60mm mortar fun - Page 1

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Posted: 6/23/2018 4:45:18 PM EDT

After a long wait, my mortar project is nearing completion. I'm working overseas, but my tax stamp should be waiting for me in a few weeks when I get home...

Only two things stand between me and hangin' some rounds: Load data, and modifying my projectiles to accept the shotgun carts.

Does anybody have load data they'd like to share? I have M69 practice rounds. What's the best way to modify them to accept the lift charges?

Posted: 6/24/2018 8:31:48 PM EDT

[#1]

Check out www.bonettiordnance.com

Cinti.russ

Posted: 6/25/2018 11:52:39 AM EDT

[#2]

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Quoted:

Check out www.bonettiordnance.com

Cinti.russ

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While that was certainly interesting; and I will keep an eye on them to see what they come up with, I'm looking for the 20 gage cart info, and also tips on how to mod my practice rounds.

Posted: 6/25/2018 9:00:51 PM EDT

[#3]

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Quoted:

While that was certainly interesting; and I will keep an eye on them to see what they come up with, I'm looking for the 20 gage cart info, and also tips on how to mod my practice rounds.

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Hey brother,

Myself and another FSO spent a long time working through different powders to figure out the closest load to WWII spec that could be reasonably done today for my 60mm. I just got down working nine 18 hour days in a row, can't remember which powder and what grains off the top of my head, and don't want to dig through my other computer for it. And am about to crash- but if I don't post more up by tomorrow night please PM me to remind me. I have you covered.

Posted: 6/26/2018 1:33:33 PM EDT

[#4]

No rush... that's exactly what I want to do. I'll be home in about a week, then I have to see family and that sort of stuff (I've been away for a while)... but I should have a month or two to work on it.

I'll be in touch. Thanks.

Posted: 6/26/2018 3:36:32 PM EDT

[#5]

Quote History

Quoted:

Check out www.bonettiordnance.com

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We are using the Bonetti Ordnance mortars and it keeps things simple for us. Primer is removed and replaced easily, the powder is easily poured into the cup and it's done. We bought ten of them but our biggest problem will be recovery. We just have to move the mortar further back so we can lower arch of trajectory so the rounds don't bury themselves. That and dropping the charge should get us where we want.

V/R
Ron

Posted: 6/26/2018 7:35:58 PM EDT

[#6]

35 grains of Unique should be very, very close to the original loading for the WWII M49A2 charge zero. Each increment bag should be approximately 30 more grains of Unique.

Posted: 6/27/2018 7:27:23 AM EDT

[#7]

Here's one of the Bonetti mortar rounds just leaving the tube.

V/R
Ron

Posted: 6/27/2018 1:38:19 PM EDT

[#8]

That is so damn cool.

I don't even know how to mortar yet. I'm going to loose all my rounds, I'm sure.

Posted: 6/27/2018 1:40:34 PM EDT

[#9]

What are y'all using to hold the increment charges? I have some ideas, but I'm pretty sure somebody has already cracked that nut (because I really want to loose my projos

)

edit: By 'what are you using to hold the charges?' I mean 'how are you packaging the propellant?'

Posted: 6/27/2018 1:50:12 PM EDT

[#10]

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Quoted:
What are y'all using to hold the increment charges? I have some ideas, but I'm pretty sure somebody has already cracked that nut (because I really want to loose my projos

)

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There are tea bags for making your own tea- soak it in something super flammable, let it dry, then put in 30 grains powder.

Posted: 6/27/2018 1:51:23 PM EDT

[#11]

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Quoted:

There are tea bags for making your own tea- soak it in something super flammable, let it dry, then put in 30 grains powder.

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Ah. Tea-bagging. Should have known.

Posted: 6/27/2018 11:46:22 PM EDT

[#12]

Can you nitrite the tea bags like used to be done with .54cal black powder cartridge paper?

Then instead of metal rings with Ts that hold the powder bags, a lightweight nylon fishing string that disintegrates in the lifter charge?

Posted: 6/28/2018 7:51:21 PM EDT

[#13]

Quote History

Quoted:
Can you nitrite the tea bags like used to be done with .54cal black powder cartridge paper?

Then instead of metal rings with Ts that hold the powder bags, a lightweight nylon fishing string that disintegrates in the lifter charge?

View Quote

This is exactly what you do.

Posted: 8/4/2018 9:26:51 PM EDT

[#14]

What's the best was to modify the M69 practice rounds to accept the 20 gage cartridge?

The UPS man dropped off a cup, and somebody needs to hang some rounds...just a reamer the same diameter as the base of the 20 gage shell? Is anybody doing a relief for the rim, or does that matter?

Posted: 10/23/2018 12:34:02 PM EDT

[#15]

I have heard that you don't need to modify them at all except to take out the plug. Someone on subguns said you just need the right size 20ga shells. I removed the plug by drilling the small holes a bit larger, and using a harbor freight adjustable spanner wrench to unscrew it.

Posted: 10/25/2018 9:48:11 AM EDT

[#16]

Any chance of a video on how to operate the Bonetti Ordnance mortars?

Posted: 10/25/2018 10:26:28 PM EDT

[#17]

I spoke to them over the summer and they were working on a video with reloading steps.

cinti.russ

Posted: 10/28/2018 6:32:39 PM EDT

[#18]

Witch part do you want to know about?

Posted: 10/29/2018 8:43:50 PM EDT

[#19]

Ruff video of the Bonetti motor loading. And pic of spent case.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh99DQ55nV4&feature=youtu.be

Posted: 11/2/2018 9:06:40 AM EDT

[#20]

Awesome, thank you. You'll got any videos of a 60mm firing the shells?

Posted: 11/3/2018 11:13:47 AM EDT

[#21]

Quote History

Quoted:
I have heard that you don't need to modify them at all except to take out the plug. Someone on subguns said you just need the right size 20ga shells. I removed the plug by drilling the small holes a bit larger, and using a harbor freight adjustable spanner wrench to unscrew it.

View Quote

I cut/ground my brass plugs out, but the tail boom is too small of a diameter to accept a 20 gage shell. Using a dremel and some grinding wheels, I've massaged two of my tail booms to accept the 20 gage carts. The shotgun shells have to be shortened to fit in the tail boom. They are friction fit, and are retained nicely. The rim on the 20 gauge rests against the threads, so the threaded section of the fin assembly didn't require any modification.

It's just a pain in the ass to do. I finished two, and have another half dozen in process before I got distracted by work stuff.

Posted: 11/3/2018 11:32:53 AM EDT

[#22]

Quote History

Quoted:
35 grains of Unique should be very, very close to the original loading for the WWII M49A2 charge zero. Each increment bag should be approximately 30 more grains of Unique.

View Quote

No idea how I missed this tidbit, but that's going straight in my large bore DD reloading file, for reference as needed by anyone in the future. Thanks!

Posted: 11/3/2018 11:33:37 AM EDT

[#23]

Quote History

Quoted:

I cut/ground my brass plugs out, but the tail boom is too small of a diameter to accept a 20 gage shell. Using a dremel and some grinding wheels, I've massaged two of my tail booms to accept the 20 gage carts. The shotgun shells have to be shortened to fit in the tail boom. They are friction fit, and are retained nicely. The rim on the 20 gauge rests against the threads, so the threaded section of the fin assembly didn't require any modification.

It's just a pain in the ass to do. I finished two, and have another half dozen in process before I got distracted by work stuff.

View Quote

That sounds like a job for a lathe, if ever there was one.

Posted: 11/4/2018 12:23:11 AM EDT

[#24]

Quote History

Quoted:

No idea how I missed this tidbit, but that's going straight in my large bore DD reloading file, for reference as needed by anyone in the future. Thanks!

View Quote

Your mileage may vary based on the precision of your bore dimensions, but two arty officers spent a lot of time and money working that out...along with ruined tail fins.

Posted: 11/6/2018 4:43:06 PM EDT

[#25]

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Quoted:

That sounds like a job for a lathe, if ever there was one.

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The irony is that I have a lathe, but it's not set up, and I'm working out of town at the moment.

Posted: 11/6/2018 7:53:51 PM EDT

[#26]

Quote History

Quoted:

Your mileage may vary based on the precision of your bore dimensions, but two arty officers spent a lot of time and money working that out...along with ruined tail fins.

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Quote History

Quoted:

Your mileage may vary based on the precision of your bore dimensions, but two arty officers spent a lot of time and money working that out...along with ruined tail fins.

At the very least, it's a wonderful starting point and I thank you sincerely.

Quoted:

The irony is that I have a lathe, but it's not set up, and I'm working out of town at the moment.

That hurts! I've been in a similar situation before... muddle through as best you can, or wait. Neither is going to be much fun.

Posted: 11/10/2018 3:05:13 PM EDT

[#27]

I have an approved form1 for a 60mm that i have not started on. Where can i get a tube and a cup?

Posted: 11/10/2018 5:24:21 PM EDT

[#28]

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Quoted:
I have an approved form1 for a 60mm that i have not started on. Where can i get a tube and a cup?

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I have heard this can be livened up to a live firing cup.

Once you have that, I can direct you to the rest of the parts from various suppliers. Not now though- super busy overseas.

60mm dummy cup

Posted: 11/12/2018 1:01:58 AM EDT

[#29]

I purchased my M2 cup and tube from Marshall at Ordnance.com.

He was very helpful with answers to my e-mails.

Best of luck!

Cinti-russ

Posted: 11/12/2018 3:03:25 PM EDT

[#30]

Quote History

Quoted:

I have heard this can be livened up to a live firing cup.

Once you have that, I can direct you to the rest of the parts from various suppliers. Not now though- super busy overseas.

60mm dummy cup

View Quote

Thanks I'll look for that to come back in stock.