The 40×46 mm cartridge is the standard low-velocity grenade round for handheld and under-barrel launchers (e.g. M203, AG36, GP-40). 40×46 mm rounds are designed for point and area engagements at short to medium ranges and are produced in a broad family of types — from high-explosive combat rounds to illumination, smoke, training and non-lethal projectiles. The low muzzle velocity yields predictable short-range ballistics suited for dismounted infantry use.
Typical technical data are provided in the table below.
Tactical & technical data — 40×46 mm (typical)
| Parameter | Typical values |
|---|---|
| Caliber / cartridge | 40×46 mm (low-velocity) |
| Case length | ~46 mm (case); overall round length varies by type |
| Projectile mass | ≈ 200–250 g (varies by round) |
| Muzzle velocity | ≈ 75–85 m/s (varies by round) |
| Effective range (point target) | ≈ 150 m |
| Effective range (area target) | ≈ 300–350 m |
| Maximum range | ~400 m (type dependent) |
| Priming / ignition | percussion primer in cartridge; mechanical firing by launcher |
| Intended use | combat HE/HEDP, illumination, smoke, training, non-lethal (CS, rubber, baton, bean-bag), specialized rounds |
Common ammunition types (selection)
- HE — High-Explosive (fragmentation)
- HEDP — High-Explosive Dual-Purpose (anti-material + anti-personnel)
- Practice / Inert — training rounds
- Smoke — smoke and obscuration rounds
- Illumination — star/illumination rounds
- CS / OC — riot control (tear gas / OC)
- Rubber / Baton / Bean-bag — less-lethal projectiles for law-enforcement
- Flechette / Specialized — manufacturer-specific special rounds
Note: numbers above are typical ranges. For contractual specifications, penetration data and exact ballistics reference the manufacturer's technical data sheet and the exact munition designation (e.g. M781 HE, M433 HEDP, U.S. or other national variants).
