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 632 of 775
TM 9-2350-311-10
5-19 UNLOADING AN M712 PROJECTILE
Do not use bell rammer to unload the M712 projectile.
a. Removal of Primer and Propelling Charge
1
Remove primer and propelling charge as performed for other ammunition in this manual.
2
Elevate or depress cannon tube to approximately 300 mils.
3
Position loading tray in loading position.
b. Unloading M712 Projectile
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Obtain projectile extractor (1).
Check to see if projectile extractor (1) is cocked. If cocked, proceed to step 3; othewise, cock projectile
extractor as follows.
(a) Compress expansion ring (2) by squeezing tabs (3) together.
(b) Aline cutout in retaining ring (4) with tabs (3) on expansion ring (2) and slide retaining ring forward
over expansion ring.
Insert projectile extractor (1) through breech ring until forward end makes contact with base of M712
projectile. Push projectile extractor firmly against M712 projectile until expansion ring (2) is seated in the
base of the M712 projectile. Pull on projectile extractor to make sure that it is engaged with M712
projectile. If projectile extractor did not engage, remove it from cannon tube and repeat steps 2 through
3.
Turn projectile extractor (1) drive nut (5) counterclockwise by hand until brace (6) touches and is
centered across face of breech ring assembly.
Connect ratchet (7) to end of projectile extractor (1) drive nut (5). Set ratchet to OFF and turn ratchet
counterclockwise until M712 projectile is pulled free of forcing cone. Remove ratchet from drive nut.
Let M712 projectile and projectile extractor (1) slide slowly out of cannon tube until base of M712
projectile has passed through breech ring assembly. M712 projectile will have to be raised a little to pass
obturator over Swiss groove.
Release projectile extractor (1) by squeezing tabs (3) on expansion ring (2).
Pass the M712 projectile out of the howitzer. Repackage the M712 projectile. If the M712 projectile is
loaded in a hot cannon tube, follow the procedures in paragraph 2–15.1.
5-94
Back to Top
