Description
U.S. Army Technical Manual TM 9-1300-251-20&P for Artillery Ammunition, May 1994
Item Overview
TM 9-1300-251-20&P is a U.S. Army unit maintenance manual for artillery ammunition used in guns, howitzers, mortars, recoilless rifles, and 40mm grenade launchers. It combines maintenance guidance with repair-parts and special-tools lists, making it a useful reference for studying military ammunition support. This listing is for the technical manual only. Ammunition, weapons, tools, and other equipment are not included.
Publication Details
The “-20&P” designation identifies a unit maintenance publication that also includes parts and tool information.
- Manual number: TM 9-1300-251-20&P
- Publication date: May 11, 1994
- Full title: Artillery Ammunition for Guns, Howitzers, Mortars, Recoilless Rifles, and 40mm Grenade Launchers
- Manual type: Unit maintenance, including repair parts and special tools lists
- Issuing authority: Headquarters, Department of the Army
- Country of origin: United States
- Language: English
Manual Coverage
The manual covers conventional and improved conventional ammunition. Its sections address fixed, semifixed, and separate-loading rounds, with separate coverage for mortar ammunition, fuzes, 152mm ammunition, and 155mm Copperhead rounds.
- Ammunition identification and markings
- Inspection of ammunition and packaging
- Cleaning, paint touch-up, and marking
- Container maintenance and repacking
- Shipment and storage
- Maintenance responsibilities, repair parts, tools, and supplies
Historical Background
This edition replaced TM 9-1300-251-20, dated December 21, 1973. Published after the Cold War and the 1991 Gulf War, it records ammunition maintenance practices during a period when the Army supported both established weapon systems and newer munitions.
Weapon-System History
The weapon families named in this manual reflect several stages of military development. Rifled barrels, stronger steel, smokeless powder, and improved recoil systems helped create modern artillery. Motor transport, tracked mounts, and air transport later increased its mobility. Guns and howitzers provided heavy fire support, while mortars supported troops with high-angle fire. Recoilless rifles and 40mm grenade launchers added other forms of infantry firepower. This broad mix of weapons created a need for shared ammunition maintenance references.
History of Use
The publication supported personnel responsible for ammunition care and service at unit level. The Army issued numbered changes to the 1994 edition between 1996 and 2001, then replaced it with a new edition dated February 12, 2003. That revision history places this manual within nearly a decade of Army ammunition support.
Collector and Research Value
This manual adds useful context to ammunition collections by documenting the maintenance and supply work behind the equipment. Its coverage of packaging, markings, and support materials makes it especially relevant to exhibits featuring inert ordnance and ammunition containers. Researchers can also use it to compare Army publications across different periods.
Condition
This vintage military technical manual may show cover wear, edge wear, folds, yellowing, stains, writing, stamps, punched holes, loose pages, or other signs of age and storage. Printing details and condition may vary between available copies.
Ideal For
This publication suits collections and projects focused on military technical literature and ammunition history.
- U.S. Army technical-manual collections
- Artillery and infantry ammunition research
- Military maintenance and supply exhibits
- Ammunition packaging and marking studies
- Museum and archival collections
Approx length 8.5", Approx width 11", Approx height .5", Approx weight 1lbs.
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