Prior to today, I didn't even know these existed but now I would like to have one if anyone knows someone who has them available for purchase.
Spotted this odd cartridge case in a display case at a flea market today. Obviously a 50 caliber casing but only half the size of the 50 cal BMG. Fellow explained what it was for, a spotting cartridge for the US military recoil less rifle. As these made a huge cloud of dust/debris/smoke, they fired this first to determine whether they could hit the target with the regular round.
I did come home with the casing but I'd like to get a full cartridge.
Information
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The projectile has a filler of magnesium and phosphorus, that is a tracer element and the magnesium powder to ignite and give you a brilliant flash, white puff and sharp report upon striking a hard target. The marking is red/orange tip... I too have a LC casing and a ball bullet filler. I was 106mm Recoilless anti tank Pl for a spell too and never did capture a live one. Have a look..
Yes they were used on the Wombat recoilless rifles prior to the main round being fired to ensure accurate on target
Look at 1:11 on this video of firepower in 1961 but the Wombat stayed in service till the late 70's.
'Tonight my men and I have been through hell and back again, but the look on your faces when we let you out of the hall - we'd do it all again tomorrow.' Major Chris Keeble's words to Goose Green villagers on 29th May 1982 - 2 PARA
Usually a $3-$4 round. I have a spare or two if you plan to come to the Ag-Hall or Oaks shows. You can also try to hit our PA Cartridge Show August 17-18.
That's why I didn't want a live one. They're actually dangerous
As in it could go off by dropping it? What’s the mechanism of ignition?
In my younger and more, uh, experimental days I once held an EMPTY, primed shotgun shell with a pair of vise grips and tried to set the primer off with a ball peen. Not my shining moment in firearms education, granted, but I certainly wouldn’t call a primer “sensitive” thanks to that experiment.