Historical Question: Transition from M1 Ball to M2 Ball Ammo

[P-07ShortLee]

Any history on the switch to M2 ball ammo from M1 Ball ammo and what trials were held to determine the final choice.

In fact were there other choices or is the M2 Ball we know today the only choice/design?

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[RCS]

Without going into alot of details, the 30-06 did not have the long range required for machine guns during WW1. By around 1923 the M1 ball was developed with a maxium range of 5900 yards (the 30-06 max was 3400 yds). The new 30 M1 ammunition had such a long range that
it began to shoot beyond known danger zones of existing military ranges. The National Guard requested the War Dept to make-up some ammunition like the old 30-06 for use on restricted ranges and thats how the M2 ball came about. Soon after the M2 ball became standard but M1 ball was still used.Attachment 17256

photo: 30-03, 30-06, 30M1 and 30M2 when first issued in 1937, the M2 bullets had a stannic stain so you could identify the type of cartridge

[45B20]

Cartridges using the M1 Ball was still available in 1944 for the M1903s, M1 and in belts. My Ammo SNL for May 45 shows no cartridges using the M1 Ball.

45B20

[John Beard]

Any history on the switch to M2 ball ammo from M1 Ball ammo and what trials were held to determine the final choice.

In fact were there other choices or is the M2 Ball we know today the only choice/design?

Adding to what RCS has already provided, the annual National Matches served as a testing ground for new potential ammunition improvements. A number of different ammunition design variations were evaluated. The M1 ball was just one of the many.

J.B.

[kragluver]

For detailed discussion about development of .30-06, M1 and M2 ball ammo, see Hatcher's Notebook.

[45B20]

CORRECTION, that ammo SNL that does not show any cartridge using the M1 Ball is May 1948.

45B20

[Calif-Steve]

The US Army had so much ammunition left over from WWI production that M1 cartridge production didn't start until the very late 1920's. The new round punished shooters using the M1903 rifle and it very much over shot the National Guard ranges of the day. It last less then 10 years in production and saw no WWII use. However, when the US Army started re-started NM ammunition the M1 bullet was re-introduced and used.

[RCS]

The manuals for the WW2 Browning 1919A4 list both 30-06, 30M1 and 30M2 ammunition for use in the Army (1942 manual). Photo shows a early Browning rear sight from the M1919A4, note the 30M1 marking.Attachment 17405

[arado]

Interesting question. The lack of range was the deciding factor. That is the reason why my current issue to Serbia, M76 Zastava AK sniper is chambered in 8 Mauser with 198gr. bullet. No substitute for weight. Gary

[P-07ShortLee]

Thanks for the answers, I will pick up the recommended books.