Description
U.S. 57mm M70 Armor-Piercing Shot with Tracer Projectile, No Rotating Band
Item Overview
This original 57mm M70 armor-piercing shot with tracer was designed for the U.S. 57mm Gun M1 and British 6-pounder 7 cwt gun. The M70 is a solid, hardened-steel projectile made for use against armored targets. This example is missing its rotating band, also called a drive band, and is offered as an incomplete collectible projectile rather than a complete cartridge.
Identification and Specifications
Official ammunition designation: Cartridge, AP-T, M70
Projectile type: Armor-piercing shot with tracer
Caliber: 57mm
Compatible weapons: 57mm Gun M1 and British 6-pounder 7 cwt
Projectile construction: Solid hardened steel
Nose shape: Short ogive
Base: Square
Cataloged projectile length: 6.81"
Original rotating-band width: 0.79"
Explosive filler: None in the projectile body
Original energetic component: Base tracer
Condition: Rotating band absent; tracer status unknown
Projectile Design
The M70 was classified as shot rather than a shell because its main body was solid and contained no high-explosive bursting charge. It damaged armor through speed, weight, and the strength of its hardened-steel body. The original base cavity held a tracer that burned for about 4.5 seconds and produced a visible path for approximately 2,600 yards, helping the gun crew observe the projectile’s flight and correct its aim.
Missing Rotating Band
The original rotating band fitted into a machined recess near the projectile’s base. When fired, the band engaged the barrel’s rifling, sealed propellant gases, and gave the projectile its stabilizing spin. The band is missing from this example, leaving the band seat exposed. The available information does not show whether the band was removed, damaged, or never installed.
Weapons-System History
The 57mm Gun M1 was an American World War II antitank gun closely related to the British 6-pounder 7 cwt. Both weapons were chambered to use the same fixed ammunition, including the M70 AP-T round. These guns gave Allied infantry units greater armor-piercing power than earlier light antitank guns and were used in towed mounts against tanks, armored vehicles, and protected positions.
History of Use
The M70 was intended for firing against armor-protected targets. Its uncapped steel design was less effective against face-hardened armor than the later M86 armor-piercing-capped projectile, but wartime testing found it effective against homogeneous armor plate. The M70 complete round had a listed muzzle velocity of 2,950 feet per second, while earlier production ammunition was loaded to about 2,800 feet per second.
Condition and Safety
This is an original military-surplus projectile with its rotating band missing. It may show oxidation, scratches, finish loss, tool marks, discoloration, residue, or other signs of age and storage. The cartridge case, propellant, primer, gun, and other components are not included unless specifically pictured or stated.
Collector Interest
This projectile is well suited for World War II antitank displays, 57mm Gun M1 collections, British 6-pounder exhibits, ammunition-development studies, military museums, and ordnance reference collections. Its missing rotating band also provides a clear view of a feature normally hidden on an assembled projectile.
Approx length 7", Approx width 2.5", Approx height 2.5", Approx weight 5.5 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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