TB 23-7-1

     45.  GENERAL. --  The information in this section pertaining to the ammunition authorized for use in the CARBINE, cal. .30, M1, includes description, means of identification, care, use, and ballistic data.

     46.  CLASSIFICATION. --  Only one type and model of cartridge, the CARTRIDGE, carbine, cal. .30, M1 (Figure 22), is provided for use in this carbine.  This is a ball cartridge and is intended for use against personnel and light materiel targets at comparatively short ranges.

     47.  AMMUNITION LOT NUMBER. --  When ammuntion is manufactured, a lot number which becomes an essential part of the marking is assigned in accordance with pertinent specifications.  This lot number is marked on all packing containers and on the identification card enclosed in each packing box.  It is required for all purposes of record including grading and use, reports on condition, functioning, and accidents in which the ammuntion might be involved.  Since it is impracticable to mark this lot number on each individual cartridge, every effort will be made to maintain it with the cartridges once they are removed from their original packing.  Cartridges for which the ammunition lot number has been lost are placed in grade 3.

     48.  GRADE. --  Current grades of all exhisting lots of small arms ammunition are established by the Chief of Ordnance and are published in Ordnance Field Service Bulletin No. 3-5.  Only those lots of appropriate grades will be fired.  The following grades are used in grading ammunition for this weapon:
     Grade R.
     Grade 3. --  Ammunition of this grade is unserviceable and will not be fired.

     49.  CARE, HANDLING, AND PRESERVATION. --  a.  Carbine ammuntion, like all smal arms ammunition, is not dangerous to handle.  Care, however, must be exercised to keep the boxes from becoming broken or damaged.  All broken boxes must be immediately repaired, and all markings transfered  to the new parts of the box.
     b.  Ammunition boxes should not be opened until the cartridges are required for use.  Ammunition, if unpacked, is apt to corrode, particularly in damp climates, thereby causing it to become unserviceable.
     c.  Ammunition should not be exposed  to the direct rays of the sun nor to any source of excessive temperature as its firing qualities are liable to be affected seriously.
     d.  Ammunition should be carefully protected from mud, sand, dirt, and water.  if it gets wet or dirty, it must be wiped off at once.  Light corrosion, when present, should be removed.  However, cartridges should not be polished to make them look better or brighter.  Ammunition which is seriously coroded should not be used.
     e.  Carbine ammunition will not be fired until it has been positively identified by lot number and grade  as published in the latest revision of, or change to Ordnance Field Service Bulletin No. 3-5.

     50.  CARTRIDGE, CAL. .30, M1. --  a.  This cartridge (Figure 22) can be identified by its characteristic shape and size, which differ considerably from all other cal. .30 cartridges.  The nose of the bullet is round and the cartridge case is cylindrical throughout.  The complete assembly is 1.68 inches in length and weighs approximately 195 grains.
     b.  The average velocity of the bullet at 53 feet from the muzzle is 1900 feet per second;  The approximate maximum range 2000 yards;  and the maximum chamber pressure 40,000 pounds per square inch.
     c.  The limit of accuracy at 100 yards is a mean radius of 1.5 inches and at 400 yards, 4 inches.

     51.  PRECAUTIONS WHEN FIRING. --  Do not fire oiled  or greased cartridges without first removing the oil or grease, nor those which have become heated due to exposure to the direct rays of the sun or other sources of high tempersature.  Such cartridges, if fired, may develop hazardous chamber pressures.  See also paragraph  31 f  and  9 g, h and i.