Description
Inert 40mm M212 Low-Velocity Cartridge Case
Item Overview
This inert 40mm M212 cartridge case is the molded nylon case used with the U.S. military M781 low-velocity practice cartridge. It is a genuine-style component of the 40×46mm grenade-launcher ammunition family. This listing is for the empty M212 case only; the projectile, primer, propellant, and other ammunition components are not included.
Identification and Features
Official military specifications identify the M212 as the cartridge case for the M781 practice round. Its lightweight molded construction lowered production cost and reduced the amount of metal left on military training ranges.
- Caliber: 40×46mm low velocity
- Model: M212
- Official type: Case, Cartridge
- Construction: Molded nylon
- Associated cartridge: 40mm M781 practice round
- Associated weapons: M79 and M203 grenade launchers
- Complete-round DODIC: B519
- Complete-round DODAC: 1310-B519
- Status: Empty and inert
Construction and Purpose
The M212 is a hollow, two-chamber case with an internal center section designed to hold the original cartridge’s propelling-charge assembly. In a live M781 round, this arrangement formed high- and low-pressure chambers that controlled how expanding gas launched the projectile. The wide rim allowed the case to seat correctly in the launcher chamber and be extracted after firing.
Original Service Configuration
A live M212 case contained a press-fitted .38-caliber blank cartridge with a percussion primer and propellant. When struck by the launcher’s firing pin, the blank generated pressure inside the case. Gas then expanded into the larger chamber and pushed the M781 projectile through the launcher barrel. This offered reliable low-velocity performance without requiring a conventional all-metal cartridge case.
Weapon Applications
The M212 case was used as part of the M781 practice cartridge fired from the M79 and M203 grenade launchers. The M79 was a single-shot shoulder-fired launcher introduced during the early 1960s and used extensively during the Vietnam War. The M203 was developed later and mounted beneath M16-series rifles, allowing a soldier to carry a rifle and grenade launcher as one combined weapon system.
Historical Background
The M781 became an important U.S. military training cartridge during the late 1970s. Its flight path helped soldiers practice for service ammunition while its frangible nose produced a visible yellow-orange dye mark instead of an explosive effect. The molded M212 case was a key part of this economical training design and supported decades of grenade-launcher qualification and unit instruction.
Collector Information
This is the M212 case rather than a complete M781 cartridge. It is not the aluminum M118 case used with several high-explosive 40mm cartridges, and it should not be identified as a universal case for every 40mm low-velocity round. Its distinctive nylon construction makes it a useful reference item for studying modern U.S. practice-ammunition design.
Condition
This is an inert military-surplus cartridge case. It may show scratches, discoloration, residue, small dents, surface wear, or other signs of handling, firing, age, and storage. Molded markings, color, and minor construction details may vary between available cases. This listing is for one empty M212 case only; the projectile, grenade launcher, packaging, and other accessories are not included unless specifically pictured or stated. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This M212 case is well suited for collections and exhibits covering U.S. grenade launchers, Vietnam-era weapons, military training ammunition, and the development of lightweight cartridge cases.
- 40mm ammunition collections
- M781 practice-round displays
- M79 and M203 exhibits
- Vietnam War collections
- Ordnance identification and research
- Museums and educational displays
Approx length 1.8", Approx width 1.63", Approx height 1.63", Approx weight .04 lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item’s general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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