Ammunition Cartridges

Ammunition Cartridges

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The primary intention of publishing these ammunition tables is to enable the visitor to better understand a multitude of military ammunition cartridges.
The following descriptions (see below) can be used to decipher coding and content of the ammunition tables provided.

The master listing of the values described and presented can be found here: Ammunition Cartridges <<<

Ammunition Cartridge Reference Tables Column Descriptions

Metric Values / Metric Designations

The two key dimensions (both presented here) of a cartridge are the length of the case and caliber. The caliber can be defined is the diameter (approximate) of the projectile, or the inside diameter of the case when it’s empty. The length can be defined as the length of the case only, bear in mind that this is not including the projectile. These dimensions are here expressed in metric terms (millimeters). A good example would be a 12.7 x 99 cartridge that has a case with a caliber of 12.7mm and a length of 99mm (these are is, for your reference, the dimensions of the 0.50 inch Browning cartridge). In cases where we present more than one number that is goven for the case length, it could be found with different lengths. You’ll also find the third identifier which is the type of rim. In most military cases of less than 40mm caliber are rimless, therefore this means that the rim is the same size as the case body and separated from it by an extractor groove. Keep in mind that most larger cases are rimmed; the rim is larger than the body and forms a flange at the base. These are identified by the letter R after the metric values presented. Also, it’s important to note that not so common rim types are: semi-rimmed or semi-rimless (SR) with both a small extractor groove and a rim somewhat larger than the body; belted (B) is somewhat similar to the rimless type except there is a raised belt just above the extractor groove. Finally, there is rebated (RB, or RR) in which the rim has a smaller diameter than the body.

Rim Diameter

From time to time the student of ammunition and cartridges will encounter different cartridges that have the same caliber and case length. To better understand such a case is useful to know the rim diameter. The rim diameter can also provide a elements for easier understanding of the relationship between cartridges (it’s very common for new cartridges to be created by taking an existing one and subsequently altering the caliber of it).

Country of Origin

Indicates the name of the country (country of origin) that produced the piece of ammunition.

Projectile

The projectile column indicates the weight of the projectile and the type of projectile. The legend that may be used to decipher various ammunition types presented here is listed below:

B = Ball (I.E. Inert Metal, No Chemical Contents)
I = Incendiary
HE = High Explosive
AP = Armor Piercing
APCR= AP, Composite, Rigid (Also Known As HVAP = High Velocity AP, And APHC = AP Hard Core)
APDS = AP Discarding Sabot
APFSDS = AP Fin Stabilized DS
FAP = Frangible AP
T = Tracer

Velocity

Velocity values presented here outline the amounts of velocity associated with the projectile. Velocity is measured in meters per second at or close to the muzzle. To convert to feet per second into metric system, please multiply values presented by 3.28.

Weapon Name and Description

This gives the common name of the cartridge where this is different from the metric designation in the first column (e.g. .50" Browning) and also indicates the principal weapons the cartridge is associated with, plus their nationality. Abbreviations used include: AMR = anti-materiel rifle, AT = anti-tank, ATR = anti-tank rifle, a/c = aircraft, AA = anti-aircraft, AFV = armored fighting vehicle, Oe = Oerlikon, HS = Hispano-Suiza, RhB = Rheinmetall Borsig, RCL = recoilless
If values are presented in italics font – note that data is relating to ammunition with limited service tenure or experimental ammunition.

Ammunition Info Credits

Data presented here is based on the research and material published at
cartridgecollectors . org
Wikipedia . org
Quarry . nildram . co . uk / ammotables . htm

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