TM-9-2350-311-10
HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM; M109A2, M109A3, M109A4 AND M109A5
TECHNICAL MANUAL; OPERATOR’S MANUAL
NOVEMBER 1994
TM-9-2350-311-10 - Page 576 of 775
TM 9--2350--311--10
5--44
Change 6
5--3
GENERAL
c. Packing and Unpacking Ammunition Components -- Continued
(b) Slide the correct amount of charges (two for the M231 and five for the M232/M232A1) into the
open end of the extraction sleeve.
(c)
Slide the separators between the charges, making sure they slide all the way in. The bumps on the
M232/M232A1 must be alined for the separators to slide all the way in.
(d)
Place second cushion into the open end of the sleeve and lock in place using the second Velcro strap.
(e) Slide extraction sleeve with charges into the container and close.
(f)
Mark partially loaded containers so that they are not turned in as empty.
3
The M82 primer is packed one per waterproof bag. Primers are ready for firing when unpacked and
should be protected from blows that might cause accidental functioning.
4
The M2 (T2) flash reducer is packed 200 per metal container (four containers, 800 flash reducers per
wooden box).
5
Fuzes are generally packed in metal boxes. The metal boxes are then packed in wooden boxes.
6
Refer to paragraph 5--15 for Unpacking and Inspection procedures for the M712 copperhead (HEAT)
and M823 training (copperhead) projectiles.
d. Procedures
Inspect ammunition components and verify item identification.
WARNING
Inspect your ammunition. Failure to accomplish required inspections can result in unnecessary
ammunition malfunctions, which could cause bodily injury.
CAUTION
Do not use axes, crowbars, etc., which may damage ammunition or packaging.
1
Unpack and inspect ammunition as outlined in paragraph 5--15.
2
Return all defective ammunition to ammunition supply point.
5--4
PREPARATION FOR FIRING
Preparation for firing the four components of a complete round of 155MM ammunition requires efficient teamwork
among the crew. They must quickly and accurately select, unpack, inspect, and prepare the correct primer, propellant,
projectile, and fuze from the fire commands received by the howitzer section. The chief of section must thoroughly
cross-train the entire crew so that any crewman can perform any or all of the duties required of other crew members.
a. M82 Primer
Do not open this moisture protective bag until ready to use the M82 primer.
b. Propelling Charges
Propelling charges come packed in hermetically sealed metal containers. There is one complete propelling charge in
each container of the M4 series, M119 series, and M203 series. The M3 series green bag propelling charges are
packed with two complete propelling charges in each metal container. Check the following when preparing the
propellant for firing.
1
Select the right propelling charge announced in the fire command.
2
Unpack the propelling charge from the metal container and inspect for torn cloth, loose powder grains,
or discoloration of the cloth bags.
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