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 601 of 775
TM 9--2350--311--10
Change 6
5--65
5--7
PROPELLING CHARGE PREPARATION
WARNING
Under no circumstances will green bag and white bag charges be assembled together for firing.
Critical malfunction could result causing personnel injury and equipment damage.
a. M3 Series and M4 Series Propelling Charges
M4A2 and M4A1 white bag charges can be expected to perform within design limits at charges 5 through 7. However,
large dispersions may result when these charges are fired at charges 3 and 4. It is recommended that M3A1 or M3
green bag charges be used instead of white bag charges at charge 3 and 4. If green bag charges are not available,
white bag charges may be used, although range dispersions may result.
1
If required, remove excess increments from charge and retighten excess straps by twisting and
securing ends under straps.
NOTE
Use of the M2 flash reducer to reduce muzzle flash is optional, except when TB 9--1300--385
series restricts a specific propelling charge lot to use only with flash reducer. The M4A2
propelling charge has a flash reducer assembled in front of the base charge (increment number
3) at the time of manufacture and does not require use of the M2 flash reducer.
2
In preparing the M4A1 white bag charge, one M2 flash reducer should be added in front of each
increment used. The charge must be untied and the proper number of M2 flash reducers inserted (i.e.,
one flash reducer added in front of the base charge and each increment used). The charge is then
retied with two interlapping square knots.
b. M119A1 Propelling Charges
The M119A1 propelling charge is a one-increment, charge 8 white bag propelling charge and is shipped ready for
firing. After unpacking and inspecting, the only preparation required is removal of the igniter protector cap and the pull
scrap.
c. M119A2 Propelling Charge
The M119A2 propelling charge is a one-increment charge 7 red bag propelling charge, and is shipped ready for firing.
This charge is not used in lieu of charge 7, M4 series white bag. It has almost the same muzzle velocity as the M119A1
white bag charge 8. After unpacking and inspection, the only preparation required is removal of the igniter protector
cap and its separate tie strap.
d. M203 and M203A1 Propelling Charge
WARNING
The M203 series propelling charge is for use only in M284 cannons. Use in any other
configuration may cause equipment damage and possible personal injury.
The M203 series propelling charge is a one-increment charge 8 propelling charge. After unpacking and inspecting, the
only preparation required is removing the igniter protector cap.
e. Propelling Charge, M231 or M232/M232A1 (MACS)
The M231 contains four charges (two per extraction sleeve) in each metal container and the M232/M232A1 contains
five charges per metal container. There is no other preparation needed after unpacking and inspecting the MACS.
Back to Top
