M59 ball question....
I'm cleaning out some stuff, and found a box of M59 ball, and was wondering if there is any real difference between M59 and M80 7.62x51 ball ammo.
Is the M59 collectible or should i just shoot it?
Is the M59 collectible or should i just shoot it?
0
-
Jeff, M59 is the standard 150.5 grain ball round used in combat.
The M80 ball round is 149 grains and is used for "overhead fire" missions. That is for firing over the heads of troops during training. It is subject to stringent screening and production control to ensure the safety of personnel whos heads its being fired over.0 -
There is also an M80 Ball round in 7.62X51 NATO which is not intended for overhead fire. The only real differences between the M80 and the M59 is that the M59 round has a small steel core while the M80 does not and there are differences in the propellants. Sealed boxes of USGI ammo always have some collector interest, but if your box is open you might as well shoot it. 0 -
jeffb1911,
I would have to agree with Mark. I never dealt with M59. But, I can assure you M80 IS combat approved and used as such. The NATO specs for it are 147 gr. @ 2750 (US). But, it can vary from 146 gr. (Australian) to 150 gr. (Indian, South African)
Here is a cool little website with some answers as to what is used when:
http://www.inetres.com/gp/military/infantry/rifle/762mm_ammo.html
I can't say how reliable it is, only that it publishes this information like it's "in the know"[;)]
Couple of interesting points. They never say what load is used for the M134/GAU-7. That is 7.62x51 but it's loaded very hot. It WILL break an M-60 Machine gun. And, OMG! heaven forbid, someone use it in an M14/21...not good.
Also, someone must've been higher than a kite when they wrote that penetration table?? WTH??[}:)]0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
3 comments