Description
U.S. 40mm XM576E1 Low-Velocity Multiple-Projectile Buckshot Round with XM199 Aluminum Case – Vietnam War Era
The 40mm XM576E1 is a developmental U.S. military low-velocity multiple-projectile, or buckshot, cartridge designed for the M79 and M203 grenade launchers. It used the special XM199 aluminum cartridge case and carried a group of metal pellets instead of a conventional explosive grenade.
This round belongs to the 40x46mm low-velocity grenade-launcher family. It should not be confused with 40x53mm high-velocity ammunition for automatic grenade launchers such as the Mk 19.
The XM576E1 was an important step in the development of the later standardized M576 Multiple Projectile cartridge.
Historical Significance
The M79 grenade launcher gave individual infantrymen much greater firepower during the Vietnam War, but it created a problem at very close range. Most high-explosive 40mm grenades required distance to arm, making them poorly suited for an enemy encountered only a few yards away.
The Army developed non-explosive multiple-projectile cartridges to give the grenadier a close-range option. Instead of firing one explosive grenade, the XM576E1 released a pattern of metal pellets in a manner similar to a large shotgun shell.
This made the concept especially useful in dense vegetation, defensive positions, trenches, bunkers, and other close-range engagements where a conventional grenade was not the best choice.
By 1972, Army Field Manual FM 23-31 listed the XM576E1 among the standard and developmental ammunition used with both the M79 and M203 grenade launchers.
What This Round Is and Does
The Army officially described the XM576E1 as a 40mm Multiple Projectile cartridge.
The projectile assembly contained 20 pellets held within a pellet cup and black sabot. When fired, the sabot and cup carried the shot through the barrel before allowing the pellets to spread after leaving the muzzle.
FM 23-31 lists:
- Type of filling: 20 pellets
- Maximum range: 50 meters
- Maximum effective range: 35 meters
- Cartridge case: XM199
- Case color: Green
- Sabot color: Black
- Cartridge lettering: White
Unlike a conventional high-explosive 40mm cartridge, the XM576E1 did not rely on an impact fuze or explosive grenade body to produce its effect.
The XM199 Aluminum Case
The XM199 was a specialized 40mm aluminum cartridge case developed for this multiple-projectile ammunition.
Military specification MIL-C-60610 covered the XM199 cartridge case along with its base plug and propellant cup. The aluminum construction kept the case relatively light while providing the strength needed for the cartridge assembly.
The original Army cutaway drawing of the XM576E1 specifically labels the green case as CASE CARTRIDGE XM199.
This case is an important identifying feature because the XM576E1 was not simply an M576 projectile installed in one of the more common general-purpose low-velocity cases.
Development into the M576
The XM prefix identifies the XM576E1 as developmental equipment.
The XM576/XM576E1 design was eventually standardized as the M576 Multiple Projectile cartridge. A second experimental model, the XM576E2, was also tested.
The XM576E2 carried 27 pellets, compared with the 20-pellet load of the XM576E1. Army documentation shows the two experimental configurations separately.
The 20-pellet concept became the basis of the standardized M576 used with later U.S. 40mm low-velocity grenade launchers.
The standardized M576 was assigned DODIC B534 and later cataloged under NSN 1310-00-963-4061. These identifiers apply to the standardized M576 and should not be treated as a separate confirmed NSN for every developmental XM576E1 cartridge.
Key Features
- Official type: Cartridge, 40mm, Multiple Projectile
- Developmental designation: XM576E1
- Common description: Buckshot round
- Caliber family: 40mm low velocity / 40x46mm
- Cartridge case: XM199
- Case material: Aluminum
- Documented case color: Green
- Sabot color: Black
- Projectile filling: 20 pellets
- Documented maximum range: 50 meters
- Documented maximum effective range: 35 meters
- Primary weapon: M79 grenade launcher
- Additional weapon: M203 grenade launcher
- Era: Vietnam War / late 1960s developmental ammunition
- Successor: Standardized M576 Multiple Projectile cartridge
- Later standardized DODIC: B534
- Later standardized M576 NSN: 1310-00-963-4061
Why This Round Matters
The XM576E1 is one of the more unusual cartridges developed for the American 40mm grenade-launcher system.
It demonstrates how the Army adapted the M79 from a dedicated grenade launcher into a more flexible infantry weapon. With the XM576E1, a grenadier could carry a close-range multiple-projectile cartridge in addition to high-explosive, smoke, illumination, and other specialized ammunition.
Collectors also have the advantage of a strong documentary record. FM 23-31 includes a complete cutaway view showing the XM199 case, propellant, obturator, pellet, sabot, and pellet-cup assembly.
Because the XM576E1 retained its experimental designation before the standardized M576 became established, surviving examples are especially interesting for collections focused on Vietnam War ammunition and the development of the M79/M203 family.
About This Item
This is an original inert 40mm XM576E1 Multiple Projectile cartridge with an XM199 aluminum case intended for collection, study, and display.
Existing inventory information identifies the example as dated 10-68, placing it within the Vietnam War-era developmental period of this ammunition.
The round may show finish wear, scratches, oxidation, fading, staining, handling marks, and other signs of military storage and age.
This listing is for one inert XM576E1 cartridge with XM199 case only. The M79 grenade launcher, M203 grenade launcher, ammunition packaging, and other accessories are not included unless specifically shown or stated.
Ideal For
- Vietnam War ammunition collections
- M79 grenade-launcher displays
- M203 grenade-launcher displays
- 40mm low-velocity ammunition collections
- Experimental U.S. ordnance collections
- XM-series ammunition displays
- M576 development collections
- Military museums
- Ammunition reference collections
- Educational and technical displays
Approx length 3", Approx width 2", Approx weight .2lbs.
Pictures are of the actual item you will receive.
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