As a member of the M60 machine gun crew, you must be able to recognize the types of ammunition available and know how to care for the different types. Based upon the type of projectile, the ammunition authorized for the M60 machine gun is classified as follows:

Figure 13-27.-NATO 7.62-mm cartridges for the M60 machine gun.

1. Ball cartridges are used against light material targets, such as houses and personnel, and during training.

2. Armor-piercing cartridges are used against lightly armored targets where armor-piercing effects are desired.

NOTE

This type of cartridge is NOT authorized for training purposes.

3. Armor-piercing incendiary cartridges are used for desired armor-piercing effects combined with fire-producing (incendiary) effects.

NOTE

This type of cartridge is NOT authorized for training purposes.

4. Tracer cartridges are used for observation of fire, incendiary effects, signaling, and during training.

5. Dummy cartridges are used during training.

6. Blank cartridges are used during training when simulated live fire is desired.

The different types of 7.62-mm NATO cartridges can be easily identified by the color of the projectile tips, the manufacturer's initials, and the year of manufacture stamped on the base of the cartridge case, as shown in figure 13-27.

Machine gun ammunition is generally safe to handle. However, you must protect the ammunition you are using from mud, sand, dirt, and water. Heavily corroded cartridges, or cartridges with dented cases or loose projectiles, should not be fired.

Do not expose ammunition to the direct rays of the sun. If the powder becomes hot, excessive pressure can be developed when the gun is fired.

Do not oil or grease ammunition. If it is oiled, dust and other abrasives can collect on it and damage the operating parts of the gun.