This Standard describes the requirements for the supply and inspection of steel for shell bodies and proof shot used in the as-forged, as-rolled or normalized, hardened and tempered condition. The supply conditions have been rationalised to reflect current and future requirements by the deletion of Cold Drawn and Lead Bearing steels.

Both ingot and continuously cast steel are covered by the Standard. Notwithstanding this, continuously cast steel may not be used for live ammunition unless specifically agreed by the Project Manager.

A schedule of compositions and properties of the steels is contained in Tables 1, 2 and 3.

Conditions which may be demanded when the steel is required for use in specialized forging plant are contained in ANNEX A.

With the exception of units for Izod impact values (for which, in agreement with current BSI practice, imperial units are being retained), metric units are used throughout the specification and, where quoted, shall be regarded as standard.