The Panzergranate 40 was the standard German anti-tank grenade during World War II. It was produced in various calibers from 37 mm to 88 mm for anti-tank guns (PaK), tank guns (KwK) and self-propelled guns (StuK). An identical PzGr. 40 model of the same calibre could be used for different types of guns - for example, the ammunition for the anti-tank 7.5 cm Pak 40 L/46 and tank 7.5 cm KwK 40 L/48 guns had an identical projectile, differing only in the size of the cartridge case.
The design was based on the PzGr. 39, but did not contain an explosive charge and the penetrating effect was provided by a tungsten core. The ballistic hood provided the projectile with better flight characteristics and thus higher accuracy. The preformed (Makarov) cap at the tip of the projectile then allowed the energy of the impact to be distributed laterally and thus protected the core from fragmentation. The guide ring reduced friction as the grenade moved through the barrel, thus increasing muzzle velocity, accuracy and penetration.
During the war it was produced in various modifications, the specifications of which were marked on the grenade and cartridge case. For example, the abbreviation "FES" indicated the use of sintered iron in the guide rings instead of precious brass, which resulted in higher barrel wear. The red ring on the body of the grenade symbolized the presence of a phosphorus tracer, so the shooter could follow the trajectory of the projectile after firing and adjust the aim during the next shot.
Due to the general shortage of tungsten, the grenade was also produced in an "economy" version Panzergranate 40/1, where the tungsten core was replaced by a hardened steel core. PzGr. 40/1 had a lower penetration capability.
The design was based on the PzGr. 39, but did not contain an explosive charge and the penetrating effect was provided by a tungsten core. The ballistic hood provided the projectile with better flight characteristics and thus higher accuracy. The preformed (Makarov) cap at the tip of the projectile then allowed the energy of the impact to be distributed laterally and thus protected the core from fragmentation. The guide ring reduced friction as the grenade moved through the barrel, thus increasing muzzle velocity, accuracy and penetration.
During the war it was produced in various modifications, the specifications of which were marked on the grenade and cartridge case. For example, the abbreviation "FES" indicated the use of sintered iron in the guide rings instead of precious brass, which resulted in higher barrel wear. The red ring on the body of the grenade symbolized the presence of a phosphorus tracer, so the shooter could follow the trajectory of the projectile after firing and adjust the aim during the next shot.
Due to the general shortage of tungsten, the grenade was also produced in an "economy" version Panzergranate 40/1, where the tungsten core was replaced by a hardened steel core. PzGr. 40/1 had a lower penetration capability.
