Soviet Satellite Country Ammunition - East Germany

            

Examination of East German Ammunition Production/Inventory

A. Small Arms Ammunition

It is not known whether East Germany is manufacturing small arms ammunition at the present time.  The manufacturing capacity for small arms ammunition of that area known today as East Germany was tremendous prior to 1945.  Although much of the industry was damaged during World War II, and some has passed into the hands of the Poles and the Czechs, production on a large scale could still become a reality, if desired by the Soviets.  The large Polte, DWM, and Gustloff plants, in addition to many other smaller plants, could produce more than enough small arms ammunition to fulfill East Germany's wartime needs.

It is true that these plants may or may not have cartridge-manufacturing machinery available at present.  However, even if they do not, it would not be too difficult for East Germany to re-equip them, since large facilities for machine tool construction are still in East German hands.  East Germany is potentially capable of producing any and every caliber and type of small arms ammunition.

B. Mortar Ammunition

Soviet 82mm, 120mm, and 160mm mortar shells are probably to be found in the KVP, which is equipped with Soviet 82mm and 120mm and probably 160mm mortars.  The KVP is not known to hold any other types of mortar ammunition in significant quantities.




C. Artillery Ammunition

The East German artillery ammunition supply is of Soviet origin obtained primarily from Soviet Army depots and dumps.  Ammunition is provided very sparingly for all artillery weapons.  There is no confirmed evidence of East German manufacture of artillery ammunition.

Since Soviet ordnance materiel has replaced practically all of the German World War II equipment, East Germany is completely dependent upon the Soviet Union, Poland, and Czechoslovakia for artillery ammunition.

D. Rockets

The Soviet 132mm rocket launcher M-13 is the only multiple rocket launcher known to be possessed by East Germany.  It holds 16 rockets and has a range of approximately 10,000 yards.

E. Pyrotechnics

It is believed that 26mm signal cartridges are now being manufactured in East Germany.  These signal cartridges will chamber in German or Soviet signal pistols.  Specimens reported had color bands on the cartridge case, serrations on the cartridge case rim, and indentations on the cartridge case base to serve as a means of identification.

Next Time: Soviet Satellite Country Ammunition - Hungary

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

Soviet Satellite Country Ammunition - Czechoslovakia (Part 7)

           

Examination of Czechoslovakian Ammunition Production/Inventory

100mm Complete Round, Separate Loading, HE, OCG Model 15
(10-cm OCG Vz. 15)

The high-explosive round illustrated above is fired from the Czech 100-mm mountain howitzer M16/19 and the Czech 100-mm light field howitzer M14/19.  The mountain howitzer M16/19 is also used by the Rumanian Army, which also may hold Czech-manufactured ammunition for the weapon.  This round uses the combination fuze Vz. 15.

The steel projectile is unpainted, with red markings.  A red band around the center of the projectile indicates the use of a combination fuze.  The cartridge case is made of brass; propellent and manufacturing data are stamped and stenciled on the cartridge case base.


Characteristics
Caliber: 100mm (3.94 in)
Weight of complete round: 15.97kg (35.2 lb)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 13.7 kg (30.2 lb)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 1.3 kg (2.8 lb)

Type of projectile filler: Pressed TNT

Weight of projectile filler: ? kg (? lb)

Packaging

No photo available

This ammunition is packed three projectiles and three cartridge cases to a wooden box.  The box has a hinged lid and three hasps.  Carrying handles are provided at each end of the box.

100mm Complete Round, Separate Loading, HE, OCG Model 21
(10-cm OCG Vz. 21)

The high-explosive round illustrated above is fired from the Czech 100-mm mountain howitzer M16/19 and the Czech 100-mm light field howitzer M14/19.  The mountain howitzer M16/19 is also used by the Rumanian Army, which also may hold Czech-manufactured ammunition for the weapon.  This round uses the combination fuze Vz. 21.

The steel projectile is unpainted, with red markings.  A red band around the center of the projectile indicates the use of a combination fuze.  The cartridge case is made of brass; stamped and stenciled markings on the base of the cartridge case give propellent and manufacturing data.


Characteristics
Caliber: 100mm (3.94 in)
Weight of complete round: 18.33kg (40.39 lb)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 16 kg (35.3 lb)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 1.5 kg (3.3 lb)

Type of projectile filler: Pressed TNT

Weight of projectile filler: ? kg (? lb)

Packaging

No photo available

This ammunition is packed three projectiles and three cartridge cases to a wooden box.  The box has a hinged lid and carrying handles.

100mm Complete Round, Separate Loading, HE, OMG Model 21
(10-cm OMG Vz. 21)

The high-capacity high-explosive round illustrated above is fired from the Czech 100-mm mountain howitzer M16/19 and the Czech 100-mm light field howitzer M14/19.  The mountain howitzer M16/19 is also used by the Rumanian Army, which also may hold Czech-manufactured ammunition for the weapon may be encountered in Rumania.  This illustrated round uses a base detonating fuze of an unidentified model.

The steel projectile is unpainted, with red markings.  A red band around the center of the projectile indicates the use of a combination fuze.  The cartridge case is made of brass; propellent and manufacturing data are stamped and stenciled on the cartridge case base.


Characteristics
Caliber: 100mm (3.94 in)
Weight of complete round: 18.33kg (40.39 lb)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 16 kg (35.3 lb)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 1.5 kg (3.3 lb)

Type of projectile filler: Pressed TNT

Weight of projectile filler: ? kg (? lb)

Packaging

No photo available

This ammunition is packed three projectiles and three cartridge cases to a wooden box.  The box is made of wood and has a hinged lid.

100mm Complete Round, Separate Loading, HE, OCG Model 30
(10-cm OCG Vz. 30)

The above-illustrated round is fired from the Czech 100-mm field howitzer M30, the Czech 100-mm light field howitzer M16/19, and the Yugoslav 100-mm light field howitzer Model 28.  The  Czech 100-mm field howitzer M30 is also used by Rumania, and Czech ammunition for this weapon may consequently be encounter in Rumania.

This round uses combination fuze UG-SKR or combination fuze UG-CR.  The steel projectile is unpainted, with red markings.  A red band around the center of the projectile signifies the use of a combination fuze.  The cartridge case is made of brass.  Markings may be found on the base of the cartridge case.

Characteristics
Caliber: 100mm (3.94 in)
Weight of complete round: 18.48kg (40.74 lb)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 16 kg (35.3 lb)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 1.5 kg (3.3 lb)

Type of projectile filler: Poured TNT

Weight of projectile filler: 1.6 kg (3.5 lb)

Packaging

No photo available

This ammunition is packed three complete rounds to a wooden box.  The box has a hinged lid and carrying handles attached to each end of the box.

100mm Complete Round, Separate Loading, HE, ONG Model 30
(10-cm ONG Vz. 30)

This high-explosive round is fired from the Czech 100-mm light field howitzer M30 and uses point detonating impact fuze Model SKHZR or Model CHZR.  The 100-mm light field howitzer is in use in the Rumanian Army, and Czech ammunition for the weapon may also be found in Rumania.

The steel projectile is unpainted, with red markings.  The cartridge case is made of brass; propellent markings, manufacturer's symbol, and date of manufacture are found stenciled and stamped on the base of the cartridge case.

Characteristics
Caliber: 100mm (3.94 in)
Weight of complete round: 18.48kg (40.74 lb)

Weight of projectile, as fired: 16 kg (35.3 lb)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: 1.5 kg (3.3 lb)

Type of projectile filler: Pressed TNT

Weight of projectile filler: ? kg (? lb)

Packaging

No photo available

This ammunition is packed three projectiles and three cartridge cases to a wooden box.  The box is made of wood and has a hinged lid.

Next Time: Soviet Satellite Country Ammunition - Czechoslovakia (Part 8)

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

Soviet Satellite Country Ammunition - Czechoslovakia (Part 6)

          

Examination of Czechoslovakian Ammunition Production/Inventory

Artillery Ammunition

 

The multiplicity of models and calibers of artillery weapons in the Czech Army in the past made an almost intolerable situation as regards ammunition supply, although ammunition for nearly all the available pieces is being produced in Czechoslovakia.  It is presumed that the artillery ammunition reserve stocks are approaching a safe level at present.

Projectiles manufactured in Czechoslovakia for the Czech Army are unpainted (color of machined metal).  On their surface are various stenciled markings which are usually in red.  A typical arrangement of the markings, reading from nose to base of the projectile, is as follows:

Vertical red line on shell body at junction with fuze --- Fuze index mark, for combination fuze

A group of 2 to 4 letters --- Relates to filler

Red band, around center of shell body --- Indicates a projectile fitted with a combination fuze

Letters and/or symbol --- Trademark and location of manufacturer

Letter and fraction or Roman numeral --- Lot number and year of manufacture

The meanings of some of the letters relating to projectile fillers have been determined as:

TP --- Bursting charge of Cast TNT and booster fitted with a safety device.

TTR --- Bursting charge of Pressed TNT and booster.

TTRP or TTP --- Bursting charge of Pressed TNT and booster with a safety device.


Cartridge cases bear stenciled and stamped markings on the base.  The stenciled markings are black and are arranged in a curved line along the rim.  Typical stenciled markings, and their meanings, might be:

14 x 4.3/970-mm  --- Size of propellant in mm.

Vz 38 trp --- Type of propellent

S 1/36 --- Series and year of manufacture

The stamped markings are arranged in straight lines on the base of the case.  An example of the stampings on a case might be:

a symbol --- Trademark of firm

1920 --- Year of manufacture

3 --- Lot of series

21 cm Vz 16 --- Using weapon

Detailed information on Czech artillery ammunition packaging is not available.  It is known that both wooden and metal packing boxes of conventional construction are used.  Czech packing may be expected to be of approximately equal quality with that of the larger industrial nations.  Identifying markings apparently are stenciled on the boxes, but details of their arrangement and precise meaning are not found.

75mm Complete Round, Fixed, HE, OCG Model ?
(7.5-cm OCG Vz. ?)

This high-explosive round is fired from the Czech 75-mm anti-aircraft gun M1932 (Skoda) with a time fuze of a model as yet unidentified.  The M1932 (Skoda) is to be found also in the Albanian and Rumanian Armies.  Czech ammunition for the weapon, therefore, may be encountered in these two Satellite countries.

The steel projectile is unpainted, with red markings.  A red band around the center of the projectile indicates the use of a combination fuze.  The groove between the two rotating bands is packed with a heavy grease.  The cartridge case is made of brass; stamped and stenciled markings appear on the base of the cartridge case.

Characteristics
Caliber: 75mm (2.95 in)
Weight of complete round: 11.87kg (26.38 lb)

Weight of projectile, as fired: ? kg (? lb)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: ? kg (? lb)

Type of projectile filler: Cast TNT

Weight of projectile filler: ? kg (? lb)

Packaging

No photo available

Information on packaging of this round is not available.

75mm Complete Round, Semi-Fixed, HE, OCG Model 14/14a
(7.5-cm OCG Vz. 14/14a)

No photo available

 This round, for the Czech 75-mm mountain howitzer M15, is known to exist, and its Czech nomenclature indicates that it uses a combination fuze, but further data on the round is not available.

Characteristics

Caliber: 75mm (2.95 in)
Weight of complete round: ? kg (? lb)

Weight of projectile, as fired: ? kg (? lb)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: ? kg (? lb)

Type of projectile filler: ?

Weight of projectile filler: ? kg (? lb)

Packaging

No photo available

Information on packaging of this round is not available.

76.5mm Complete Round, Fixed, HE, OCG Model ?
(7.65-cm OCG Vz. ?)

This high-explosive round is fired from the Czech 76.5mm anti-aircraft gun model 1928.  This weapon is also used by Bulgaria, and accordingly Czech-manufactured ammunition for the weapon may be encountered in Bulgaria.  The round uses a combination fuze of an unidentified model.

The steel projectile is unpainted, with red markings.  A red band around the center of the projectile indicates the use of a combination fuze.  The cartridge case is made of brass.  It is believed that propellent and manufacturing data are stamped and stenciled on the cartridge case base, in accordance with the practice commonly followed for other Czech artillery rounds.

Characteristics
Caliber: 76.5mm (3.19 in)
Weight of complete round: ? kg (? lb)

Weight of projectile, as fired: ? kg (? lb)

Weight of propellant, w/o igniter: ? kg (? lb)

Type of projectile filler: ?

Weight of projectile filler: ? kg (? lb)

Packaging

No photo available

Information on packaging of this round is not available.

Next Time: Soviet Satellite Country Ammunition - Czechoslovakia (Part 7)

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

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)

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)

Soviet Satellite Country Ammunition - Bulgaria

Examination of Bulgarian Ammunition Production/Inventory

Bulgaria

Bulgaria is believed incapable of manufacturing the large quantities of ammunition that would be required by its army in order to wage war, but does have facilities for making the various conventional types of ammunition.

The bulk of the native production probably is devoted to ammunition of Soviet World War II types, inasmuch as the Bulgarian Army is largely equipped with Soviet World War II weapons.  There may also be limited manufacture of munitions for other foreign weapons, notably those of German origin, although such weapons are held in reserve or used for training purposes and are not currently significant as items of issue to troops.

The USSR, and perhaps certain of the Satellites, would have to supply Bulgaria with any large quantities of ammunition and may already have shipped considerable amounts along with the using weapons.

Bulgaria is assumed to have ammunition for Soviet field artillery weapons (including field/AT guns) ranging from 76mm through 152mm caliber, Soviet mortars from 82mm through 160mm caliber, coast artillery pieces up to 280mm, as well as for the Soviet 82mm and 132mm rocket launchers.  Ammunition for Soviet 14.5mm antitank rifles also is on hand, but whether other infantry antitank weapons and ammunition may be found is uncertain.  Information on pyrotechnic ammunition is not available, but pyrotechnics doubtless exist in the Bulgarian Army, probably in the form of Soviet World War II materiel.

Glossary of Bulgarian Terms

Bomba - Bomb

Materialna chast - Materiel; equipment matters

Mina - Mine; mortar shell

Samokhodna artileriya - Self-Propelled artillery

Tezhka artileriya - Heavy artillery

Tezhka kartechnitsa - Heavy machinegun

Fugas - Land mine

Shpagin - Soviet PPSh-41

Shmayzer - Schmeisser submachinegun

Inventory Overview

A. Small Arms Ammunition

 

Bulgaria has small arms ammunition production facilities which are adequate to supply the country's peacetime needs.  It is doubtful, however, that these facilities could manufacture enough small arms ammunition to meet the demands of war.  Bulgarian factories can, and probably do, manufacture ammunition of Soviet design, as well as 7.92mm, 9mm parabellum, and various other "standard" European cartridges; however, no positive identification of individual rounds in current production is available at this time.  Since the standard Bulgarian Army small arms are of Soviet origin, the standard ammunition, too, will be of Soviet design.  German, Czech, and British rounds also may be stockpiled and in some cases manufactured, but the corresponding foreign using weapons apparently are in service with quasi-military organizations or are held in reserve.

 

 

 

B. Mortar Ammunition

 

The standard mortar ammunition of the Bulgarian Army is believed to comprise the Soviet 82mm, 107mm, 120mm, and 160mm, types of World War II.  These rounds may possibly be manufactured locally to some extent, but major quantities are probably received from the USSR or from other Satellites.  Some stocks of foreign origin other than Soviet may well be on hand, but their importance would be relatively minor.

 

 

 

C. Artillery Ammunition

 

Factories and arsenals in Bulgaria are capable of supplying limited quantities of artillery ammunition, but would find it impossible to satisfy the needs of the Bulgarian Army in time of war.  Kazanluk is the principal government arsenal and, in addition to repairing and assembling weapons, it produces ammunition of all kinds.  As Bulgaria is receiving most of its military weapons from the USSR, the probabilities are that a large percentage of the ammunition comes from the USSR also.

 

The Bulgarian munitions plant at Gara Kostenets, Karlovo, and Kolarovgrad assemble shells up to 155mm caliber.  Major ammunition dumps are believed to be located throughout the country in the three army regions of Bulgaria.

 

 

 

D. Rockets

 The Soviet 82mm and 132mm rockets of World War II are thought to be standard in the Bulgarian Army.  In view of the emphasis placed on rockets by the Soviets, and the close adherence of the Bulgarian Army to Soviet military patterns, the existence of other types of Soviet rockets in the Bulgarian Army would not be surprising.  Some German World War II rockets conceivably may be held also.  Whether this Balkan Satellite manufactures rocket ammunition is not known.

E. Pyrotechnics

Information on pyrotechnics is not available.  It may be expected, however, that this category of ammunition will conform to the general rule of standardization on Soviet materiel, with some holdings of non-Soviet World War II items.

8mm Ball Cartridge, Model 1890

  

This cartridge is of Austrian design and has been used extensively by Italy, Hungary, and Yugoslavia, in addition to Bulgaria.  Weapons most commonly encountered which use this round are: 8mm Mannlicher M1895 rifles and carbines, and 8mm Schwarzlose M07/12 machinegun.  The round has no color markings of any kind.  Bullet jackets are usually steel or nickel-plated steel.

I believe the ammunition above is the 8x50mmR Mannlicher

Next Time: Communist China