6. Blank cartridges are used during training when
simulated live fire is desired.
The different types of 7.62-mm NATO cartridges
can be easily identified by the color of the projectile tips,
the manufacturer's initials, and the year of manufacture
stamped on the base of the cartridge case, as shown in
figure 13-27.
Machine gun ammunition is generally safe to
handle. However, you must protect the ammunition you
are using from mud, sand, dirt, and water. Heavily
corroded cartridges, or cartridges with dented cases or
loose projectiles, should not be fired.
Do not expose ammunition to the direct rays of the
sun. If the powder becomes hot, excessive pressure can
be developed when the gun is fired.
Do not oil or grease ammunition. If it is oiled, dust
and other abrasives can collect on it and damage the
operating parts of the gun.
FIRING TECHNIQUES FOR
THE M60 MACHINE GUN
Figure 13-27.--NATO 7.62-mm cartridges for the M60 machine
To become an effective machine gunner, you must
gun.
apply and master the following four fundamental points
of good marksmanship applicable to machine guns:
1. Ball cartridges are used against light material
1. Obtaining an accurate initial burst of fire
targets, such as houses and personnel, and during
training.
2. Learning to adjust your fire
2. Armor-piercing cartridges are used against
3. Developing mechanical skill in manipulating the
lightly armored targets where armor-piercing effects are
controls
desired.
4. Developing speed
NOTE
ACCURATE INITIAL BURST
This type of cartridge is NOT authorized for
Obtaining an accurate initial burst of fire is
training purposes.
essential. If you can hit the enemy frost, he is not going
to be able to return your fire effectively. To do this, you
3. Armor-piercing incendiary cartridges are used
must be able to estimate the range to the target correctly;
for desired armor-piercing effects combined with
you must correctly set your sights, and you must be able
fire-producing (incendiary) effects.
to lay the gun properly by manipulating the traversing
and elevating mechanism (T& E). After the estimated
range has been set on the rear sight, the gun is adjusted
NOTE
until the line of sight intersects the target at its center
base.
This type of cartridge is NOT authorized for
training purposes.
Position and Grip
4. Tracer cartridges are used for observation of fire,
Except for the assault positions, the machine gunner
incendiary effects, signaling, and during training.
should fire the M60 machine gun from the prone
5. Dummy cartridges are used during training.
position, using either the biped or the tripod. In
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