Transit tube contents

[Tank Spotter]

Hi guys,

This is quite a longshot but any help would be appreciated.

I picked up this shell transit case and am looking to identify as many of the markings as possible and hopefully find out what shell it once carried.

The basics - the tube is 31 inches / 78 cm from the bottom to the opening with another 1 inch / 2.5 cm in the cap when the tube is closed. The diameter of the tube is 105mm / 4.1 inches. Just off the bottom is a ring to support a shell head and there is a rubber disk in the lid to protect the primer.

My theory so far - A Soviet 85mm case, minus the head, fits the tube almost perfectly, with a standard AP head it does not, the head is the wrong shape for the ring towards the bottom of the tube. Some of the markings look, to me, like characters, potentially Chinese. I know the Chinese made 85mm guns, called them Type 56, the number 56 appears in the markings on the tube. I may just be clutching at straws there.

[CBH]

I believe it might be for an RPG round, a don’t think artillery rounds containers had caring straps.

[Tank Spotter]

Thanks Chris, I have tried an RPG in the tube and it's not a great fit. The collar at the bottom of the tube is too wide for the head and the tail sits below the rim, not making use of the rubber stopper in the lid. Unless there was additional packaging at some point the rocket rattles around in the tube and can slide from one end to the other, not ideal I suspect.

[Jb4046]

I have a Vietnamese ordnance book somewhere. I will have a look after breakfast.

Maybe for a recoilless round?

[Tank Spotter]

Recoilless rifle seems to be getting closer, I found an old auction page for a Soviet B10 anti tank round transit case and, although it tapers, it seems very similar in construction, even down to the drain plug in the base.

[Tank Spotter]

Chris, it would appear that you are correct, an RPG7 tube indeed, many thanks. Never thought of turning it the other way up...

82mm mortar shell carrier tube? post no.8

No need to rush that breakfast now JB