How many rounds does an M-240 machinegunner carry?

Question

In particular, how many rounds both him and his assistants/squad members carry on a typical mission. Also, does he carry an M-9 for back up? Will he be required to hump AT-4s as well? Do they rotate carrying the M-240?

Thanks ~Jeff

Answer 1

In my infantry platoon in the 82nd as a Weapon Squad Leader, the two 240 gunner per SOP, carried the gun with a starter belt with 100rds (not in a drum lol). Then he carried 200-600rds more if he could hump it along with his M-9 (with at least 50 rounds) and other gear. His AG would carry the tripod and spare barrel along with about 400 more rounds. The AB (ammo bytch lol) would carry about 600rds. Everyone in the platoon except the PL, PSG, FO, Medic and RTO would carry at least one 100rd belt and drop it off a one of the two gun positions if they were set up and stationary as they moved up in assault. That will leave about 2500rds minimum for the guns to use for support by fire. Still not enough. We would rotate the guns of course if the going was tough (Afghanistan's mountains were no joke) and sometimes AB did carry AT-4s but normally the line squads carry those. I had the Javelins also to deal with we humped them in Weapons squad.

This is just from a light/airborne/Ranger unit view. When I was Mech, totally different and I don't want to discuss it...yeck.

Answer 2

A M240 drum carries 200rds, and typically, one would carry an additional drum.  However, usually a 240 is never dismounted from a truck.  Therefore, it's nearly unlimited to how many drumls/rounds will go with it.  All 240 gunners will carry an M9 and an M4 as backup.  An AT4 will stay in a truck and won't usually be humped.

Answer 3

Too many variables Country of service, Theatre of Operations, Standing orders, Which Service/Corp, Mission!!

Aussie Army did used to have a set ammo allocation per weapon type but taking all of the above into consideration it changed as needed. Not prepared to give any figures though.

Cheers

Answer 4

Depends on the unit and branch. Mechlegs have don't have to hump their combat load so it is going to be different than your average paratrooper.

A typical gun crew will usually have a couple of belts each with other members of the platoon carrying one. Our ammo bearer usually carried an AT-4 and yes, they usually switch off humping it. M-9's a piece of c**p so no one I knew ever drew it out except to qualify. Most had their own .45's.