The M183 Demolition Charge Assembly is a U.S. satchel-charge kit for obstacle breaching and structure demolition. Army manuals describe it as a 23 lb canvas M85 carrying case containing 16 M112 C-4 blocks, four priming assemblies, and 20 lb of total explosive weight, while later ammunition records kept DODIC M757 tied to Army and Marine Corps inventory management.
Army records place sixteen M112 C-4 demolition charges inside the M183 demolition charge assembly.
| Carried item | Item type | Carriage evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | Plastic demolition explosive | Army demolition manuals and portfolio records describe the M183 as a case-carried assembly built around 16 M112 C-4 demolition blocks. Sources: TM 43-0001-38 Demolition Materials Data Sheets, PEO Ammunition 2017 Portfolio Book |
The M183 is best read as a packaged demolition assembly: it does not introduce a new explosive fill, but bundles standard M112 C-4 blocks, priming assemblies, and a canvas carrier into one satchel-charge issue item.
| Component | Quantity or detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 16 blocks, split into two bags of eight | Provides 20 lb of total explosive weight for larger breaching or demolition targets. |
| Priming assembly | Four assemblies, each with a 5 ft detonating-cord length and boosters at both ends | Allows the satchel charge to be initiated by blasting cap or by a detonating-cord main. |
| M85 carrying case | One canvas case with shoulder strap and ties | Keeps the charge portable and lets the case be tied to the target before firing. |
TM 43-0001-38 lists the M183 with standard type classification under AMCTCM 5263 dated 1967 and notes that it replaced the earlier M37 charge assembly when M37 stocks were exhausted.
Sources: TM 43-0001-38 Demolition Materials Data Sheets
The Army Program Executive Office Ammunition portfolio book lists the M183 demolition charge assembly with an August 1986 MR date and describes it as 16 M112 C-4 demolition charges with four priming assemblies in an M85 carrying case.
Sources: PEO Ammunition 2017 Portfolio Book
A Department of Defense appropriations hearing record identified the Charge, Demolition Assembly M183 under DODIC M757 as one of the Marine Corps ammunition items below its approved acquisition objective.
Sources: Department of Defense Appropriations for 1998
FY2011 Air Force procurement materials listed M757 charge assemblies at a $650 unit cost.
Sources: FY11 Air Force Procurement Program
Marine Corps ammunition-management procedures directed how to receipt M183/M757 assemblies returned with one or more of their 16 M112 blocks removed.
Sources: MCO 8010.13 Marine Corps Ammunition Management
