76mm Canister M333

Also known as

76 mm Canister M333
M333

The 76mm Canister M333 is a Belgian 76 mm fixed canister round cataloged by MECAR in Nexter's 2016 ammunition catalog for the Saladin and Scorpion L5A1/L23/23A1 gun family. The round is loaded with steel pellets and is described for close-quarters use against personnel, with about 100 metres effective range and 700 metres maximum range.

76mm Canister M333, 76 mm canister round, Munitions

Image source: Mil-Spec Industries M333 page

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: Belgium
Built by: MECAR
Type: 76 mm canister round
Service note: Cold War-era 76 mm tank ammunition family

ammunitioncanistertank ammunition

Specifications

Calibre: 76 mm
Round type: Fixed canister round
Projectile body: Thin-walled cylindrical body with steel pellets and a base plug
Pellets: About 800 steel spheres
Round mass: 7.7 kg
Round length: 530 mm
Projectile mass: 5.6 kg
Cartridge case: Brass
Primer: Percussion cap
Propellant: 0.7 kg single base multi-perforated propellant
Muzzle velocity: 533 m/s
Effective range: 100 m
Maximum range: 700 m
Packaging: 2 rounds per twin container, 36 containers per pallet
Operational temperature: -32°C to +62°C
UN classification: 1.2C, UN 0328

Compatible Platforms

Nexter's catalog places M333 inside the 76 mm ammunition family for the Scorpion and Saladin gun set.

Compatible item

Item type

Compatibility evidence

FV101 Scorpion light tank, Tracked light tank / reconnaissance vehicle, Tanks

FV101 Scorpion light tank

Tracked light tank

Nexter explicitly lists the 76mm Canister M333 for use in the FV101 Scorpion's L23 and L23A1 guns against personnel at close quarters.

Sources: Nexter 2016 Catalog

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: In service
Used by: Alvis Saladin, FV101 Scorpion light tank

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Sources

Nexter 2016 CatalogPublisher: Internet Archive / Nexter | Note: Supports the M333 designation, in-service status, close-quarters personnel role, L5A1 and L23/23A1 compatibility, and the technical data table including pellets, range, packaging, and UN classification. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Chemring heritagePublisher: Chemring Group PLC | Note: Supports MECAR's Belgian ammunition-maker lineage and acquisition context. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Mil-Spec Industries M333 pagePublisher: Mil-Spec Industries | Note: Supports image provenance for the M333 product photo. | Accessed: 2026-06-27