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According to Hackley, Woodin and Scranton (History of Modern U.S. Military Small Arms Ammunition), in early 1944 the U.S. Army intended to issue standard hollow point .22 LR for use by the Air Force (the USAAF - the USAF did not yet exist) in a survival rifle. Concerns about the Hague convention caused that idea to be rejected, and work began on a FMJ .22 LR, which became the T42. Remington was given a production contract and started work in Sept 1944, ultimately producing some 3 million rounds, including 1.5 million rounds for the OSS for use in silenced pistols.
The continued demand led the Army to standardize the round as the M24. The production round used a 40.5 grain bullet at 1275 fps at 25.5 feet. The jacket is smooth, with no grooves or steps. Total production of the M24 is not indicated. T42 cartridges were packed in white boxes; M24 rounds were packed in commercial boxes which were sealed in foil lined paper with the military designation.
I have seen several of the FMJ .22 rounds, but they are scarce today in spite of what would seem a fairly high production.
Jim
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