Description

40mm Ammunition – Overview

40mm ammunition is used in a wide range of automatic grenade launchers, naval guns, and infantry support weapons. These rounds come in various lengths, projectile types, and roles — from training and target marking, to armor-piercing and anti-personnel explosive functions.

There are two main categories based on purpose:

• Low-velocity 40mm (e.g., 40×46mm for grenade launchers like M203, AG36)

• High-velocity 40mm (e.g., 40×365mm, 40×311mm, 40×180mm for autocannons/naval guns)

 Types of 40mm Rounds Shown in the Image (Left to Right)

1. Blue Projectile – INERT / TRAINING ROUND

• Color Code: Entire projectile painted blue

• Likely Designation: 40mm TP (Target Practice)

• Purpose: Inert round used for:

  • Loading/unloading training

  • Safe handling drills

  • Ballistic match for live ammo without explosive/ignition elements

• Key Feature:

  • No explosive content

  • May simulate mass/trajectory of HE round

  • Often marked as “TP”, “INERT”, or “PRACTICE”

2. Yellow Body + Red Band – HEI-T (High-Explosive Incendiary Tracer)

• Color Code: Yellow with red band, steel/copper tip

• Likely Designation: 40mm HEI-T M81 / M822 or equivalent

• Purpose:

  • Explodes on impact

  • Releases incendiary fragments

  • Tracer allows shooter to track round flight

• Use Cases:

  • Light armor

  • Infantry positions

  • Aircraft or drones

• Specs (typical):

  • Muzzle velocity: ~1000 m/s

  • Effective range: ~2,500 m

  • Lethal radius: 10–15 meters

3. Black Tip – API-T (Armor-Piercing Incendiary Tracer)

• Color Code: Black with green band, brass case

• Likely Designation: 40mm API-T OT M93 or equivalent

• Purpose:

  • Penetrates light armor (steel plates, APCs)

  • Incendiary compound ignites fuel/ammo inside target

  • Tracer allows visual tracking

• Penetration: ~40–50 mm RHA at 500 m

• Use Case:

  • Anti-materiel

  • Light vehicle neutralization

  • Radar, fuel storage strikes