152mm XM657E1 High Explosive Tracer Round with M501A1 Fuze
$1,300.00
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152mm XM657E1 High Explosive Tracer Round with M501A1 Fuze
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This inert restored 152mm XM657E1 High Explosive Tracer (HE-T) Round is an extremely rare and historically significant Cold War-era ordnance piece. It has been expertly restored using a real XM657E1 projectile, topped with an authentic M501A1 inert nose fuze, and is paired with a faithful reproduction of the M157 combustible cartridge case. The round also includes an original surplus artillery primer and flash tube, as well as a newly manufactured parkerized steel locking ring—bringing this round to museum-grade, display-ready condition.
Historical Significance
The XM657E1 was an experimental high-explosive tracer round developed by the U.S. Army in the 1960s as part of the 152mm gun-launcher ammunition suite for the M551 Sheridan light tank and M60A2 Starship. These platforms were unique in that they combined traditional cannon firepower with guided missile capability (namely, the MGM-51 Shillelagh missile system).
The XM657E1 was designed as a multi-role high-explosive round with a base-ignited tracer, providing visibility to gunners in both day and low-light conditions. It offered infantry support and vehicle destruction capability, giving the Sheridan and Starship flexible firepower in combat scenarios. Like other rounds in the 152mm series, it featured a combustible case (M157), which was completely consumed upon firing—eliminating the need for case ejection in the tank's compact turret.
Due to the fragile nature of combustible casings and the relatively short operational lifespan of the platforms that fired them, complete examples of the XM657E1 round are exceedingly rare, especially in restored form.
Product Details
- Round Type: 152mm XM657E1 High Explosive Tracer (HE-T)
- Projectile: Real XM657E1 restored for inert display
- Fuze: Inert M501A1 nose fuze (authentic surplus component)
- Case: Replica M157 combustible cartridge case (non-flammable)
- Primer & Flashtube: Original U.S. military surplus (inert)
- Locking Ring: Custom parkerized steel, faithful to original spec
- Condition: Professionally restored, fully inert, static display only
Perfect For:
- Cold War artillery and armor collectors
- M551 Sheridan or M60A2 Starship restoration projects
- Technical and military museums
- Educational military history programs
- U.S. Army armored warfare displays
This inert restored XM657E1 HE-T round captures the innovation and complexity of U.S. armored munitions during the Cold War. From the iconic combustible case to its battlefield versatility, this round represents a fascinating chapter in American tank development—and is a rare centerpiece for any serious collection.
Approx length 4.5", Approx width 4.5", Approx height 44", Approx weight 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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