Monday 22 February 2021

Soviet Satellite Country Ammunition - Czechoslovakia (Part 5)

         








Examination of Czechoslovakian Ammunition Production/Inventory









Mortar Ammunition



 
The Skoda establishment of Czechoslovakia has produced two original post-World War II mortars: the 82mm mortar Model 1948 and the 120mm mortar Model 1948.  Both mortars are separable into pack units and are used for mountain infantry support.  They are used by the Ethiopian Army and the 82mm M1948 is used in the Czechoslovak Army, but whether or not the 120mm M1948 is also in service with the Czech Army is unknown.

Formerly, the Skoda concern produced the Czech 50mm light mortar; mortars of this caliber, however, are no longer standard.  Czechoslovakia has also produced German mortars and ammunition from 1938 to 1945.

The USSR has provided the Czech Army with cerain Soviet mortars in some quantity.  The Soviet 82mm battalion mortar M1941, 106mm mountain-pack regimental mortar M1938, and 120mm regimental mortar M1938 are considered standard in the Czech Army.  The Soviet 160mm mortar M1943 has also been reported as being used by the Czechs, but the extent of use has not been ascertained.  Ammunition of Soviet origin for these weapons will doubtless be found in the Czech Army, although Czech-made Soviet shells may be more common.

The German 81mm mortar M1934 and the 120mm mortar M1942 (a copy of the Soviet 120mm mortar) are still used by the Czech Army.  British 2-inch and 3-inch mortars are reportedly held in a reserve status.  Whether ammunition for these weapons (except the German 120mm, which can fire Soviet shells) is restricted to stockpiles dating from World War II, or whether it is currently being produced in limited quantities, is unknown.  The German 81mm has been modified to fire 82mm ammunition.  In addition, the Czech 82mm M1948 is in use in the Army.

The Czech mortar ammunition described in the following comprises the rounds for the Czech-manufactured 82mm mortars which are used by the Ethiopian and Czech armies and the 120mm used by the Ethiopian Army.  The ammunition is of conventional design and presents no outstanding features.  The colors of the ammunition components and the packing box have not been reported.  The stenciled markings are in French.  If these items were used by another country, in all probability the language used would change accordingly.









82mm Mortar Shell, HE
(Czechoslovak Nomenclature Unknown)


 This steel, eight-finned, high-explosive projectile is fired from the Czech-made (Skoda) 82mm Model 1948.  The weapon is in use by Ethiopian and Czechoslovak armies.

The round is of conventional teardrop shape, but incorporates no gas check bands on the bourrelet.  It uses a point detonating impact fuze and a shotgun-shell-type ignition cartridge.  The ignition cartridge body is made of cardboard and contains 7.5 grams of powder.  The propellent increments come in plastic (celluloid) cases and contain 7.8 grams of powder each.  The ignition cartridge alone produces an initial velocity of 220 feet per second; the ignition cartridge plus six increments produces an initial velocity of 722 feet per second.

Stenciled markings on the shell indicate its caliber and type, the type of explosive filler, the date of manufacture, the arsenal symbol, the weight classification, and the fuze model used.  The cap of the fuze is stenciled to indicate the caliber and type of shell and the fuze model (Mp 36).

If the shell is also used by countries other than Ethiopia, the identification markings would probably vary with the using country.  The markings shown are the export version sold to Ethiopia by Czechoslovakia.



Characteristics
Caliber: 82mm (3.23 in)
Weight of complete round: 3.35kg (7.39 lb)
Weight of propellent: 54.3g (1.91 oz)
Type of filler: TNT
Weight of filler: ? kg (? lb)
Maximum number of increments: 6


Packaging


Three of these shells complete with fuzes, ignition cartridge, and propellent increments are packed in a  wooden carrying case.  The case has a handle at the front end and a metal eye at the rear end for hand carrying or animal transport.  The top of the box has two hinges in the rear and is secured by two snap locks in front.  The dimensions and weight shown above are approximated measurements.  The French markings given above are found on packaging in use by Ethiopia, the only country besides Czechoslovakia definitely known to use this ammunition. 








120mm Mortar Shell, HE
(Czechoslovakian Nomenclature Unknown)

 
This steel, twelve-finned, high-explosive projectile is of conventional teardrop design.  It is fired from the Czech-designed and made (Skoda) 120mm mountain pack mortar M1948, which is intended for mountain infantry support.  At present this weapon is used by the Ethiopian Army; whether it is used by the Czech Army is unknown.  

The shell uses a 31-gram shotgun-shell-type ignition cartridge, bagged propellent increment charges, and a point detonating impact fuze Model Mp Z 36.  The shell has an average wall thickness of 0.6 inch.  The protective cap on the fuze must be removed prior to firing.  The fuze may be set for either instantaneous or 0.08-second delay action by positioning the nose of the fuze to align an arrow with an index.  The propellent increment bags are secured to the fin shaft by a loop of string (fastened to one end of the bag) which is placed over a ball formed by the opposite end of the bag.  Charge 1 includes the ignition cartridge and 100 grams of propellant in a red bag.  Charges 2, 3, and 4 include Charge 1 plus one, two, or three green-bagged increments of 135 grams each.  At a normal rate of six rounds per minute, performance of the shell varies from a range of 450 meters and an initial velocity of 115 meters per second with Charge 1, to a range of 5,000 meters and an initial velocity of 255 meters per second with Charge 4.

Stenciled markings on the shell indicate its caliber and type, the type of explosive filler, the date of manufacture, the arsenal symbol, the weight classification, and the fuze model used.  The fuze is stencil marked to indicate the caliber and type of shell and the fuze model (Mp Z 36).  The base and walls of the ignition cartridge are reportedly marked to indicate the cartridge and powder types.  If the shell is also used by countries other than Ethiopia, the identification markings would probably vary with the using country.


Characteristics
Caliber: 120mm (4.72 in)
Weight of complete round: 16.2kg (35.71 lb)
Weight of propellent: 536g (18.9 oz)
Type of filler: Cast TNT
Weight of filler: 2.35 kg (5.18 lb)
Maximum number of increments: 4


Packaging


This shell is packed two complete rounds to a wooden box.  The box weighs 15.87 pounds empty, has a metal carrying handle at each end, metal hinges, and is secured in front by two metal catches.  It has two metal rings by means of which it can be tied to a pack animal.  Two boxes form one pack load.  The interior surface of the box is coated with grease, and the exterior surface is painted olive drab.  The shell are packed fuzed.  The ignition cartridges and propellent increments are packed in cylindrical metal cans.  The dimensions and weight shown above are approximate measurements.  The only markings on this box so far reported have been in French as shown above.   The only country definitely known to use this ammunition is Ethiopia.



Next Time: Soviet Satellite Country Ammunition - Czechoslovakia (Part 6)

Source: Original US-supplied Canadian Manual on Soviet & Soviet Satellite Explosives (No. 30-14-2)

Monday 8 February 2021

Soviet Satellite Country Ammunition - Czechoslovakia (Part 4)

        








Examination of Czechoslovakian Ammunition Production/Inventory









9mm Pistol Cartridge "Parabellum"
(9mm Pistolovy Naboj "Parabellum")


 
This cartridge, which is one of the most popular in the world, is used in the Czech Model 23 and Model 25 submachinegun, as well as in various Czech-held German submachineguns and pistols which are chambered for the 9mm Parabellum.  The cartridge is manufactured in Czechoslovakia with both steel- and lead-cored bullets, and with bullet jackets of steel, nickel-plated steel, cupro-nickel-plated steel, gilding metal, or gilding-metal-plated steel.  Cases are usually brass, although steel might be encountered.  Primers usually have a black or navy blue annulus.  The cartridge can be used in any pistol of submachinegun chambered for 9mm Parabellum cartridges.


Characteristics
Caliber: 9mm (cal. 354)
Weight of cartridge: 10.56g (164 gr)
Weight of case: 3.8g (60 gr)
Weight of bullet: 6.4g (98 gr)
Weight of propellent: 0.36g (5.6 gr)
Length of cartridge: 29mm (1.17 in)
Length of case: 19mm (0.74 in)
Length of bullet: 15.5mm (0.61 in)


Packaging

 

This 9mm ammunition for the Czech Model 23 and Model 25 submachineguns is packed in 8-round metal chargers, with 40 rounds (5 chargers) per cardboard carton.  Fifty-seven such cartons (2,280 rounds) are packed in an unpainted wooden box.  This box has a hinged lid and there is an iron carrying handle at each end.  The tops of the cartons and the box have white labels with Czech markings in black letters.






9mm Ball Cartridge, Model 22
(9mm Ostry Naboj Vz.22)


 
This cartridge is universally used and manufactured.  In Czechoslovakia, it is used in the Model 24 and Model 38 pistols.  It is also a common commercial cartridge in Czechoslovakia.  Base markings usually show manufacturer's symbol and caliber.  Considerable variations may be encountered in bullet and propellent weights.

A dummy version of this cartridge is the 9mm Model 24 (9mm Skolni Naboj Vz. 24), which is used for training purposes; the dummy has no primer in the primer pocket.


Characteristics
Caliber: 9mm (cal. 354)
Weight of cartridge: 9.71g (150 gr)
Weight of case: 3.3g (51 gr)
Weight of bullet: 6.16g (95 gr)
Weight of propellent: 0.26g (4 gr)
Length of cartridge: 23.89mm (0.98 in)
Length of case: 17.01mm (0.67 in)
Length of bullet: 10.92mm (0.43 in)


Packaging

No picture available


Information on packaging of this round is not available.








15mm Armor-Piercing Cartridge, Model 38
(Czechoslovakian Nomenclature Unknown)


 
This cartridge was designed for the Czech ZB60 heavy machinegun and may also be used in the British 15mm Besa machinegun.  The projectile body of this round is covered with graphite grease between the two rotating bands.  Armor penetration at 325 yards against face-hardened plate at an obliquity of 30 degrees is believed to be 15mm (0.59 inch).  The cartridge would therefore still be effective against lightly armored vehicles.  The cartridge is identified by its brass-colored projectile.


Characteristics
Caliber: 15mm (cal. .59)
Weight of cartridge: ?g (? gr)
Weight of case: ?g (? gr)
Weight of bullet: 73.8g (1,140 gr)
Weight of propellent: ?g (? gr)
Length of cartridge: 148mm (5.81 in)
Length of case: 104mm (4.09 in)
Length of bullet: 67mm (2.62 in)


Packaging

No picture available


Information on packaging of this round is not available.










15mm High-Explosive Tracer Cartridge, Model 38
(Czechoslovakian Nomenclature Unknown)


 
This cartridge was designed for the Czech ZB60 heavy machinegun and may also be used in the British 15mm Besa machinegun.  It is not known whether this cartridge is still considered standard in the Czech Army.  Its fuze is reported to be of the tracer self-destroying type, and is basically intended for anti-aircraft missions.  The nose fuze is brass-colored and the projectile body is painted black.  The portion of the projectile body between the two rotating bands is covered with graphite grease.


Characteristics
Caliber: 15mm (cal. .59)
Weight of cartridge: ?g (? gr)
Weight of case: ?g (? gr)
Weight of bullet: 63.8g (985 gr)
Weight of propellent: ?g (? gr)
Length of cartridge: 151mm (5.93 in)
Length of case: 104mm (4.09 in)
Length of bullet: 71mm (2.78 in)


Packaging

No picture available


Information on packaging of this round is not available.









15mm Blank Cartridge, Model 38
(Czechoslovakian Nomenclature Unknown)


 
This cartridge is used for training purposes in the Czech ZB60 heavy machinegun.  The bullet is made of wood and is not colored.  There is a small powder charge in the bullet to insure its breaking up when fired.  This round may also be used in the British 15mm Besa machiengun.


Characteristics
Caliber: 15mm (cal. .59)
Weight of cartridge: ?g (? gr)
Weight of case: ?g (? gr)
Weight of bullet: ?g (? gr)
Weight of propellent: ?g (? gr)
Length of cartridge: 146mm (5.81 in)
Length of case: 104mm (4.09 in)
Length of bullet: 74mm (2.93 in)


Packaging

No picture available


Information on packaging of this round is not available.







Next Time: Soviet Satellite Country Ammunition - Czechoslovakia (Part 5)

Source: Original US-supplied Canadian Manual on Soviet & Soviet Satellite Explosives (No. 30-14-2)

Monday 1 February 2021

Soviet Satellite Country Ammunition - Czechoslovakia (Part 3)

       








Examination of Czechoslovakian Ammunition Production/Inventory









7.92mm Red Tracer Cartridge, Model 28
(7.92mm Ostry Cervene Svitiei Naboj Vz. 28)


 
This cartridge, which produces a red trace, is basically designed for use in machine guns but may be used in all weapons chambered for 7.92mm x 57mm ammunition.  Although available documentary sources do not give a distinctive color marking for this round, it is believe to be identified by a red primer annulus.


Characteristics
Caliber: 7.92mm (cal. 311)
Weight of cartridge: 24.6g (379 gr)
Weight of case: 11.5g (177 gr)
Weight of bullet: 10.25g (158 gr)
Weight of propellent: 2.9g (44 gr)
Length of cartridge: 80mm (3.15 in)
Length of case: 57mm (2.24 in)
Length of bullet: 36.5mm (1.43 in)


Packaging

No picture available
 

Information on packaging of this round is not available.






7.92mm Ball Target Cartridge, Model 27
(7.92mm Ostry Tercovy Naboj Vz.27)


 
This cartridge is identified by a "T" marked on the cartridge case base and by the split bullet jacket.  It is used for target practice in 7.92mm rifles and carbines.  It can be used in any rifle or carbine chambered for 7.92mm x 57mm cartridges.


Characteristics
Caliber: 7.92mm (cal. 311)
Weight of cartridge: 25.15g (388 gr)
Weight of case: 11.5g (177 gr)
Weight of bullet: 10.4g (160 gr)
Weight of propellent: 3g (46 gr)
Length of cartridge: 80mm (3.15 in)
Length of case: 57mm (2.24 in)
Length of bullet: 28mm (1.1 in)


Packaging

No picture available


Information on packaging of this round is not available.









7.92mm Blank Cartridge (Red Bullet), Model 30
(7.92mm Cvieny Naboj Vz.30)


 
This cartridge is used for training with rifles.  It has a cotton or wool fiber wad over the propellent charge; the wad is not as large as that used in the machine gun blank cartridge.  The wooden bullet breaks up completely and is not dangerous beyond normal safety limits for blank cartridges.  The bullet is colored red as a means of identification.  It ca be used in any weapon chambered for 7.92mm x 57mm rimless ammunition.


Characteristics
Caliber: 7.92mm (cal. 311)
Weight of cartridge: 15.1g (234 gr)
Weight of case: 11.5g (177 gr)
Weight of bullet: 0.6g (9.3 gr)
Weight of propellent: 2.3g (35 gr)
Length of cartridge: 80mm (3.15 in)
Length of case: 57mm (2.24 in)
Length of bullet: 32.3mm (1.27 in)


Packaging

No picture available


Information on packaging of this round is not available.










7.92mm Blank Cartridge (Yellow Bullet), Model 30
(7.92mm Cvieny Naboj Vz.30)




This round is loaded for training use in machine guns.  A large cotton or wool fiber wad rests over the propellent charge and assists in building up enough gas pressure to operate the machine gun automatically.  The wooden bullet is colored yellow to distinguish it from other blank cartridges.  This cartridge should not be used in weapons having a compensator or muzzle brake, since unburned wads may accumulate and cause dangerous pressures.


Characteristics
Caliber: 7.92mm (cal. 311)
Weight of cartridge: 17.4g (269 gr)
Weight of case: 11.5g (177 gr)
Weight of bullet: 0.5g (7.72 gr)
Weight of propellent: 2.4g (37.1 gr)
Length of cartridge: 80mm (3.15 in)
Length of case: 57mm (2.24 in)
Length of bullet: 29.1mm (1.14 in)


Packaging

No picture available


Information on packaging of this round is not available.










7.92mm Dummy Cartridge, Model 24
(7.92mm Skolni Naboj Vz.24)


 
This cartridge is used for training purposes.  In internal construction, it is entirely different from United States dummy cartridges.  A wooden rod is fitted into the base of a light ball bullet, and extends to the cartridge case base.  Instead of a primer, there is a rubber insert in the primer pocket.  The rubber insert saves wear on the firing pin during "dry" firing exercises.  The cartridge can be used for training or testing purposes in any weapon chambered for 7.92mm x 57mm cartridges.   The round may be found with horizontal grooves in the cartridge case rather than the vertical grooves shown in the illustration.


Characteristics
Caliber: 7.92mm (cal. 311)
Weight of cartridge: ?g (? gr)
Weight of case: 11.5g (177 gr)
Weight of bullet: ?g (? gr)
Weight of propellent: Not Applicable
Length of cartridge: 80mm (3.15 in)
Length of case: 57mm (2.24 in)
Length of bullet: 28.4mm (1.11 in)


Packaging

No picture available


Information on packaging of this round is not available.








7.92mm Reduced Charge Cartridge, Model 30
(7.92mm Ostry Redukovany Naboj Vz.30)


 
This cartridge is fired in the Czech ZB26 light machine gun, and may also be used in any other weapon chambered for 7.92mm x 57mm cartridges.  It might be called a shot cartridge, by United States definition.  It has a small lead pellet seated in the head of its wooden bullet.  When the round is fired, the wooden bullet breaks up and the lead pellet continues on its way.  The range and effectiveness of the pellet would be insignificant, however, and its purpose is obscure.  Because performance of the pellet is unpredictable, the round should be used with caution.  The cartridge can be distinguished by its purple-colored wooden bullet.

Base markings usually indicate manufacturer's symbol and date of manufacture.  Specimens with a blackened cartridge case have also been observed.


Characteristics
Caliber: 7.92mm (cal. 311)
Weight of cartridge: 15.11g (234 gr)
Weight of case: 11.5g (177 gr)
Weight of bullet: 0.86g (13.3 gr)
Weight of propellent: 2.33g (36 gr)
Length of cartridge: 80mm (3.15 in)
Length of case: 57mm (2.24 in)
Length of bullet: 31.6mm (1.24 in)


Packaging

No picture available


Information on packaging of this round is not available.







Next Time: Soviet Satellite Country Ammunition - Czechoslovakia (Part 4)

Source: Original US-supplied Canadian Manual on Soviet & Soviet Satellite Explosives (No. 30-14-2)