Originally posted by Ken_NJ
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1)When was the last time that 16 inch shells and powder charges for the Iowa class manufactured?
Powder was re-manufactured in the 1980's according to sources aboard BB64 in 1991, new projectile types were introduced in this time frame as well, including the cargo projectiles with multiple bomblets
2)Where were they manufactured?
Not sure, that would take more digging - I remember seeing some good documentation on Eugene Slover's page about the equipment that pressed the copper bands on the projectiles.
3)Since the Iowa's have been stricken from the naval register and there is no chance they will see service again, is the navy still storing surplus shells?
Not sure, the Navy doesn't publish details of ammunition storage that I am aware of, it is possible that they have some. Since the projectiles themselves are very stable - there would probably not be any hurry to get rid of them
4)Could any existing shells be dated as far back as the 40's?
Yes, it is possible, WWII vintage shells were used in the first Gulf war - though they were re-certified and probably had new fuses. As I understood existing stocks of projectiles were not depleted
http://www.eugeneleeslover.com/USN-G...D-TESTING.html
http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNUS_16-50_mk7.htm
http://www.eugeneleeslover.com/USN-G...SN-POWDER.html
http://www.eugeneleeslover.com/USNAV...II-PAGE-1.html
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