Quote:
Originally Posted by tlturbo
I saw something in Rusty's cool diagraham above that I would like some clarification on.
In the middle at the top, it says
Aluminum Powder Tank
Full Service Charges
(3) 110 lb bags per tank
Up to 2 tanks may be
required (660 lbs)
for a full service shot
Was a full service shot 3 or 6 110 lb bags? What was the load using the reduced 55 lb bags. Why did you need reduced charge powder bags if you sould just cut back on the full charge bags? OR could you load various combinations of both bags to get different velocities?
Also, was the powder required for a full service shot the same for both shells? The AP is 800 lbs heavier - did it take more powder?
Terry
|
A full service shot is 6 (110lb.) bags for the AP projectile. That is what gives it the velocity it needs to both reach and penetrate its target.
The reduced service charge was utilized in the HE projectile. It did not require the penetration that the AP round did since primarily used for shore bombardment or to scatter troop movements and some softer targets.
The reduced service charge (55lb) is packed differently then the full service change in the canisters. More to one canister then the full charges.
I have not heard of the bags being mixed in any fashion with exception to testing. From what I have read the reduced charge tended to roll in the barrel chamber and not sit uniform (end on end if you would) and there by create a danger to the primer exaust port and not burn uniformly. This could cause the rifle to explode like a peeled bannana if you would or a backflash in the barrel.
One reason that you would not mix the charges is that by mixing you would have opened both canisters (1) 110lb & (1) 55lb of powder. This releases the agents (either & alcohol) that they are packed in keeping them preserved. Once the bags hit the air they can dry out the bags making them alot more explosive instead of slow burning making the chances of a gun explosion that much more possible.
Hope this helps.
I will look further and see what I can find on these reports.