Can you tell me what the designations M1, M2, M5, M30, etc, mean with
respect to explosives?  I think, for example, that M5 is 80%
nitrocellulose and 20% nitroglycerin, but I can't find the definitive
guide -- if it exists on the web.

Hello qurious,

Appendix D to this U.S. Army guide (starting at page 43 of the PDF
file) gives the components of M1, M2, M5, M30, and other propellants,
according to approximate percentages by weight of nitrocellulose,
nitroglycerin, and other materials.

"Propellant Management Guide" (Prepared By: U.S. Army Defense
Ammunition Center
Logistics Review and Technical Assistance Office) (June 1998)
Federation of American Scientists: Military Analysis Network
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/docs/prop_guide.pdf

This chart appears to answer your question.  Please let me know if it
does not, and I will be happy to do additional research.

- justaskscott-ga


Search terms used on Google:

M1 M2 M5 nitrocellulose nitroglycerin

Great answer, exactly what I was looking for.  The additional comment
by Kemlo on how these designations came about was also very helpful.

When an item has been adopted as a standard by the Ordnance Technical
Committee the item is given the designation "M1"  "M2" etc.
When a change which is considered major occours in an item addopted as
standard the designation changes to "M1A1" "M1A2"  etc.
This applies to all things in the U.S.Army  Tanks, Rifles, Trucks,
Boots everything.
Regards Kemlo