"Mortars: Effective Range?" Topic

I've seen a few different "effective ranges" for modern mortars quoted. Maybe some are based on earlier, cold war models or maybe the shorter ones are more "reality based". Opinion on below? (we're talking US versions here and HE rounds…insights into foreign models welcome!)

60mm mortar: 3500m (sources pretty consistent)
81mm mortar: 4500m, 5700m, or 6,000m
4.2" mortarL 4800m, 5500m, or 6500m
120mm mortar: 7,200m (sources consistent)

The sources for the 4.2" mortar are pretty clear that we're talking about different models and shells with the most recent versions of the 4.2" firing a particular HE round about 6500m.

But the 81mm sources are all over the place. For example, "modern" sources such as a book on the initial invasion of Iraq quotes the range for the 81mm at 4500m but other sources show 6,000m. So, both are clearly talking about modern 81mm mortars currently in service.

From what I remember, range was dependent upon the ammunition rather that the specific type of mortar.

When we switched over from the M29 to the M252 mortar, a new type of ammunition was introduced as well. But, IIRC we did at times use the older ammo intended for the M29 in the M252.

With that said, I seem to recall that the older ammo for the m29 had a max range of about 4500 meters, while the newer ammo had a max range of about 5700 meters give or take.

Although we never used the newer ammo in the m29, you could do so. But you were limited to using less than a full charge (up to charge three or four IIRC instead of a full charge of nine) which would reduce the max range.

As I remember ,Yugoslav M68,81mm,was said to be effective for up to 6000m.That was likely more in theory than in real life.As Hag said ,it depends upon the ammunition.I used to shoot a lot from it;at 2500m you could hit a fly.Not me ,though.I am not able to shoot apuck in the ocean.

Im mistaken in my last post. The newer ammo had up to four charges not nine, and was limited to three when used in the m29.

Looking at the Yugoslav Defence Production Catalogue

The 60mm M57 mortar has a minimum range of 74m and maximum 2537m with the M73 shell.
It can use HE shells M57, M69 and M73, A smoke shell, an illuminating shell and a practice shell.

The 60,, M70 commando type
Maximum range 1630m
It uses the same shells as the previous.

81/82mm M31
Minimum range approximately 85m
Maximum 3145m or 3600 with M74 shell.
Ammunition He of 3,1 and 3,4kg
Smoke
Illuminating
practice
and practice with 2 target parachutists

81/82mm M69
It can have a long or a short barrel.
Maximum range for HE 4,1kg shell 5400m
for 3,1kg HE shell 4900m
Minimum range 90m
Ammunition
HE 3,1kg
HE 4,1kg
smoke 3,1kg
Smoke 4,2kg
Illuminating
Practice
practice with 2 parachutists

120mm UB M52
Maximum range for light HE and smoke 6050m
For heavy HE 4840m
Minimum for both heavy and light HE 400m
Ammunition
HE M62, 12,6kg
HE heavy M49P1, 16kg
Smoke M64, 12kg
Illuminating

120mm M74
minimum range with light shell 300m
maximum with the same shell 6400m
Uses the same shells as the previous

This doesn't mean much to me, but the remainder is completely beyond me. There are many other data, velocity, increments, weight of parts, barrel lengths, rate of fire, horizontal and vertical field of action, crew, transport, efficiency, sighting devices and some diagrams of range.

Also, unlike for other artillery pieces, the catalogue nowhere states the efficient range of mortars.
If you'd like I can photograph the pages (no scanner) and send them to you. They are in English.

for the M69 the ranges are only given for the short barreled version.

Great information Nikola! No need to send, what you've provided is more than sufficient. Thanks so much, I truly appreciate your efforts and level of detail!

You are welcome. It really was not difficult.

In theory, the max range of a specific ammunition type is its' effective range. However, there are factors that can reduce (or increase) the max range such as weather, terrain, and the ammunition itself. We always tried to emplace our mortars in a position where we could engage most targets at up to 3/4 of max range. We could still engage targets farther out, but as the range to the target approached the max range of the ammunition, there was no guarantee that you could hit the target.