marks can be either simple, devoid of decoration, or complicated due to various artistic elements (symbols, ornaments, etc.).

The marks of the same manufacturer may differ completely or partially depending on the time of manufacture of the cartridges, their types and purposes. Sometimes marks may contain the designations of two manufacturers, one of which refers to the manufacturer of the cartridges, and the other to the manufacturer of the cartridge case or fitting company. Often the cartridges contain only the marks of their manufacturers.

Manufacturer's marks on cartridge cases are sometimes replaced by designations and trademarks of cartridge customers (usually trading companies). Finally, there may be no marks on the cartridges at all.

Fragments of stamps containing data on the time of manufacture of cartridges or cartridges, name (type, brand, sample), caliber, weapon for which the cartridge is intended, have the following options and features.

Manufacturing time is indicated in different ways: the year in full, the last two or three digits of the year, the year and quarter, or the month. The year can be indicated by a conventional sign, for example, a letter. In accordance with the nationality of the manufacturer or customer of the cartridges, the time of their manufacture can be indicated according to the chronology adopted in certain countries or a group of countries, as well as according to the time of an important historical event in the life of the country. In some cases, the stamps reflect memorable dates in the activities of the cartridge manufacturer (company anniversary, etc.).

The production time is not always indicated in the stamps on the cartridge cases. In these cases, it can be roughly judged by the name of the manufacturer or the version of its brand, especially if they changed during certain periods of activity.

The name (type) of a cartridge is usually designated according to that given to it in the country where it was developed or first issued. It can also be designated in accordance with the military name or number assigned when the cartridge was adopted for service in a given country. Sometimes it is indicated by reference, by indicating the number assigned to the cartridge in the company’s catalog.

The caliber of a cartridge is usually indicated in the system of measures (metric or English) that was used to develop the cartridge or accept it for production. As a rule, it is not recalculated, regardless of what system of measures the manufacturer uses. An exception is allowed only for some common cartridges.

For some older types of cartridges, mainly American, the caliber may be indicated by an indicator located in a series of numbers that indicate such characteristics of the cartridge as its caliber in fractions of an inch, the mass of black powder and bullets in grains. This designation system continues to this day for those cartridges of older types, the production of which is still ongoing, although they have not been equipped with black powder for a long time. This protects the buyer/owner of an old weapon from mixing these cartridges with new types of cartridges that are similar in design (shape, size), but different in their ballistic characteristics.

Stamps on cartridge cases sometimes contain a number of other designations indicating the material of the cartridge case, the design of the capsule, the special purpose of the cartridge, as well as other information (manufactured by army order, patent issued to the manufacturer, etc.).

In domestic cartridges, at the end of the bottom part of the cartridge case, a marking containing the manufacturer’s reference number and the year of manufacture (the last two digits of the year) is stamped. In the period 1949–1954, the year of manufacture was conventionally designated by a letter (from “A” to “E”).

Signs in the form of two diametrically located five-pointed stars can be additionally applied to the bottom parts of individual nomenclatures of domestic sleeves.

For 7.62-mm rifle cartridges intended for firing from the ShKAS aircraft machine gun, an additional letter “Ш” was applied to the end of the bottom of the cartridge case, and the igniter cap was coated with red varnish.

MARKING OF BULLETS

The marking on the head of the bullets is applied in the form of a distinctive color.

Type of cartridge: cartridge with armor-piercing incendiary bullet B-32.

The distinctive color on the head of the bullet is black and red.

Cartridge with armor-piercing incendiary bullet BZ: black and red.

Cartridge with armor-piercing incendiary bullet BS: black and red - to the point where the cartridge case is crimped.

Cartridge with armor-piercing incendiary bullet BS-41: black and red - to the point where the cartridge case is crimped.

Cartridges with armor-piercing incendiary tracer bullets BZT-44 and BZT: purple and red.

Cartridge with armor-piercing incendiary tracer bullet BST: purple and red - to the point where the cartridge case is crimped.

Cartridges with incendiary bullet Z and sighting-incendiary bullet PZ: red.

Cartridge with instantaneous incendiary bullet MDZ: red - to the point where the cartridge case is crimped.

Cartridge with T-45 and T-46 tracer bullets: green.

Cartridge with reduced bullet speed US: black and green.

Rifle cartridge with a bullet with a steel core LPS: silver (painting has not been applied since 1978).

Rifle cartridge with light bullet L: without distinctive coloring.

Rifle cartridge with heavy bullet D: yellow.

High-pressure HP cartridge: yellow - to the point where the cartridge case neck is crimped (bullets of 7.62 mm cartridges of the 1943 model and rifle cartridges, which have a special shape, do not have a distinctive color).

Cartridge with enhanced ultrasonic charge: black - to the point where the cartridge case is crimped.

Model cartridge: white.

In addition to the distinctive coloring, on domestic cartridges, with the exception of those indicated below, a thin layer of varnish - sealant, which is a solution of resin in an organic solvent, tinted with a red dye, is applied around the circumference of the joints of the cartridge case with the bullet and the igniter capsule in the form of a red rim (ring). .

To seal blank large-caliber machine gun cartridges of 12.7 mm and 14.5 mm caliber around the circumference of the joints of the cartridge case with the cap and the igniter primer, a sealant tinted with green dye is used.

The sealant is not applied to 7.62 mm TT pistol and Nagan revolver cartridges and to 7.62 mm rifle blank cartridges, as well as to cartridges with enhanced charge and high pressure, except for cartridges of 12.7 mm and 14 calibers, 5 mm.

The cartridge is sealed to prevent gun grease (oil) and moisture from penetrating into the charging chamber.

MARKING OF PACKAGING WITH CARTRIDGES

The marking of cartridge packaging consists of colored distinctive stripes, signs and inscriptions in black.

Markings on packaging with cartridges are applied: on a wooden box - on the lid and on one side wall; on a metal box - on the lid; on a moisture-proof bag - on the longitudinal sides of the bag; on a cardboard box or paper bag - on one of the sides of the box or bag.

Marking on packaging is applied by stenciling, stamping, printing or a special marking machine.

The box marking contains: on the lid - weight (gross, kg); a transport sign indicating the category of cargo (the number “2” in an equilateral triangle, the apex of which is directed towards the fastening of the hinges). Since 1990, instead of the cargo category (the numbers “2”), a conventional dangerous goods number and a danger sign or classification code, characterizing the transport danger of the cargo in accordance with GOST 19433-88, began to be applied in an equilateral triangle. The danger sign is printed on a paper label, which is glued to the lid of the box.

Boxes with training cartridges are not marked with a cargo discharge sign or a dangerous cargo symbol number or a marking indicating the transport danger of the cargo.

The following symbols of cartridges are applied to the side wall of the box with cartridges for small arms: the inscription “OBR. 43", "SNIPER", "RIFLE", "PISTOL"; batch number; year of manufacture (last two digits); conditional number of the manufacturer; Marking of a batch of gunpowder; number of cartridges; number of seals (for 7.62 mm cartridges model 1943 with a bullet with a reduced velocity); a distinctive stripe, sign or inscription characterizing the type of bullet and (or) cartridge.

On the side wall of the box containing moisture-proof bags with cartridges, the inscription “MOISTURE-PROOF PACKAGES” is additionally applied in two lines.

The symbol for cartridges consists of a caliber designation - in the form of a numerical value in millimeters (without indicating the dimension); symbol of the type of bullet or type of cartridge; symbol of the sleeve (according to the material from which it is made).

For blank cartridges, instead of the symbol of the type of bullet, cartridge and cartridge case, the inscription “BLANK” is applied.

The cartridge lot number consists of a letter indicating the group code of the cartridge lot; a two-digit number indicating the serial number of the batch in the group.

For standard cartridges, the letter designation of the batch group code is replaced by the designation “OB”.

The marking of a batch of gunpowder consists of a designation of the brand of gunpowder, the batch number and year of manufacture, indicated by a fraction, and the symbol of the manufacturer of the gunpowder.

In the marking of pyroxylin powders, the following designations of gunpowder brands are accepted:
- VUfl - rifle reduced grained single-channel phlegmatized and graphitized for 7.62 mm cartridges mod. 1943;
- VUflVD - the same for high-pressure cartridges;
- VT - rifle grained single-channel phlegmatized and graphite for 7.62 mm rifle cartridges;
- VTZh - rifle grained single-channel graphite for blank cartridges;
- P-45/P-125 - porous granular single-channel, during the manufacture of which 45 or 125 percent of nitrate was introduced to create porosity;
- X (Pl 10–12) - single plate; 10 - plate thickness in hundredths of mm; 12 - plate length in tenths of mm;
- 4/7, 4/7Tsgr, 5/7 N/A - grained seven-channel; in the numerator - the approximate thickness of the burning arch in tenths of mm, in the denominator - the number of channels in the grain (seven); C - containing ceresin; gr - graphite; N/A - made from low-nitrogen pyroxylin;
- 4/1fl, 4/1gr - grained single-channel; in the numerator - the approximate thickness of the burning arch in tenths of mm, in the denominator - the number of channels in the grain (one); fl - phlegmatized, gr - graphite.

In the marking of gunpowder, the grade of gunpowder consists of a combination of letter and number designations. In the letter designations of varnish powders:
- SSNf - the first letter indicates the purpose of the gunpowder (C - for small arms cartridges), the second letter - the shape of the powder elements (C - spheroid), the third and fourth letters - the presence of nitroglycerin (N) and phlegmatizer (f) in the gunpowder, respectively;
- PSN - the first letter indicates the density of the gunpowder (P - porous), the second letter - the shape of the powder elements (S - spheroid) and the third letter (N) - the presence of nitroglycerin in the gunpowder.

The digital designation of SSNf and PSN gunpowder consists of a fraction, the numerator of which indicates the thickness of the burning arch (for SSNf gunpowder) or bulk density (for PSN gunpowder), and the denominator indicates the specific heat of combustion.

The marking on the lid of the metal box contains the same data that is applied to the side wall of the cartridge box. In this case, the number of cartridges and seals indicated in the marking corresponds to the number of them in the metal box.

The marking on the moisture-proof bag contains: symbol of the cartridges; the inscription “OBR. 43" (for 7.62 mm cartridges model 1943); number of cartridges in the package; a distinctive stripe characterizing the type of bullet.

Cardboard boxes and paper bags are marked in the form of a distinctive stripe or inscription. A distinctive stripe is applied to cardboard boxes and paper bags containing cartridges with a tracer bullet and a reduced velocity bullet.

A paper bag containing 7.62 mm rifle sniper cartridges is marked “SNIPER.”

Prepared by Yuri Malekin
Photo from the archive of Vladimir Osipenko
Brother 06-2008

• Articles» Ammo
• Mercenary 20544 0

Unitary ammunition was used by B-20 and ShVAK aircraft guns. The ammunition was equipped with high-explosive fragmentation, fragmentation-incendiary, fragmentation-incendiary-tracer, high-explosive fragmentation-incendiary, armor-piercing incendiary and armor-piercing incendiary-tracer shells. Ammunition performance characteristics: caliber – 20 mm; length – 99 mm; shot weight – 325 g; projectile weight - 173 g; explosive mass – 2.8 – 6.7 g; initial speed – 750 – 815 m/s.

Shots 23×115-mm

The unitary ammunition was intended for NS-23 and NR-23 aircraft guns. The ammunition was produced with fragmentation-incendiary, fragmentation-incendiary-tracer, high-explosive fragmentation-incendiary, high-explosive fragmentation-incendiary-tracer, armor-piercing-incendiary-tracer and armor-piercing incendiary projectiles. The ammunition is created on the basis of a large-caliber 14.5x114 mm cartridge by increasing the neck of the cartridge case to 23 mm. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 23 mm; length – 199 mm; sleeve length – 115 mm; weight – 311 g; projectile weight – 200 g; charge weight – 33 g; explosive mass – 13-15 g; initial projectile speed – 700 m/s; armor penetration at a distance of 200 m – 25 mm.

The unitary ammunition was intended for the VYa-23 aircraft cannon. It was produced with armor-piercing incendiary-tracer, fragmentation-incendiary and fragmentation-incendiary-tracer shells. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 23 mm; length – 236 mm; sleeve length – 152 mm; weight – 450 g; projectile weight - 188 g; initial projectile speed - 905 - 980 m/s.

Shots 25×218 SR

Unitary ammunition was used by 25-mm anti-aircraft guns "72-K" and twin installations "94-KM". The ammunition was equipped with fragmentation-incendiary, fragmentation-incendiary-tracer, armor-piercing-tracer, incendiary-tracer, and shells. Ammunition performance characteristics: caliber – 25 mm; weight – 627 – 684 g; projectile weight - 288 g; charge weight – 100 g; explosive mass – 13 g; initial projectile speed – 910 m/s; armor penetration at a meeting angle of 90° at a distance of 100 m - 42 mm; firing range - 2.4 km, firing ceiling - 2 km.

Shots 37×198

The unitary ammunition was intended for the NS-37 aircraft cannon. It was equipped with armor-piercing incendiary-tracer, fragmentation-incendiary-tracer and sub-caliber projectiles. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 37 mm; length – 328 mm; sleeve length – 198 mm; projectile weight – 735 – 760 g; initial speed – 810 – 900 m/s; armor penetration at a distance of 300 m - 50 - 110 mm.

The unitary ammunition was intended for the K-1 anti-tank gun model 1930, as well as the 5-K tank gun. The ammunition was equipped with armor-piercing, fragmentation shells and buckshot. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 37 mm; sleeve length – 250 m; projectile weight – 660 – 950 g; explosive mass – 9 – 22 g; initial projectile speed – 820 m/s; armor penetration at a meeting angle of 90° at a distance of 300 m - 30 mm; firing range - 5.7 km.

The unitary ammunition was copied from the Swedish “25-mm Bofors AA” and was used by the “61-K” anti-aircraft gun and the airborne gun mod. "ChK-M1". It was equipped with caliber, sub-caliber, and fragmentation-tracer shells. During the war years, more than 100 thousand sub-caliber shells alone were fired. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 37 mm; sleeve length – 252 mm; projectile weight – 620 – 770 g; charge weight – 200 – 217 g; explosive mass – 37 g; initial projectile speed – 870 – 955 m/s; armor penetration at a meeting angle of 90° at a distance of 300 m - 50 - 97 mm; firing range - 1.5 - 9.5 km; firing ceiling - 3 km.

Bandolier for 37 mm shovel mortar

The ammunition was intended for a 37-mm shovel mortar model 1939. Performance characteristics of the mine: caliber - 39 mm; weight – 500 g; firing range - 60 - 250 m.

Shots 45×186

The unitary ammunition was intended for the NS-45 aviation automatic cannon. It was equipped with a fragmentation tracer projectile. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 45 mm; length – 328 mm; sleeve length – 186 mm; shot weight - 1.9 kg; drug weight 1 kg; initial speed -780 - 850 m/s; armor penetration - 58 mm.

The unitary ammunition was intended for a 45-mm anti-tank and tank gun mod. 1932/34/37/42/43 (19-K/20-K/53-K/M-42/80-K). The ammunition was equipped with caliber, sub-caliber, armor-piercing incendiary, fragmentation, smoke shells and buckshot. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 45 mm; length – 550 mm; sleeve length – 310 mm; projectile weight - 0.9 - 2.2 kg; initial projectile speed – 335 – 820 m/s; armor penetration at an angle of 90° at a distance of 500 m - 43 - 112 mm; firing range - 4.4 km.

The ammunition was intended for 50-mm company mortars model 1938/40/41. Performance characteristics of mines: caliber – 50 mm; length – 212 mm; weight – 850 – 922 g; explosive mass – 90 g; mass of expelling charge – 4 – 5 g; initial speed of the msina – 96 m/s; firing range - 100 - 800 m.

The unitary ammunition was intended for the ZIS-2 anti-tank and tank gun. To equip the ammunition, caliber, sub-caliber, fragmentation, training shells and buckshot were used. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 57 mm; sleeve length – 480 mm; projectile weight - 1.8 - 3.7 kg; charge weight – 1 – 1.5 kg; explosive mass – 18 – 220 g; number of grapeshot bullets – 324 pcs.; initial projectile speed – 700 – 1270 m/s; armor penetration at a meeting angle of 90° at a distance of 100 m - 112 - 190 mm; firing range - 4 - 8.4 km.

Ammunition was used by a 76-mm mountain gun mod. 1909, with the M1910 assault gun and the “short” M-1913 gun. During the war years, about 226 thousand ammunition was fired. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 76.2 mm; sleeve length – 191 mm; weight – 6.2 kg; initial projectile speed – 387 m/s; firing range - 8.6 km.

The ammunition was intended for a 76-mm mountain gun model 1938. The shots were chambered in unitary cartridges, and some cartridges had a removable bottom, which made it possible to remove excess gunpowder bundles and fire with reduced charges. The ammunition was equipped with high-explosive fragmentation, incendiary, armor-piercing and smoke shells, as well as shrapnel. The charge consisted of three beams weighing 200, 135 and 285 g. During the war years, about 1 million ammunition was produced. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 76.2 mm; projectile weight - 3.9 - 6.5 kg; sleeve weight – 1.4 kg; explosive mass – 85 – 710 g; initial projectile speed – 260 – 510 m/s; armor penetration at a meeting angle of 60° at a distance of 250 m - 42 mm; firing range - 3 - 10.7 km.

The unitary ammunition was intended for 76-mm L-11, F-34 and ZIS-5 tank guns. The ammunition could be caliber, sub-caliber armor-piercing, high-explosive fragmentation, shrapnel and grapeshot shells. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 76.2 mm; projectile weight – 3 – 6.5 kg; explosive mass – 85 – 710 g; initial projectile speed – 655-950 m/s; armor penetration at a meeting angle of 90° at a distance of 100 mm – 90 – 102 mm; firing range - 4 - 13.3 km.

Unitary ammunition was used by the regimental gun mod. 1927, divisional guns model 1902/30, “F-22”, “ZIS-3”. The ammunition was equipped with caliber, sub-caliber, and cumulative; high-explosive fragmentation, incendiary, chemical fragmentation shells, buckshot and shrapnel. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 76.2 mm; sleeve length – 385 mm; projectile weight – 3 – 6.3 kg; explosive mass – 85 – 710 g; number of shrapnel bullets – 260 pcs.; initial projectile speed – 355 – 950 m/s; armor penetration at a meeting angle of 90° at a distance of 100 m - 77 - 119 mm; firing range - 4 - 13.7 km.

The ammunition was intended for a 76-mm anti-aircraft gun mod. 1931/38 "3-K". The ammunition was equipped with fragmentation, armor-piercing tracer shells and shrapnel. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 76.2 mm; sleeve length – 558 mm; weight – 11.3 – 11.7 kg; projectile weight - 6.5 - 6.9 kg; explosive mass – 119 – 458 g; initial projectile speed - 815 m/s; armor penetration at a distance of 500 m - 78 mm; firing range - 4 - 14.6 km; firing ceiling - 9 km.

The unitra ammunition was intended for 76.2 mm divisional guns mod. 1939 (USV/ZIS-22-USV). The ammunition was equipped with armor-piercing, sub-caliber, high-explosive fragmentation, smoke shells and shrapnel. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 76.2 mm; projectile weight – 3 – 7.1 kg; explosive mass – 119 – 815 g; initial projectile speed – 355 – 950 m/s; armor penetration at a meeting angle of 60° at a distance of 100 m - 65 - 95 mm; firing range - 4 - 13.2 km.

To the battalion 82-mm model. 1936/37/41/43 The following mines were produced for mortars: high-explosive fragmentation mines, six-feather and ten-feather fragmentation mines and six-feather smoke mines, as well as propaganda, lighting and practical training mines. Performance characteristics of mines: caliber – 82 mm; total length – 295 mm; case length – 275 mm; mine weight - 3.3 - 4.6 kg; explosive mass – 0.4 kg; firing range – 0.1 – 3 km; damage radius - 60 m.

Unitary ammunition was intended for 85-mm anti-aircraft guns model 1939 “52-K”, “90-K” and tank guns “D-5”, “D-5S”, “S-53”, “ZIS-S” -53". The ammunition was equipped with fragmentation and armor-piercing tracer shells. Ammunition performance characteristics: caliber – 85 mm; projectile weight – 5-9.5 kg; initial projectile speed – 800 – 1050 m/s; armor penetration at a meeting angle of 90° at a distance of 100 m - 119 - 167 mm; firing range – 15.7 km, firing ceiling – 10.2 km.

Unitary ammunition was used by the BS-3 field gun, the B-24/34 naval gun and the D-10 tank gun. It was equipped with armor-piercing tracer and high-explosive fragmentation shells. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 100 mm; weight – 27.1 – 30.1 kg; projectile weight - 15.6 - 15.8 kg; explosive mass - 65 g - 1.5 kg; initial projectile speed – 600 – 897 m/s; armor penetration at a meeting angle of 90° at a distance of 500 m - 155 - 200 mm; firing range - 20.6 km.

The unitary ammunition was intended for the 100 mm/50 Minizini naval guns purchased in Italy for the light cruisers Chervona Ukraine and Krasny Kavkaz. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 100 mm; shot length – 1200 mm; projectile length 500 mm; shot weight - 24.6 - 28.2 kg; projectile weight - 13.9 - 15.8 kg; charge weight – 4.8 – 6.6 kg; explosive mass – 1.3 – 1.9 kg; initial projectile speed – 800 -880 m/s; firing range - 19.6 km.

Unitary ammunition was used by the 102-mm naval gun of the Obukhov plant “B-2”. It was equipped with high-explosive, diving, illuminating shells and shrapnel. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 101.6 mm; weight – 30 kg; projectile weight - 17.5 kg; charge weight – 7.5 – 5.2 kg; initial projectile speed – 823 m/s; firing range - 16.3 km.

The separate-case-loading ammunition was intended for the 107-mm cannon mod. 1910/30 and 107-mm universal divisional gun mod. 1940 "M-60". It had three propelling charges - full, first and second. The ammunition was equipped with caliber, high-explosive, high-explosive fragmentation, smoke, incendiary shells and shrapnel. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 106.7 mm; projectile weight - 16.4 - 81.8 kg; explosive mass – 2 kg; initial projectile speed – 730 m/s; armor penetration at an angle of 90° at a distance of 100 m – 137 mm; firing range - 3 - 18.3 km.

The ammunition was intended for the 107-mm regimental mountain pack mortar mod. 1938 ammunition performance characteristics: 106.7 mm; weight – 8 – 9.1 kg; explosive mass – 1 kg; initial mine speed - 325 m/s; shooting range - 0.7 - 6.3 km.

The mine was intended for 120-mm regimental mortars mod. 1938/43 The following types of mines were used: high-explosive fragmentation, smoke, incendiary, lighting. The shot was fired by piercing the capsule under the weight of the mine, or using a trigger mechanism when firing powerful charges. The charge was placed in the tail of the mine. To increase the firing range, there were additional charges in fabric caps, manually attached to the shank. The illumination mine was equipped with a pyrotechnic bomb with a parachute and an expelling charge. Performance characteristics of mines: caliber – 120 mm; weight – 16.8 – 17.2 kg; explosive mass – 0.9 – 3.4 kg; initial mine speed - 272 m/s; firing range - 0.5 - 5.9 km.

The separate-case-loading ammunition was intended for the 122-mm casing gun mod. 1931/37 "A-19", guns for self-propelled guns "A-19S" and tank guns "D-25" and "D-25T". It was also used by howitzers “M1909/37”, “M1910/30”, “M-30”, “M-30S” and self-propelled gun “SU-122”. It was equipped with four propelling charges: full, No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3, housed in a metal sleeve. Both cannon and howitzer shells were used for firing. The main shells used (often when firing at tanks) were high-explosive fragmentation shells. Armor-piercing shells were included mainly in the ammunition loads of self-propelled guns and cannons used in coastal defense; such shells were issued to field gun crews only when there was an immediate threat of attack on firing positions by enemy tanks. Concrete-piercing shells were used for firing at long-term firing points. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 121.9 mm; sleeve length – 785 mm; projectile weight - 21.8 - 25 kg; full charge weight – 6.8 kg; explosive mass – 156 g – 3.8 kg; armor penetration at an angle of 90° at a distance of 100 m – 168 mm; initial projectile speed –364 – 800 m/s; firing range - 4 - 20.4 km.

The ammunition was used by the B-7 and B-13 ship guns. The ammunition was equipped with semi-piercing, high-explosive, high-explosive fragmentation, diving and illuminating shells. Ammunition performance characteristics: caliber – 130 mm; projectile length – 512 – 653 mm; projectile weight - 33.4 - 36.8 kg; explosive mass – 1.7 – 3.7 kg; initial projectile speed – 823 – 861 m/s; firing range - 20 - 25 km.

The separate-case-loading ammunition was intended for the 152-mm mortar model 1931 (NM). The gun had 5 charges placed in a special cartridge case. The ammunition was equipped with high-explosive fragmentation and smoke shells. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 152.4 mm; sleeve length – 125 mm; projectile weight - 38.3 - 41 kg; explosive mass – 7 – 7.7 kg; initial projectile speed – 250 m/s; firing range - 5.2 km.

The ammunition was intended for 152-mm howitzers mod. 1909/30, 1910/37, arr. 1938 (M-10), “D-1” and howitzer-guns “ML-20”. For firing from a howitzer, 8 types of propellant charges were provided. The ammunition was equipped with cumulative, semi-armor-piercing, fragmentation, high-explosive, high-explosive, concrete-piercing, lighting, smoke shells and shrapnel. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 152.4 mm; shot weight - 36 - 48 kg; projectile weight - 27.7 - 44 kg; explosive mass – 0.5 – 8.8 kg; initial projectile speed – 398 – 560 m/s; armor penetration at an angle of 90° - 250 mm of armor, 1140 mm of reinforced concrete; firing range –5 – 13.7 km.

The ammunition was intended for 152-mm guns mod. 1910/30, arr. 1910/34 and arr. 1937 "ML-20/ML-20S/ML-20M". The ammunition was equipped with caliber, cumulative, concrete-piercing, high-explosive fragmentation, lighting, chemical shells and shrapnel. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 152.4 mm; projectile weight - 27.4 - 56 kg; explosive mass - 660 g - 8.8 kg; initial projectile speed – 600 – 680 m/s; armor penetration at an angle of 90° at a distance of 500 m - 250 mm; firing range - 3 - 18 km.

The separate-cartridge-loading ammunition was intended for the 152-mm cannon mod. 1935 "Br-2". The ammunition was equipped with high-explosive fragmentation, concrete-piercing and chemical shells. There were three charges - full, No. 1 and No. 2. A total of 39.4 thousand ammunition were fired. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 152 mm; projectile weight - 49 kg; explosive mass – 6.5 – 7 kg; initial projectile speed – 880 m/s; firing range - 25 - 27 km.

The twelve-point mine was used by the divisional breech-loading 160-mm mortar mod. 1943 (MT-13). Performance characteristics of mines: caliber – 160 mm; weight - 40.5 kg; explosive mass – 7.8 kg; initial mine speed - 140 - 245 m/s; firing range - 0.6 - 5.1 km.

The ammunition was intended for the B-1-P ship gun. The ammunition was equipped with armor-piercing, high-explosive, high-explosive fragmentation and concrete-piercing shells. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 180 mm; projectile weight - 97.5 kg; charge weight – 18 – 37.5 kg; explosive mass – 2 – 8 kg; initial projectile speed – 600 – 920 m/s; firing range - 18.6 - 37 km.

The ammunition with separate cartridge loading was intended for the 203-mm howitzer model 1931 “B-4”. It was equipped with ten variable charges. The ammunition was equipped with high-explosive and concrete-piercing shells. In total, at least 659 thousand shells were fired during the war years. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 203.4 mm; projectile weight – 100-146 kg; full charge weight – 15 kg; initial projectile speed – 481 – 607 m/s; firing range - 17.9 km; armor penetration – up to 1 m of reinforced concrete.

The ammunition used was a 210 mm Br-17 model 1939 cannon. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 210 mm; projectile weight - 135 kg; initial projectile speed – 800 m/s; firing range - 30.4 km.

The separate cap-loading ammunition was intended for a 280-mm mortar mod. 1939 "Br-5". The ammunition was equipped with high-explosive and concrete-piercing shells. 6 charges were used for firing. A total of 14 thousand shells were fired. Performance characteristics of the ammunition: caliber – 279.4 mm; projectile weight - 204 - 286 kg; explosive mass – 33.6-58.7 kg; initial projectile speed – 290 – 420 m/s; armor penetration - 2 m of reinforced concrete; firing range - 7.3 - 10.4 km.

The cartridge-loading ammunition was intended for the 356-mm TM-1-14 railway artillery mount. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 355.6 mm; projectile weight - 512.5 - 747 kg; charge weight – 213 kg; initial projectile speed – 732 – 823 m/s; firing range - 31 - 51 km.

The cartridge-loading ammunition was intended for the B-37 naval 406-mm cannon. The ammunition was equipped with armor-piercing, semi-armor-piercing and high-explosive shells. In total, about 300 rounds of ammunition were fired. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 406.4 mm; projectile length – 1908 – 2032 mm; projectile weight - 1108 kg; charge weight – 299.5 – 320 kg; explosive mass – 25.7-88 kg; initial projectile speed – 830 – 870 m/s; armor penetration at an angle of 25° at a distance of 5.5 km – 406 mm; firing range - 45.7 - 49.8 km.

The ammunition with separate cap loading was intended for howitzer mod. 1939 "Br 18". Charges of both Soviet and Czechoslovak production were used. The main shells are high-explosive and concrete-piercing. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 305 mm; projectile weight - 330 - 470 kg; charge weight – 157 kg; projectile length - 1.3 m; initial speed – 410 – 853 m/s; armor penetration - 2 m of brick wall or reinforced concrete; firing range - 16 - 29 km.

The 20x80RB unitary ammunition was used by the MGFF and FF/M aircraft guns. Ammunition performance characteristics: caliber – 20 mm; sleeve length – 80 mm; weight – 520 – 600 g; projectile mass - 90 - 134 g, explosive mass - 13.5 - 19.5 g; initial speed – 585 – 700 m/s.

Range of shots 20×82

The unitary ammunition is known as: 20×82 mm/20 mm Mauser MG-151/20/ XCR 20 082 BGE 020. It was used by the MG-151/20 aircraft machine gun. The ammunition had a bottle-shaped cartridge case with a non-protruding rim (flange). The sleeve is solid drawn steel or brass, varnished. The ammunition had a wide range of projectiles: fragmentation-incendiary-tracer projectile; fragmentation tracer projectile; high explosive projectile; armor-piercing projectile; armor-piercing incendiary projectile. Ammunition performance characteristics: caliber – 20 mm; length - 147 mm; sleeve length - 82 mm; weight – 183-205 g; projectile weight – 110 g; explosive mass – 2.3 – 20 g; initial speed – 705-805 m/s; armor penetration at a distance of 100 m – 15 mm.

The unitary ammunition is known with the designations: 20×105 Swiss Solothurn SH Anti-Tank/20×105 B/GR 1000/ XCR 20 105 BFC 010. It was used by anti-aircraft (S5-100), anti-tank (S5-105) and tank (S5- 150) guns, as well as an anti-tank rifle (Soloturn S18-100). The ammunition had a brass or steel solid-drawn sleeve, weakly bottle-shaped with a groove and a characteristic protruding annular “belt”. The range of shells consisted of armor-piercing, high-explosive, fragmentation, incendiary, tracer, practical, etc. Ammunition was produced in Germany, Hungary and Switzerland. Ammunition performance characteristics: caliber – 20 mm; sleeve length – 105 mm; initial speed – 735 m/s; armor penetration at a meeting angle of 60° at a distance of 100 m - 16 mm.

Shot 20×105 (MG-204)

The unitary ammunition had the designation: 20×105 German XPL for MG-204/XCR 20 105 BRC 010). It was developed by the German company Rheinmetall-Borsig AG in 1939 for the MG-204 automatic aircraft gun and is similar to the 20x105 B cartridge, from which it differed in the absence of a protruding annular “belt” (bottom stop).

Unitary ammunition known with the designations: 20×138-mm/ 20×138 B/ 20×138 Solothurn/ 20×138 Rheinmetall /20×138 Rheinmetall-Solothurn Flak 30-38/ 20 mm Mauser MG-213-A/ 2 Cm. Flak/ 2 cm. Lahti/ XCR 20 138 BFC 010. It was used for a series of anti-aircraft guns (Flak 30, Flak 38, Lahti L-40), anti-tank rifles (Solothurn S18-1000, Solothurn S18-1100, Lahti L-39), aircraft guns (MG C/30L) and even a large-caliber anti-tank machine gun “Nkm wz.38 FK”. The ammunition had a solid-drawn brass sleeve, weakly bottle-shaped with a groove and a protruding annular “belt”. The range of shells consisted of fragmentation-incendiary-tracer, armor-piercing-tracer, armor-piercing incendiary-tracer, practical and practical-tracer shells. The ammunition was produced in Germany, Italy and Finland. Ammunition performance characteristics: caliber – 20 mm; length –203 – 220 mm; projectile length – 82 – 86 mm; weight – 281 – 299 g; projectile weight – 115 – 148 g; weight of the powder charge – 37 – 41 g; explosive mass – 2 – 6.6 g; armor penetration at an impact angle of 30° at a distance of 500 m - 14 mm; initial speed – 785 – 1047 m/s.

28/20×188 rounds with fragmentation and armor-piercing shells

The unitary ammunition is known with the designations: 28/20×188/28-20-mm Polte-Neufeld Pz.Gr.41/2.8-2.0-cm PanzerBuchse 41/28x187R Squeezebore tipo Gerlich/XCR 20 188 BBC 010. It was intended for an anti-tank rifle with a conical barrel "sPzB 41". The diameter of the breech end of the barrel was 28 mm, and the diameter of the muzzle end was 20 mm. The ammunition had a solid-drawn brass cartridge case, bottle-shaped with a rim. The range of ammunition consisted of five types of shots, of which only two types were combat (armor-piercing and fragmentation). A total of 583 thousand rounds were fired. Ammunition performance characteristics: caliber – 20 mm; length – 221 mm; projectile length – 64/69 mm; weight – 600/630 g; projectile weight - 131/240 g; propellant charge weight – 139/153 g; initial speed of an armor-piercing projectile - 1400 m/s; armor penetration at a meeting angle of 90° at a distance of 100 m - 75 mm.

The unitary ammunition was intended for the experimental Mk-213/30 revolver aircraft gun. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 30 mm; sleeve length - 85 mm; initial projectile speed – 530 m/s.

Unitary ammunition was used by the Mk-108 aircraft cannon. Ammunition casings were made of steel and equipped with armor-piercing, high-explosive and incendiary projectiles. High-explosive shells were made from steel by deep drawing rather than by turning the body. This made it possible to obtain a thin-walled but durable casing, which contained significantly more explosive or incendiary mixture than a projectile with a turned casing. In addition, the drawn body was lighter than the turned one. Incendiary shells were equipped with a hydrostatic fuse, which was triggered only when they hit a volume filled with liquid. This ensured that the projectile would not explode on contact with the skin, causing only superficial damage, but in the fuel tank or cooling system. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 30 mm; sleeve length – 90 mm; projectile weight - 330 g; initial projectile speed - 500 - 525 m/s.

Shot 30x91 mm

Unitary ammunition was used by the Mk-108 aircraft cannon. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 30 mm; length – 189 mm; sleeve length – 91 mm; projectile weight – 330 – 500 g; weight of the propellant charge – 30 – 85 g; initial speed - 500m/s.

The unitary ammunition was intended for MG-101 and MK-101/103 aircraft guns, as well as Flak-30/38 anti-aircraft guns. The ammunition was produced with nine types of projectiles, the main ones being armor-piercing and incendiary. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 30 mm; sleeve length – 184 mm; weight – 778 – 935 g; projectile weight – 330 – 530 g; charge weight – 97 – 115 g; explosive mass -5 - 28 g; initial projectile speed – 710 – 960 m/s; armor penetration at a distance of 300 m – 75 mm.

The unitary ammunition was intended for the 3.7-cm PaK-36/ KwK-36 anti-tank gun and the 3.7-cm KwK-36 L/45 tank gun. The ammunition was produced with fragmentation tracer, armor-piercing tracer and sub-caliber projectiles. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 37 mm; length - 306 - 354 mm; sleeve length – 249 mm; projectile length – 85 – 140 mm; weight – 1 – 1.3 kg; projectile weight - 355 - 685 g; charge weight – 160 – 189 g; explosive mass – 13 – 44 g; initial projectile speed – 762 m/s, sub-caliber – 1020 m/s; armor penetration at an angle of 30° at a distance of 100 m – 31-50 mm; effective firing range – 300 m, maximum – 5.5 km.

The ammunition had the following designations: 37x265R Flak-18/36/ 37x263R/ XCR 37x265 BFC 010. It was intended for the FlaK-18/36/37/42 anti-aircraft guns and the BK-3.7 aircraft gun. The ammunition was produced with an armor-piercing and fragmentation projectile. A sub-caliber projectile weighing 405 g with an initial speed of 1100 m/s and armor penetration of 57 mm was also produced. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 37 mm; length – 368 mm; sleeve length – 263 mm; projectile weight – 405 – 685 g; initial speed – 770/820 m/s; armor penetration at a meeting angle of 30° at a distance of 500 m - 35 mm.

The unitary ammunition was intended for anti-aircraft guns of the 3.7-cm FlaK-43 type. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 37 mm; projectile weight - 685 g; initial projectile speed – 770 – 1150 m/s; firing range - 6.6 km.

The unitary ammunition was intended for the 3.7-cm SKC/30 anti-aircraft naval gun. The shot was produced in two tracer versions: “3.7-cm BrSprgr Patr-40 L/4.1 Lh37M” (high-explosive fragmentation with incendiary composition) and “3.7-cm Sprgr Patr-40 L/4.1 Lh37” (high-explosive fragmentation without incendiary composition). Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 37 mm; length – 517 mm; sleeve length – 380 mm; shot weight – 2.1 kg; projectile weight - 748 g; charge weight – 365 g; initial speed – 1000 m/s; firing range - 8.5 km.

The 3.7-cm PaK-36 anti-tank gun was equipped with a 3.7cm Stiel.Gr-41 over-caliber cumulative mine. The ammunition was loaded from the muzzle of the gun, according to the principle of a rifle grenade. The mine had a rod with holes and stabilizing planes in the tail section. Each mine had individual packaging in the form of a cylindrical metal sealed case. Performance characteristics of mines: length – 739 mm; rod diameter – 37 mm; grenade diameter – 160 mm; weight – 8.6 kg; explosive mass – 2.4 kg; initial speed – 110 m/s; firing range – 200 m; armor penetration at an encounter angle of 90° at a distance of 100 m - 180 mm. Case dimensions: height - 765 mm; diameter - 225 mm; empty case weight - 7.65 kg.

The unitary ammunition was intended for the 5-cm KwK 38 L/42 tank gun. The ammunition was produced with armor-piercing, armor-piercing with a ballistic tip and sub-caliber projectiles. Ammunition performance characteristics: caliber – 50 mm; sleeve length – 289 mm; projectile weight – 0.9 – 2 kg; initial projectile speed – 685 – 1050 m/m; armor penetration at an angle of 30° at a distance of 100 m - 53 - 94 mm.

Unitary ammunition was used by the 5-cm FlaK-41 anti-aircraft gun. Ammunition performance characteristics: caliber – 50 mm; sleeve length – 345 mm; weight – 2.3 kg; initial projectile speed – 840 m/s; effective firing range – 3 km, maximum – 12 km.

Range of shots 50×419(420)R

Container for 50mm shots

The unitary ammunition was intended for the 5-cm PaK-38/KwK-39 anti-tank gun and the BK-5 aircraft gun. The ammunition was equipped with fragmentation, armor-piercing and sub-caliber projectiles. Ammunition performance characteristics: caliber – 50 mm; sleeve length – 420 mm; projectile weight – 2 kg; explosive mass – 450 g; initial projectile speed – 550 – 1130 m/s; effective range – 700 m, maximum – 9.4 km; armor penetration at an angle of 90° at a distance of 500 m - 61 - 120 mm.

The mine was intended for the company mortar "5-cm leGrW-36". The standard mine was equipped with such a sensitive fuse that the rules stipulated that firing should be stopped in heavy rain - it could cause the mine to explode when fired. Performance characteristics of mines: caliber – 50 mm; length – 220 mm; weight – 910 g; explosive mass – 115 g; expelling charge weight – 16 g; initial mine speed - 75 m/s; firing range - 20 - 520 m.

The unitary ammunition was intended for the 7.5-cm FK-16nA field gun. The ammunition was used with fragmentation and armor-piercing shells. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 75 mm; sleeve length – 200 mm; projectile weight – 5.8-6.8 kg; explosive mass – 520 g; initial projectile speed – 662 m/s; firing range - 12.3 km.

The unitary ammunition was intended for the 7.5-cm KwK-37 L/24 tank gun. The ammunition was produced with high-explosive fragmentation, armor-piercing and cumulative projectiles. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 75 mm; sleeve length – 243 mm; projectile weight - 4.4 - 6.8 kg; initial projectile speed – 385 – 450 mm; armor penetration at a distance of 100 m – 41 – 100 mm.

The ammunition was intended for the “7.5-cm le IG-18” field gun. It had both separate-case loading and a unitary shot. For separate case loading, there were three propellant charges placed in a brass case weighing 94, 364 and 589 g. The ammunition was equipped with a high-explosive fragmentation, cumulative, armor-piercing tracer and smoke projectile. Ammunition performance characteristics: caliber -75 mm; length – 305-345 mm; sleeve length – 260 mm; projectile weight - 5.5 - 6.8 kg; explosive mass – 65 – 540 g; initial projectile speed – 485 m/s; armor penetration at a meeting angle of 30° - 55 - 90 mm; firing range - 9.4 km.

Unitary ammunition was used by the 7.5-cm KwK-40 L43/48 tank gun, which was also installed on self-propelled guns. The ammunition was equipped with armor-piercing, sub-caliber, cumulative and fragmentation projectiles. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 75 mm; sleeve length – 495 mm; weight – 7.2 -11.5 kg; projectile weight - 4.1 - 6.8 kg; charge weight – 0.4 – 2.2 kg; explosive mass – 1.2 – 2.4 g; initial speed – 450 – 790 m/s; armor penetration at an angle of 30º at a distance of 100 m - 143 mm.

The unitra ammunition was intended for the 7.5-cm KwK-42/PaK-42 tank gun. The ammunition was loaded with armor-piercing high-explosive, sub-caliber and high-explosive fragmentation shells. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 75 mm; length – 875 – 893 mm; sleeve length – 640 mm; weight – 11.1 – 14.3 kg; charge weight – 4.8 -7.2 kg; explosive mass – 18 g; initial projectile speed – 700 – 1120 m/s; firing range – 10 km; armor penetration at an angle of 30° at a distance of 100 m - 138 - 194 mm.

Unitary ammunition was used by the 7.5-cm Pak-40 anti-tank gun and the BK-7.5 aircraft gun. The ammunition was equipped with high-explosive fragmentation, sub-caliber and caliber projectiles. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 75 mm; sleeve length – 714 mm; projectile weight - 3.2 - 8.8 kg; charge weight – 2.7 kg; initial projectile speed – 550 – 933 m/s; armor penetration at an angle of 90° at a distance of 500 m - 135 - 154 mm; firing range - 7.7 km.

The 8-cm GrW-34 mortar was equipped with fragmentation, fragmentation-jumping, smoke, illumination and training mines. The jumping mine was equipped with an expelling charge that threw the mine upward, after which it exploded at a height of 1.5-2 m above the ground. The mortar charge had a main one (tail cartridge) and three additional charges in the form of rings, put on the stabilizer tube to increase the firing range. When firing at night, flame arresters made of potassium sulfate weighing 10 g were used. The mines were equipped with very sensitive fuses, which did not allow firing through tree branches, camouflage materials, or even in heavy rain. Performance characteristics of mines: caliber – 81.4 mm; length – 330 mm; weight – 3.5 kg; explosive mass – 390 g; initial mine speed - 211 m/s; firing range - 3.1 km.

The unitary ammunition was intended for the anti-tank gun “8-N-63” (8-cm PAW (Panzerabwehrwerfer). The main ammunition of the gun was rounds with a cumulative projectile. A total of 34.8 thousand rounds were fired. Performance characteristics of the projectile: caliber - 81.4 mm; shot length – 620 mm; projectile mass – 7 kg; projectile mass – 3.8 kg; charge mass – 630 g; explosive mass – 2.7 kg; initial projectile speed – 520 m/s; effective firing range – 1.5 km.

Unitary ammunition was used by the 8.8-cm SKC/35 naval gun, which was mainly equipped with submarines. The ammunition had armor-piercing, high-explosive fragmentation and illumination shells. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 88 mm; sleeve length – 390 mm; weight – 15 kg; projectile weight - 9.5 - 10.2 kg; charge weight – 2.3 – 2.8 kg; initial projectile speed - 700 - 790 m/s; firing range - 10.7 - 14.1 km.

The unitary ammunition was intended for the 8.8-cm KwK-36 L/56 tank gun and the 88-mm Flak-18/36/37/41 anti-aircraft gun. The ammunition was equipped with high-explosive fragmentation, armor-piercing, sub-caliber and cumulative projectiles. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 88 mm; sleeve length - 571 mm; projectile mass - 7.3 -10.2 kg; explosive mass – 59 – 870 g; initial projectile speed – 810 – 1125 m/s; armor penetration at an angle of 30° at a distance of 100 m – 90 – 237 mm; firing range – 15 km; firing ceiling - 10.5 km.

The 88x822R unitary ammunition was intended for the 8.8-cm Pak-43 anti-tank gun and the Kwk-43 tank. The ammunition included caliber, sub-caliber, cumulative and high-explosive fragmentation shells. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 88 mm; sleeve length – 822 mm; projectile weight - 7.3 - 10.2 kg; explosive mass – 60 – 1000 g; initial projectile speed – 600 – 1130 m/s; armor penetration at an angle of 30° at a distance of 100 m - 237 mm.

The ammunition was intended for the 10-cm Nebelwerfer-35 mortar. Ammunition performance characteristics: caliber – 105 mm; mine weight 7.4 kg; initial mine speed - 105 - 193 m/s; firing range - 0.3 - 3 km.

The mine was intended for the 10-cm Nb.W.40 mortar. Ammunition performance characteristics: caliber – 105 mm; mine weight - 8.7 kg; initial speed – 310 m/s; firing range - 0.2 - 6.3 km. The unitary ammunition was intended for the 10cm K-17 field gun. Ammunition performance characteristics: caliber – 105 mm; initial projectile speed – 650 m/s; firing range - 16.5 km.

The unitary ammunition was intended for the 10.5-cm SKC/32 naval gun, which was installed on submarines, minesweepers, torpedo boats, auxiliary and merchant ships. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 105.2 mm; sleeve length – 658 mm; weight – 24 kg; projectile weight - 15.1 kg; charge weight – 9 kg; explosive mass – 1.6 – 4 kg; initial firing speed – 785 m/s; firing range - 15 km.

The separate-case-loading ammunition was intended for the 10.5-cm leFH-18 light field howitzer and the Wespe self-propelled gun. The ammunition had six types of charges. Ammunition performance characteristics: caliber – 105 mm; weight - 14.8 - 15.8 kg; explosive mass – 1.3 kg; initial projectile speed – 470 m/s; firing range - 10.7 - 12.3 km.

The unitary ammunition was intended for the universal naval gun “10.5-cm SKC/32/33” and the land anti-aircraft gun “10.5-cm FlaK-38/39”. Ammunition performance characteristics: caliber – 105 mm; length – 1142 – 1164 mm; projectile length – 438 – 459 mm; weight – 23.5 – 26.5 kg; projectile weight - 14.7 -15.8 kg; charge weight – 5.2 – 6 kg; initial projectile speed – 650 – 900 m/s; firing range - 17.7 km, firing ceiling - 12.5 -17.7 km.

The ammunition was used with a 12-cm Granatwerfer-42 mortar. Ammunition performance characteristics: caliber – 120 mm; weight – 15.9 kg; initial mine speed - 122 - 283 m/s; firing range - 0.3-6.2 km.

Unitary ammunition was intended for FlaK 40/42 anti-aircraft guns and self-propelled guns. The ammunition was equipped with armor-piercing tracer and high-explosive fragmentation shells. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 128 mm; length – 400 – 575 mm; sleeve length – 825 mm; projectile weight - 26 kg; charge weight – 10.9 kg; explosive mass – 0.6-3.3 kg; initial speed - 750-920 m/s, armor penetration at an impact angle of 30° at a distance of 1 km - 202 mm; firing range – 20.9 km, firing ceiling – 12.8 km.

The separate-case-loading ammunition was intended for anti-tank guns Pak-44, Pak-80, K-81/1, K-81/2, KwK-44. The ammunition was equipped with armor-piercing and high-explosive fragmentation shells. A total of 58.6 thousand shells were fired. TXX ammunition: caliber - 128 mm; projectile length – 400 – 755 mm; projectile weight - 26 - 29 kg; charge weight – 10.9 – 15.1 kg; explosive mass – 600 g; initial projectile speed – 750 – 920 m/s; armor penetration at a distance of 500 m – 217 mm; firing range - 12.5 km.

The separate-case-loading ammunition was intended for the 15-cm sFH-18 howitzer. It was equipped with high-explosive fragmentation, concrete-piercing, smoke, cumulative and active-reactive projectiles. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 149.1 mm; projectile mass - 25 -4 3.5 kg; explosive mass – 0.7 – 3.7 kg; projectile length – 572 – 680 mm; initial speed – 210 – 512 m/s; firing range - 4 - 18 km.

Separately loaded ammunition was used by the “15-cm/45 Ubts” and “15-cm/45 Tbts KL/45” naval guns, which were equipped with submarines and torpedo boats. Performance characteristics of the ammunition: projectile weight - 45.3 kg; charge weight – 8.3 kg; initial projectile speed – 680 m/s; firing range - 15.9 m.

The separate-case-loading ammunition was intended for the 15-cm SIG-33 howitzer. The ammunition was equipped with high-explosive fragmentation, incendiary, smoke and cumulative shells. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 150 mm; weight – 25.5 – 40 kg; explosive mass – 8.3 kg; initial speed - 240 m/s; armor penetration at a distance of 100 m - 160 mm; firing range - 4.7 km.

The separate-case-loading ammunition was intended for the SK C/28 in Mrs Laf naval gun. Performance characteristics of the ammunition: caliber – 149.1 mm; weight – 45.3 kg; initial projectile speed - 890 m/s; firing range - 23.7 km.

An over-caliber high-explosive mine (42x150) of muzzle loading was part of the ammunition load of the 150-mm heavy infantry gun "SIG-33". It had a three-fin stabilizer and an instantaneous head fuze. Performance characteristics of mines: length – 1656 mm; diameter of the over-caliber part – 300 mm; ammunition weight - 90 kg; charge weight – 760-880 g; explosive mass – 27 kg; firing range – 1 km; initial speed – 105 m/s.

Separate-case-loading ammunition was used by the 172-mm 17-cm Kanone (E) railway gun, the 17-cm K. Mrs. infantry gun. Lat" and the naval gun "17-cm SK L/4". The ammunition was equipped with high-explosive fragmentation, concrete-piercing, armor-piercing and incendiary projectiles. To ensure a shot, four charges were used. A total of 573 thousand rounds were fired. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 172.6 mm; projectile length – 788 – 815 mm; sleeve length – 1058 mm; weight – 62.8 – 71 kg; projectile weight – 35 kg; charge weight – 15.4 – 30.2 kg; explosive mass – 6.4 kg; initial projectile speed – 875 m/s; firing range - 13.4 - 26.8 km.

The ammunition was intended for the 20-cm-Ladungswerfer rod mortar. The mortar's ammunition included high-explosive, smoke mines and harpoon shells. Performance characteristics of mines: caliber – 200 mm; rod diameter – 89 mm; length – 794 mm; mine weight - 21.3 kg; explosive mass – 7 kg; initial mine speed - 88 m/s; firing range - 700 m.

The separate-case-loading ammunition was intended for the 203-mm “20-cm K. (E)” railway gun. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 203 mm; length – 953 mm; sleeve length – 825 mm; weight – 122-124 kg; explosive mass – 7-9 kg; initial projectile speed – 925 m/s; firing range - 37 km.

The separate-case-loading ammunition was intended for the 21-cm Mörser 16/18 mortar. It was equipped with high-explosive, high-explosive fragmentation, armor-piercing tracer and concrete-piercing projectiles, which were fired using nine charges. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 210 mm; projectile length – 803 – 972 mm; sleeve length – 232 mm; projectile weight - 113 - 121.4 kg; explosive mass – 12 – 17.3 kg; initial projectile speed – 390 m/s; firing range - 11.1 km.

The ammunition was intended for the 21-cm Granatenwerfer-69 mortar. Two types of mines were used: heavy and light. Performance characteristics of mines: caliber – 210 mm; mine weight - 87 - 110 kg; initial speed – 247 – 285 m/s; firing range -5.2 - 6.3 km.

The separate-case-loading ammunition was intended for the 24-cm SK L/40/50 coastal defense gun and the 24-cm K-3/E railway gun. The ammunition was equipped with high-explosive fragmentation and concrete-piercing shells. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 238 mm; projectile length – 620 – 1035 mm; gizza length – 660 mm; projectile weight – 140-166 kg; charge weight – 41.3 – 47 kg; explosive mass – 2.9 – 15.2 kg; initial projectile speed – 810 – 970 m/s; firing range - 37 km.

The separate-case-loading ammunition was intended for the 28-cm SKC/34 naval gun. It was equipped with armor-piercing, semi-armor-piercing and high-explosive shells. The propellant charge consisted of two parts - the main charge, weighing 76.5 kg, in a brass sleeve, as well as an additional front charge, weighing 42.5 kg, in a silk cap. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 283 mm; length – 1160-1256 mm; sleeve length – 1215 mm; projectile weight - 284 - 336 kg; explosive mass – 6.6-21.8 kg; initial projectile speed – 890 m/s; firing range - 40.9 km.

The ammunition was intended for the 28-cm K-5/(E) railway gun. It was equipped with five types of high-explosive shells and active-reactive ones. Three main charges and one additional charge were used for the shot. Performance characteristics of the ammunition: caliber - 283 mm, projectile length - 1275 - 2000 mm; projectile mass – 126 – 255 kg, charge mass – 175 kg; explosive mass – 27 – 30.5 kg; initial speed - 1120 - 1524 m/s, firing range - 62 - 87 km.

The ammunition was intended for the 30.5-cm K-14/30.5-cm SK L/50 naval gun. The ammunition was equipped with armor-piercing and high-explosive shells. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 305 mm; length – 946 – 1525 mm; projectile weight - 314 - 471 kg; charge weight – 85.4 – 157 kg; explosive mass – 11.5 – 26.5 kg; initial projectile velocity - 762 - 853 m/s; armor penetration at a distance of 15 km – 229 mm; firing range - 24.5 - 51 km.

The ammunition was used for the 235.5-cm Haubitze M-1 siege howitzer." Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 356 mm; projectile length - 1458 mm; weight – 575 kg; charge weight – 234 kg; explosive mass – 8 kg; initial speed – 570 m/s; maximum firing range – 20.9 km.

The ammunition was intended for the 38-cm SK C/34/45 naval gun. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 380 mm; projectile weight - 495 - 800 kg; explosive mass – 18.8 – 69 kg; initial projectile speed – 820 – 1050 m/s; firing range - 36.5 -54.9 km.

The high-explosive missile was intended for the Sturmtiger self-propelled gun rocket launcher. The rocket had a solid propellant engine with an operating time of 2 s. The ammunition was equipped with an impact fuse with an adjustable response delay, ranging from 0.5 to 12 s. The rocket was stabilized in flight due to its rotation, initially obtained from the rifling in the mortar barrel, and after leaving it - due to the inclination of the 32 nozzles of the powder engine located along the edges of the bottom of the projectile. During the war, 397 missiles were manufactured. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 380 mm; weight – 351 kg; explosive mass – 125 kg; initial projectile speed – 300 m/s; armor penetration - 2.9 m of reinforced concrete; firing range - 5.7 km.

The ammunition was intended for naval and coastal guns “40.6-cm SK C/34 gun”. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 406 mm; projectile weight - 600 - 1030 kg; charge weight – 294 – 335 kg; explosive mass – 25 – 80 kg; initial projectile speed – 810 – 1050 m/s; firing range - 42 - 56 km.

The separately loaded ammunition was intended for the 42cm Gamma Mörser siege howitzer. The main ammunition projectile was a concrete-piercing one. Four powder charges were used to fire it. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber - 419 mm; projectile weight - 1003 kg; charge weight – 77.8 kg; initial projectile speed – 420 m/s; firing range - 14.2 km.

The cartridge-loading ammunition was intended for the French 520-mm Schneider railway howitzer “52-cm-H.(E)-871(f)”. It was equipped with light and heavy high-explosive shells. Unlike a light projectile equipped with a head fuse, a heavy projectile had a bottom fuse, which was triggered only after the projectile had overcome the concrete or steel ceiling of a long-term enemy firing structure. Ammunition performance characteristics: caliber – 520 mm; projectile mass - 1370 - 1654 kg, explosive mass - 197.7 - 300 kg; initial projectile speed – 420 – 500 m/s; firing range -14.6 - 17 km.

The ammunition was intended for self-propelled mortars of the “Gerät-040/041” type. Mortars of the “Gerät-040” type had a caliber of 600 mm. Performance characteristics of the ammunition: mass of a concrete-piercing projectile - 1700/2170 kg (explosive mass - 280/348 kg, initial speed - 220 m/s, firing range - 4.5 km, armor penetration - 459 mm of armor or 3 m of reinforced concrete); high-explosive projectile mass – 1250 kg (explosive mass – 460 kg, initial speed – 283 m/s, firing range – 6.7 km). The modernized mortars of the Gerät-041 type had a caliber of 540 mm. Performance characteristics of the ammunition: projectile length – 2400 mm; weight of a concrete-piercing projectile - 1580 kg, high-explosive - 1250 kg; firing range - 4.3 - 10.4 km.

The ammunition was intended for the 800-mm super-heavy railway artillery system “Dora” and “Gustav”. In total, more than 1000 shells were produced. Performance characteristics of ammunition: caliber – 870 mm; weight of a high-explosive projectile - 4.8 tons, weight of a concrete-piercing projectile - 7.1 tons; explosive mass of a high-explosive projectile - 700 kg, concrete-piercing projectile - 250 kg; initial speed 820/720 m/s; armor penetration - 1 m of armor or 7 m of reinforced concrete; firing range – 48/38 km.

In modern times, a large number of different cartridges are used, which are similar in appearance. This has led to the use of markings to distinguish them. What are they? Where are they applied? And what does the cartridge marking mean? What could it be like? Here is a short list of issues that will be considered.

Introductory information

Now not only weapon cartridges have become widespread, but also construction and lathe cartridges. Separately, we can recall the blanks, which, although not used in military affairs, still deserve attention. In this case, the required information can be displayed in different ways. For example, using a brand, coloring or label. It should be noted that even though quite a bit of time has passed since the introduction of cartridge markings, it cannot be said with confidence that the same rules apply now as they did a century ago. Something appeared and was added to the system, other approaches, on the contrary, went out of use. There was production of a specific one, then they decided to close it. And there are a great many such situations.

The designations on the cartridges originate from the marks of craftsmen who put their marks on various goods (weapons, jewelry and pottery, and so on). Currently, marks have two main functions: advertising and technical information.

What data can be obtained from the labeling?

Mainly:

1. Service marks. As a rule, this is a marking on the bottom of the cartridge. It allows you to find out about the place of manufacture (country, enterprise), type (name) and caliber. The time of creation, material, purpose, model and type of weapon for which it is intended can also be placed.
2. Coloring of elements. Can be applied to bullets, primers, and these parts of cartridge cases. Talks about the type of cartridge, some features of its design or purpose.
3. Labels. They contain the same data as on the stamps. In addition, there may be certain information about the elements of cartridges, ballistic characteristics, etc. Often, due to the need for a large area to communicate all the necessary information, they are applied to wooden boxes, moisture-proof bags, cardboard boxes, paper bags, metal boxes.

The marks left are symbols, which are presented in the form of numbers, pictures and letters embossed on the surface of the cartridges. They can be service or control. The first allows you to obtain data about the manufacturer, production date, time of creation, certain design features, purpose and some other information characteristic of a certain period of time or inherent in a particular country in general.

The control terminal indicates that the cartridge meets the established quality requirements, and the responsible person (or commission) is convinced of this. But they are usually placed only on powerful ammunition, such as shells from artillery guns.

Depending on the type and purpose, the label may contain certain information. For example, on military cartridges only advertising is often placed, whereas on hunting and sporting cartridges advertising is not uncommon. This is done thanks to various visual forms (decorative elements, font types, etc.), content (memorable and catchy names, proper names). In such cases, everything is usually done in order to emphasize the quality of the product and their popularity.

Why is this being done?

But the main purpose of the mark, coloring of elements and labels is that they together form a system of symbols, which contain the information necessary to distinguish between the types and purposes of cartridges. Although there may be additional properties. For example, the coloring of cartridges is used to provide a distinctive feature of one type that is easily perceived, or to quickly communicate the purpose of cartridges. At the same time, it is also a means of protection against corrosion processes.

In the domestic tradition, the color of the bullet head (its tip) is used. This decision has been made since the times of the Russian Empire. For example, an armor-piercing incendiary bullet is painted red and black. Green is selected for tracer cartridges. Ordinary cartridges do not have a distinctive color. This is observed in a number of foreign armies.

Sometimes you can see the color of the primer at the junction of the bullets with the barrel of the cartridge case. In this case, it is used not only to obtain a distinctive feature, but also for tightness. True, this approach causes certain inconveniences when creating cartridges and visually determining the nomenclature. What information can be gleaned by examining bullets? In short, the main information is:

1. For Soviet (Russian) ones: year of manufacture and designation of the manufacturing plant.
2. Australian, Canadian, English: type (brand) and name of the creator company.
3. French: time (quarter and year), designation of the metal supplier for the sleeve.
4. German: the manufacturer, material, batch number, and also when it was produced are indicated.
5. Italian: for private enterprises only the year of manufacture and the name of the company that created the product. For government officials: manufacturer, time of manufacture, inspector’s initials.
6. Japanese: year of creation (according to the local calendar) and quarter, abbreviated name of the company.

Information is usually applied by indentation. Although sometimes you can find convex relief.

Specifics of blank cartridges

As you can see, the time is not always indicated. In such cases, you can navigate the cartridges by the name of the company (comparing with the date of work) or by the version of the accepted mark. Also, sometimes stamps can indicate additional information, such as case material, purpose, capsule design, as well as other information such as: manufactured according to a military order, issued to the customer, patent, and so on. In domestic bullets of the period 1949-1954, a letter designation was used to indicate the time period. You can also find additional icons in the form of two diametrically located five-pointed stars. It is not uncommon to have additional letters and numbers. As an example, for the ShKAS aviation machine gun, an additional Sh was provided at the end of the bottom. Armor-piercing incendiary ones were designated B-32. White color was used for standard cartridges.

By the way, what does the marking look like? There is no single solution. But, for example, in machine-gun cartridges of 14.5 and 12.7 caliber, a sealant additionally tinted green was used around the circumference of the junction of the cartridge case with the cap and the primer. But the lack of a unified approach creates certain problems. Nowadays, the most common products are red and green. But still, in order to avoid negative consequences, you need to find out about this when purchasing a weapon.

Suddenly a cartridge was found

For most people, getting their hands on ammunition is not an easy task. And those who do have access to them usually also have professional training: police officers, athletes, hunters, game wardens, military personnel. Therefore, a situation where there is a supply, but it cannot be classified, is unlikely for them. After all, they basically give out what is already well known.

But there have been numerous military conflicts on our territory. From many you can only find rusty iron and nothing more. But the Great Patriotic War has left its mark to this day. And finding bullets from that period is not a problem now. Of course, according to current legislation, the police must be informed about them and handed over to the sappers who arrive. But it’s interesting - what was found?

If we talk about the markings of World War II cartridges used by the Soviet Union, then first of all it is necessary to note 7.62x54. The 1891 model was blunt-pointed, while in 1908 a pointed one was introduced. That is, they can be distinguished by shape. In addition, you can also find a 7.62x25 TT cartridge. This sample was also used in such legendary weapons as PPSh, PPD, PPS. Tracer bullets are separately marked in green.

But not only domestic representatives come across. The markings of German cartridges from the Second World War may also be relevant. For example, 7.92x57. Their sleeves are distinguished by brass, bimetallic or steel varnishing. Moreover, there are both blunt-pointed and pointed ones.

Other bullets can be found on the territory of the Soviet Union, although problematic. These are mainly visitors and perform an auxiliary role. But if you move to other fronts, you will find different cartridges from the Second World War. The markings of French 8x50R bullets are distinguished by an annular groove at the bottom. Importantly, it is the first French smokeless rifle cartridge, developed in 1886. But the most relevant is still the marking of German cartridges of the Second World War, as well as Soviet models. Especially many of them can be found in places of major battles.

What other antiquities can be mentioned?

In our conditions, we cannot ignore Mauser cartridges. Markings for standard 6.5x55 samples are not much different from those used at that time. Namely, the non-segmented location of the marks. Usually four elements were used, although bullets with two are also found. If we talk about the Soviet Union, then the heredity from the times of the Russian Empire is very clearly visible. Thus, the markings of the cartridges have hardly changed. Except that heavy bullets and ammunition with a steel core have ceased to be detected. This is not surprising, because when they first began to be introduced, they were a valuable rarity with a number of outstanding properties. Separately, it is worth mentioning the 7.62, model 1943, which replaced the 1908 cartridge. And this is not surprising, because over three and a half decades, science and processing methods have been able to move forward, opening up opportunities for creating new products.

The marking of cartridges of this type during the Second World War (and after) was carried out mainly for incendiary, tracer, slow-burning and By the way, since a large number of them were manufactured, and there were no major conflicts, they can often be found in warehouses. In general, they are so good that only their individual modifications, produced in relatively small batches, were updated and changed.

Is there anything more modern?

For such a request, there is a marking for 5.45 cartridges. Speaking about them (and more specifically, about the 1974 model), there are bullets with a steel core, increased penetration, tracer, with a reduced flight speed, armor-piercing and blank. The first two types do not have any specific coloring. Although about those that have increased penetration, it should be noted that they are not stopped by 16 millimeters of third steel. Bullets with reduced flight speed are used in weapons equipped with a silent firing device. Armor-piercing can penetrate 5 millimeters of high-quality protection. The difference between blanks is that they have a plastic tip that breaks down in the bore of the weapon. In addition, you can also consider the work of pistol bullets. For example, among 9 mm bullets, a bullet with a steel core should be distinguished. But there are no color differences. The same can be said about the 5.45 cartridge used in PSM pistols.

What can you say by looking at the packaging?

As mentioned above, information can be gleaned from more than just looking at the ammunition. Sometimes just looking at the packaging is enough. In this case, colored distinctive stripes, signs and inscriptions in black are of interest. Much depends on what capacity you have to work with. Thus, wooden boxes are marked on the lid and on one of the side walls. On moisture-proof bags, information is located on the longitudinal sides. If there is a metal box, then information can be gleaned from the lid. For marking, stencil painting, typographic stamping or using a special machine is used. If we are talking about a box, then the weight (gross, in kg) should be indicated on the lid. In addition, there is also a transport sign that indicates the category of cargo. But this is only for Soviet products.

Since 1990, it was decided to instead indicate a conventional hazard number with a warning sign. As an alternative, a classification code is used in accordance with GOST 19433-88. At the same time, the marking of live ammunition has its own distinctive features. So, on the wall you can find symbols of the following type: “RIFLE”, “PISTOL”, “SNIPER”, “REV. 43". In addition, the batch number, the last two digits of the year of manufacture, the manufacturer's reference number are applied, the gunpowder, the number of cartridges and seals are marked, as well as a distinctive sign, stripe or inscription that allows you to characterize the type of cartridge.

If the box contains waterproof bags of ammunition, then an informative inscription about this must be placed on the wall. To indicate the caliber, a numerical value in millimeters is used. But without dimension. In addition, a symbol of the type of ammunition and cartridge case is also applied (indicates the material from which it is made). For standard cartridges, it is possible to replace the group code with the abbreviation “OB”. If we are talking about a batch of gunpowder, then its brand, number and year of manufacture are indicated along with the manufacturer’s designation. This is very convenient, because the markings on cartridge cases and substances are difficult to access: you need to open the box, unpack it and look. Whereas seconds can count.

Observed changes

If you take a sample of ammunition manufactured in the Soviet Union and a modern cartridge, you will notice that they differ even in cases where there is only one manufacturer. This is due to the fact that the adopted internal designation is not always clear to buyers abroad, such as Americans. Often changes lead to the fact that it becomes difficult to classify ammunition. For example, marking hunting cartridges of 5.6 caliber with one Latin letter V (denotes “East”) is quite problematic. But it is used for training, and also in sports. Due to its low price, it has become quite widespread. And this is where additional elements come to the rescue. So, if there are belts, then the more of them, the better the quality of the ammunition. And it is more intended for use in small game hunting. If they are not there, then its main purpose is sports shooting and training. Although changes are not always visible. So, if there is an inscription in English, then this is probably an export batch. Although it is not difficult to find “fresh” ammunition with a designation in Cyrillic.

About mounting cartridges

At the very beginning of the article it was also said that they are not only weapons-grade. There are also mounting (aka construction) cartridges. And, as you might guess, markings have also been developed for them. Why? The fact is that powder construction pistols are designed for a certain explosion energy. It provides impact driving of dowels into metal or concrete surfaces. But if the wrong product is selected, this can lead to damage to the device and even injury to a person. To avoid this, it was decided that marking of construction cartridges was needed. What is it like?

In short, they are classified by color, height and diameter, number and packaging method. How does this affect the product? The charge power in joules depends on the color. In this case, marking is carried out on the conical tip of the cartridge. There are also short and long cartridges with different diameters. For example, there are calibers 5.6x16, 6.8x11, 6.8x18. The cartridge number indicates the mass of the powder charge. And the way they are packaged tells you what pistols they are intended for. For example, repeating and automatic can only work with cartridges in a belt. When describing their design, it should be noted that they have a standard design. That is, all cartridges consist of the following parts: steel sleeve, primer, wad, crimping.

Let's look at this in more detail. The steel case contains a charge of smokeless powder. If the series is K, then all the space is filled. The letter D indicates that it is only in the bottom part. A wad is compressed gunpowder that holds the striking compound in the cartridge case. And crimping is carried out from above. In this case, color marking of cartridges is carried out.

About lathe chucks

They are special devices that are used to secure tools or parts to the spindle axis. Typically used as part of a lathe's headstock to clamp workpieces. But it can also be installed in rotary tables. There are self-centering chucks, as well as products with independent jaws.

If we talk about labeling, then everything is quite simple with products from the times of the Soviet Union. After all, there was a single system in place back then. Each cartridge had a code consisting of eight numbers and a letter, which indicated the accuracy class of the product. Using a special table, thanks to the markings, it was possible to find out the number of jaws, chuck diameter, accuracy class and some other parameters. Now this is not so clear. A large number of different manufacturers and different countries of origin have created a situation where trying to give universal labeling to modern designs is unsuccessful. If you are interested in what and how, then you need to look for it from a specific manufacturer who created the device.

Conclusion

The article examined the marking of cartridges of the Great Patriotic War and modern ammunition. Of course, only basic information was discussed here, because there can always be a batch of some cartridges that deviate from the accepted rule. But, nevertheless, if you come across markings of rifle cartridges for military or civilian hunting, then the information that will most likely help you find the necessary data is provided in sufficient volume.

And finally, it is necessary to touch upon security issues. You should always remember that you will be working with highly dangerous objects. It doesn’t matter whether you’re holding a mounting cartridge in your hands, a pistol or a rifle, you must always follow safety precautions. Otherwise, you will have to pay with your health or even your life.

When holding cartridges in your hands, you need to handle them carefully. Do not bring it to a heat source, do not throw it anyhow. Although the likelihood of a negative incident occurring is low, it can happen to anyone. Whenever working with dangerous objects, you must remember that safety rules were written in the blood of those who neglected them. And to preserve your own health and life, you don’t need to tempt fate. Especially when you have such dangerous things in your hands as cartridges containing explosive substances and posing a threat in themselves.