This cartridge was standard for observation of fire in all .50 caliber machine guns. It was also used as an incendiary against readily inflammable targets. The cartridge could be identified by the red tip painted on the end of the bullet. It consisted of a cartridge case, primer, propelling charge, and bullet.
Use: Machine Guns, Caliber .50, M2, M85. Description: The cartridge is identified by a red bullet tip. Purpose: The tracer is intended to permit visible observation of the
bullets in-flight path or trajectory to the point of impact.DODAC..... 1305-A591 Weight..... 1785 grain Length..... 5.45 inch Propellant..... IMR 5010 Weight..... 240 grain Reference TM 43-0001-27, June 1981