Introduction:

In 1953 NATO introduced a new caliber for all its members. This cartridge (7.62x51mm) was based on a American design case the T65-E3 and a Belgium design bullet (the 144 grains SS77).

The 7.62x51mm was introduced in the British army together with the L1A1 rifle (the British version of the FN FAL rifle) and the L4A1 (the 7.62 version of the Brengun) which was later replaced by the L7A2 machine gun (the Brittish version of the M.A.G.)

The Brittish army has used the 7.62 round for several decades, and it is produced in a wide range of different types and loadings .

On this page the approved versions and some experimental rounds are shown.

Ball:

Several types of ball ammunition was produced; L2A1, L2A2, L2A4, L11A1,L16A1, L21A1, L37A1, L38A1, etc...

                   

                

 

headstamps: RG 54 7.62 A1, RG 71 L2A2, RA 68 L11A1, 21-RA- 90 (L16A1), RG 72 L2A4, FNM 95-04 L37A1, RG 97 L38A1, RG 98 COMP

Tracer:

In total 5 different types of tracer were approved for service. The first tracer round was the L5A1, with 1000m trace. This round was replaced for the L5A3. The L5A3 traces 750m. The L5A2 was never fully approved, it was a bright ignition tracer. L5A4 tracer round had a propellent of pistol powder, and the L5A5 had modified ballistics.

Here are some examples of Brittish tracer rounds:

from left to right: L5A1, L5A3 and 3 experimental tracer rounds

Drill:

The drill round was used by the soldiers to learn how to handle their weapons. 

From left to right: Drill L1A1, 2 experimental rounds (type B and D),  L1A2+sectioned version, L1A2 reduced standard

Blank:

The first blank (L10A1) was a FN made blank bought by the Brittish army. It was soon replaced by the Brittish made L10A2. This was simply a copy of the L10A1. Later the L13A1 was produced (a version with less brass). The L13A1 was changed a little into L13A2. In the '90 s the Brittish army purchased blanks from Hirtenberger of Austria.

 Here are some examples of Brittish blanks:

from left to right: L10A1, L10A2 lacquered red , L10A2 lacquered green, 2 Kynoch experimental blanks, L13A1, L31A1

Inspectors dummy:

The inspector dummy was used by armourers and inspectors of fire arms. The inspectors dummy was marked L3A1 and was usually chrome plated.

   

from left to right: L3A1+sectioned version, Kynoch made inspectors, 2 inspectors dummies in brass state

headstamps: RG 55 7.62 L3A1, K 63 L2A2, RG 65 L3A1, RG 99 INSP.

Proof:

Before the L4A1 proof round was approved for service normal ball case was used with a change in propellant to achieve the necessary pressure. This early proof round was marked with a red bullet tip.

The L4A1 proof round (case and bullet) is copper washed for identification. After 1981 a milled edge to the rim was introduced for identification.

       

from left to right: RG 54 7.62 A1 (red tip), RG 61 7.62 L4A1, RG 81 7.62 L4A1

Grenade:

Two versions of grenade rounds were approved for service, the L1A1 and the L1A2. The lower half of the case is stained chemically black.

   L1A2

Plastic training:

A plastic training round was bought by the German cartridge factory "DAG" and was approved for service as the L14A1.

The case and bullet were made of blue plastic. The head was was made of aluminium. When fired the mock bullet was torn of the case and is dangerous within 10 meters.

this page is  under construction...