Soviet Explosive Ordnance - 152mm and 203mm Projectiles

 

 

 

 

Soviet Explosive Ordnance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

152mm Complete Round, Seperate (Cartridge Case) Loading, Frag-HE, VOF-534

 

 

This fragmentation high-explosive round is fired from the now obsolete 152mm howitzer M1909/30.  It can be fired from the 152mm howitzers M1938 and M1943, only in an emergency, and will give difficult case extraction.

 

The RGM and RG-6 fuzes are used with the OF-530 projectile in this round.  As a component of other complete rounds, however, the OF-530 also has been found with the RGM-2 and D-1 fuzes.

 

This complete round also may be found with a slightly shorter brass cartridge case, instead of the illustrated wrapped steel case.

 

 

 

Characteristics

Caliber: 152.4mm (6 in)

Weight of complete round: 45.4kg (99.9 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 40kg (88.2 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 1.73kg (3.8 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: TNT

Weight of projectile filler: 6.95kg (15.28 lbs)

 

 

Packaging

 

 

This ammunition is packed in a one-round wooden box, as illustrated, with a gross weight of approximately 60kg (132 lbs).  The gross weight may be stenciled on the box in the form ЬРУТТО 60 КТ.

 

Projectiles and cartridge cases are also packed seperately: 2 projectiles to a wooden box, with a gross weight of approximately 93kg (205 lbs); and 8 cartridge cases to a wooden box, with a gross weight of about 69kg (152 lbs).  Cartridge cases also are packed three to a box.

 

Note.  The box measurements have not been verified.

 

 

 

 

 

152mm Complete Round, Seperate (Cartridge Case) Loading, Frag-HE, VOF-536

  

   

This fragmentation high-explosive round is fired from the 152mm howitzers M1938 (M-10) and M1943 (D-1), and from the now obsolete tank howitzer M1938/40.  The tank howitzer M1938/40 was mounted on the obsolete KV-2 heavy tank.

 

The RG-6, RGM, RGM-2, and D-1 fuzes are used with the OF-530 projectile in this round.  This complete round also may be found with a slightly shorter brass cartridge case, instead of the illustrated wrapped steel case.

 

The following complete rounds are variants of the illustrated round: VOF-536G, using an OF-530G projectile with a GVMZ fuze; and VOF-536AG, using an OF-530AG projectile with a GVMZ fuze.  These variants are basically the same as the VOF-536 and are fired from the same weapons.

 

 

 

Characteristics

Caliber: 152.4mm (6 in)

Weight of complete round: 47.2kg (104.3 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 40kg (88.2 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 3.49kg (7.67 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: TNT

Weight of projectile filler: 6.95kg (15.28 lbs)

 

 

 

Packaging
 

 

This ammunition is packed in a one-round wooden box, as illustrated, with a gross weight of approximately 60kg (132 lbs).
 

Projectiles and cartridge cases are also packed seperately: 2 projectiles to a wooden box, with a gross weight of approximately 93kg (205 lbs); and 8 cartridge cases to a wooden box, with a gross weight of about 69kg (152 lbs). Cartridge cases also are packed three to a box.
 

Note. The box measurements have not been verified.

 

 

 

 

 

152mm Complete Round, Seperate (Cartridge Case) Loading, Frag-HE, VOF-545

 

   

This fragmentation high-explosive round is fired from the now obsolete 152mm gun M1910/34, from the standard 152mm gun-howitzer M1937 (ML-20), and from the 152mm self-propelled gun M1937/43 (ML-20S).  The self-propelled gun M1937/43 (ML-20S) is the main armament of the standard JSU-152 self-propelled weapon, and also the earlier SU-152.

 

The RGM, RGM-2, and D-1 fuzes are used with the OF-540 projectile in this round.

 

The following complete rounds are variants of the illustrated round: VOF-545U, using an OF-540 projectile with an RGM, RGM-2, or D-1 fuze; VOF-545A, using an OF-530A projectile with an RG-6, RGM, RGM-2, or D-1 fuze; and VOF-545G, using an OF-530 projectile with an RG-6, RGM, RGM-2, or D-1 fuze.  These variants are basically the same as the VOF-545 and are fired from the same weapons.

 

 

Characteristics

Caliber: 152.4mm (6 in)

Weight of complete round: 59.88kg (131.74 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 43.56kg (95.83 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 7.72kg (16.98 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: TNT

Weight of projectile filler: 6.25kg (13.75 lbs)

 

 

Packaging

  

   

This ammunition is packed in a one-round wooden box, with a gross weight of about 71kg (156 lbs).

 

Note. The box measurements in the above drawing have not been verified.

 

 

  

 

 

152mm Complete Round, Seperate (Cartridge Case) Loading, HE, VF-534

 

  

This high-explosive round is fired from the now obsolete 152mm howitzer M1909/30, and may, in an emergency, also be fired from the 152mm howitzers M1938 and M1943.  However, when fired from the latter weapons, it will give difficult case extractions.  The projectile has a relatively thin-walled casing and large bursting charge.  The illustrated round gives a more powerful blast effect, but less fragmentation than the VOF-534.

 

The F-533 projectile in this round uses the UGT-2 (or, with supplementary booster, the RG-6 or RGM) fuze.  Cartridge cases for this high-explosive round may be either brass or wrapped steel.  The wrapped steel case is slightly longer than the brass case.

 

The following complete rounds are variants of the illustrated round:  VF-534U, using an F-533U projectile; VF-534K, using an F-533K projectile; VF-534L, using an F-533L projectile; VF-534M, using an F-533M projectile; VF-534N, using an F-533N projectile; and VF-534F, using an F-533F projectile.  The UGT-2 or, with supplementary booster, the RG-6 or RGM fuze is used in all of these rounds except the VF-534F, which is equipped with an AD, AD-2, or ADN fuze.  These variants are basically the same as the VF-534, and are fired from the same weapon.

 

 

 

Characteristics

Caliber: 152.4mm (6 in)

Weight of complete round: 45.9kg (101 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 40.5kg (89.1 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 1.72kg (3.8 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: TNT

Weight of projectile filler: 8.91kg (19.62 lbs)

 

 

Packaging

 

 

This ammunition is packed in a one-round wooden box, as illustrated, with a gross weight of approximately 60kg (132 lbs).
 

Projectiles and cartridge cases are also packed seperately: 2 projectiles to a wooden box, with a gross weight of approximately 93kg (205 lbs); and 8 cartridge cases to a wooden box, with a gross weight of about 69kg (152 lbs).
 

Note. The box measurements have not been verified.

 

 

 

 

152mm Complete Round, Seperate (Cartridge Case) Loading, SAP-HE, "MORSKOY"

 

   

This Naval semi-armor-piercing high-explosive round is fired from the 152mm howitzers M1938 (M-10) and M1943 (D-1), and from the now obsolete tank howitzer M1938/40.  The tank howitzer M1938/40 was mounted on the obsolete KV-2 heavy tank.  This round may be used against armored or reinforced-concrete targets.  Its projectile contains a relatively small explosive charge (about 6 percent by weight).

 

The KTMF fuze is used with the "Morskoy" projectile in this round.  Whether or not the "Morskoy" ("Naval") semi-armor-piercing high-explosive projectile has a code number is uncertain.  The same applies to the complete round of which the projectile is a part.

 

In order to show clearly that the Zh-536M charge is intended for the "Morskoy" projectile, the reinforced cover in the cartridge case and the bottom of the projectile are painted white or covered with a white paper disk.  Special range scales must be used when firing the round.

 

Note.  The symbols "МГ Vo=432" on the cartridge case in the above illustration signify "Muzzle Velocity = 432 meters per second."

 

 

 

Characteristics

Caliber: 152.4mm (6 in)

Weight of complete round: 57.23kg (125.9 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 51.07kg (112.35 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 2.06kg (4.53 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: ? (High Explosive)

Weight of projectile filler: 3.15kg (6.93 lbs)

 

 

Packaging

   

 

This ammunition is packed in a one-round wooden box.  Projectiles and cartridge case are also packed seperately, two projectiles or eight cartridge cases to a wooden box.

 

Note.  The box measurements given in the above drawing have not been verified.  Whether or not a complete round code number appears on the packing box is uncertain.

 

 

 

 
 

152mm Complete Round, Seperate (Cartridge Case) Loading, CP, VG-534

 

 

This concrete-piercing round is fired from the now obsolete 152mm howitzer M1909/30, and may, in an emergency, also be fired from the 152mm howitzers M1938 and M1943, in which weapons it will give difficult case extractions.  This round is used primarily against concrete and reinforced-concrete fortifications.  The projectile is made of heat-treated steel and contains a bursting charge weighing 7 to 18 percent of the total projectile weight.

 

The KTD fuze is used with the G-530 projectile in this round.  This complete round may also be found with a slightly longer wrapped steel cartridge case, instead of the illustrated brass case.

 

 

 

Characteristics

Caliber: 152.4mm (6 in)

Weight of complete round: 45.4kg (99.9 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 40kg (88.2 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 1.73kg (3.8 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: TNT

Weight of projectile filler: 5.1kg (11.25 lbs)

 

 

Packaging

 

   

This ammunition is packed in a one-round wooden box, as illustrated, with a gross weight of approximately 60kg (132 lbs).
   

Projectiles and cartridge cases are also packed seperately: 2 projectiles to a wooden box, with a gross weight of approximately 93kg (205 lbs); and 8 cartridge cases to a wooden box, with a gross weight of about 69kg (152 lbs).
 

Note. The box measurements have not been verified.

 

 

 

 

 

152mm Complete Round, Seperate (Cartridge Case) Loading, CP, VG-536

 

  

This concrete-piercing round is fired from the 152mm howitzers M1938 (M-10) and M1943 (D-1), and frmo the now obsolete 152mm tank howitzer M1938/40.  The tank howitzer M1938/40 was mounted on the obsolete KV-2 heavy tank.  This round is primarily used against concrete and reinforced-concrete fortifications.  The projectile is made of heat-treated steel and contains a bursting charge weighing 7 to 18 percent of the total projectile weight.

 

The KTD fuze is used with the G-530 projectile in this round.  This complete round also may be found with a slightly longer wrapped steel cartridge case, instead of the illustrated brass case.

 

 

 

Characteristics

Caliber: 152.4mm (6 in)

Weight of complete round: 47.61kg (104.74 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 40kg (88.2 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 3.49kg (7.67 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: TNT

Weight of projectile filler: 5.1kg (11.25 lbs)

 

Packaging
 

 

This ammunition is packed in a one-round wooden box, as illustrated, with a gross weight of approximately 60kg (132 lbs).  The packing box measurements given above have not been verified. 

Projectiles and cartridge cases are also packed seperately: 2 projectiles to a wooden box, with a gross weight of approximately 93kg (205 lbs); and 8 cartridge cases to a wooden box, with a gross weight of about 69kg (152 lbs).

 

Note.  The second propellant data line "12/7 CB 11/35 T" shown on the cartridge case of this round normally would appear just below the first propellant data line on the packing box.  It has been omitted in the above drawing because of insufficient space.

 

 

 

 

152mm Complete Round, Seperate (Cartridge Case) Loading, CP, VG-545

 

   

This concrete-piercing round is fired from the 152mm gun M1910/34, from the 152mm gun-howitzer M1937 (ML-20), and from the 152mm self-propelled gun M1937/43 (ML-20S).   The M1910/34 is obsolete, but the gun-howitzer M1937 (ML-20) is standard equipment in the Soviet Army and has been furnished in considerable quantities to many of the Satellite countries.  The self-propelled gun M1937/43 (ML-20S) is the main armament of the standard JSU-152 self-propelled weapon, and also the earlier SU-152.

 

This round is used primarily against concrete and reinforced-concrete fortifications.  The projectile is made of heat-treated steel and contains a bursting charge weighing 7 to 18 percent of the total projectile weight.

 

The KTD fuze is used with the G-530 projectile in this round.  The G-540 projectile with the KTD fuze also may be used as a component of this round.

 

Note.  For purposes of illustration, the fuze nomenclature has been show on the side of the fuze; in reality, it is stamped on the base of the fuze.

 

 

 

Characteristics

Caliber: 152.4mm (6 in)

Weight of complete round: 56.32kg (123.92 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 40kg (88.2 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 7.72kg (16.98 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: TNT

Weight of projectile filler: 5.1kg (11.25 lbs)

 

Packaging
  

 

This ammunition is packed in a one-round wooden box, with a gross weight of about 68.5kg (151 lbs). The gross weight may be stenciled on the box in the form ЬРУТТО 68 КТ.

 

Note. The box dimensions given in the above illustration have not been verified.

 

 

 

 

 

152mm Complete Round, Seperate (Cartridge Case) Loading, Shrapnel, VSh-534T

 

   

This ball shrapnel round is fired from the now obsolete 152mm howitzer M1909/30.  It may also be fired, but only in an emergency, from the 152mm howitzers M1938 and M1943, in which weapons it will give difficult case extractions.  The lethal effect is produced by means of shrapnel balls, usually of a lead and antimony composition, which are expelled from the body of the projectile by the explosion of the bursting charge.

 

The 45-sec and T-6 fuzes are apparently interchangeable in the Sh-501T projectile of this round.  The 45-sec fuze is used with one adapter, and the T-6 fuze, as shown in the above illustration, with two adapters.  The T-6 fuze is shown without a cap; however, a fuze cap is used to protect the fuze prior to preparation for firing.

 

The cartridge case for this round may be either brass or wrapped steel.  The brass case is slightly shorter than the steel case.

 

The complete round VSh-534, using the Sh-501 projectile with a 45-sec (with one adapter) or T-6 fuze (with two adapters), is a variant of the illustrated round.  Like the VSh-534T, it may be found with either a wrapped steel or a slightly shorter brass cartridge case.  It is basically the same as the VSh-534T and is fired from the same weapon.

 

Note. The cartridge case illustrated was manufactured by the Germans for use in captured Soviet Weapons.

 

 

 

 

Characteristics

Caliber: 152.4mm (6 in)

Weight of complete round: 51.7kg (113.74 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 46.3kg (101.8 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 1.72kg (3.8 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: Ball shrapnel and explosive

Weight of projectile filler: 0.5kg (1.1 lbs)

  

Packaging
  

  

This ammunition is packed in a one-round wooden box, as illustrated, with a gross weight of approximately 60kg (132 lbs).
 

Projectiles and cartridge cases are also packed seperately: 2 projectiles to a wooden box, with a gross weight of approximately 93kg (205 lbs); and 8 cartridge cases to a wooden box, with a gross weight of about 69kg (152 lbs).
 

Note. The box measurements have not been verified.

 

 

 

 

 

 

203mm Complete Round, Seperate (Powder Bag) Loading, CP, VG-625

 

   

This concrete-piercing round is fired from the 203mm howitzer M1931 (B-4).  This weapon is the principal standard heavy howitzer of the Soviet Army, and has also been found in Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, and Albania.  This round is used against armored, concrete, and reinforced-concrete fortifications.  Projectiles are heat-treated and contain an explosive charge weighing 7 to 18 percent of the total projectile weight.

 

The KTD fuze is used with the G-620 projectile in this round.

 

No cartridge case is used for this round.  The full propellant charge is contained in a cloth bag, as shown above; within this bag are an ignited, a base charge, and six equal increment charges, each in an individual powder bag.

 

The VG-625U complete round, using a G-620 projectile with a KTD fuze, is a variant of the illustrated round.  It is fired from the same weapon and, except for differences in the propellant charges, is identical with the VG-625.

 

 

 

Characteristics

Caliber: 203.2mm (8 in)

Weight of complete round: 115.5kg (254.1 lbs)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 100kg (220.46 lbs)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 14.97kg (32.94 lbs)

Type of projectile filler: TNT

Weight of projectile filler: 15.36kg (33.8 lbs)

 

 

Packaging

   

   

The projectiles of 203mm caliber and larger are usually packed individually in crates made of wooden laths nailed to wooden end-pieces and reinforced with strapping.  This type of packaging is usually unpainted, but data descriptive of the contents are stenciled on the outside of the package.

 

Propellent charges are packed in metal-lined boxes, each box containing six charges.

  

 

 

 

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