J. C. Bates,Major-General, Acting Chief of Staff.
Q. Describe the general parts of the throttling-valve and how it operates.
A. The two equalizing-pipes connecting the front and rear of opposite recoil-cylinders have a pipe connecting them; if this pipe is open completely, oil can move freely from the front to the rear of the cylinders. If it be closed partly by a valve called the throttling-valve, much less oil will pass this way. Thus, by regulating the adjustment of this valve, the recoil of the gun is regulated. It is seen that thethrottling-barsworkwiththe throttling-valve. (See Fig. 31.)
Q. How much oil should be removed from recoil-cylinders having the filling-plugs on the top of the cylinders?
A.
12-inch disappearing carriages, all models, 3 gallons.10-inch disappearing carriages, all models, 1½ gallons.8-inch disappearing carriages, all models, 1 gallon.6-inch disappearing carriages, model 1898, ½ gallon.
12-inch disappearing carriages, all models, 3 gallons.
10-inch disappearing carriages, all models, 1½ gallons.
8-inch disappearing carriages, all models, 1 gallon.
6-inch disappearing carriages, model 1898, ½ gallon.
Q. Where new filling-plugs have been inserted explain how the cylinders are filled.
A. For full charges remove the two filling-plugs (one from each cylinder), pour oil into one filling-hole until it flows out of the hole in the other cylinder, wait a moment to allow the oil to settle, and examine for any pocketed air or any temporary obstruction. If necessary, pour in more oil until the oil is observed to be in both cylinders up to the level of the filling-holes, then insert the screw-plugs without removing any oil.
Q. Prior to firing, what should be done to the bore of the gun?
A. Prior to artillery practice the bore, including the powder-chamber, of each piece to be used in practice will be thoroughly cleaned and freed from lubricant before any shot is fired.
Q. How is powder residue removed after firing?
A. After firing the bore may be cleaned by using a sponge covered with burlap well saturated with water. The bore should then be permitted to drain and thoroughly dry before being oiled.
Q. If any rust has accumulated on a bearing part, would you use sandpaper to remove it?
A. The use of sandpaper is forbidden, and emery-cloth No. 1, being coarse enough for any ordinary rusting, should be used, the rust being softened if necessary by kerosene.
Q. Describe the recoil-cylinder for mortars and its action.
RECOIL CYLINDER FOR MORTARS.Fig. 32.
RECOIL CYLINDER FOR MORTARS.Fig. 32.
RECOIL CYLINDER FOR MORTARS.
Fig. 32.
A. Fig. 32. When the mortar is fired, the piston is forced down, causing the piston-head to force oil through the oil-holes shown on the left of Fig 32. This oil passes through the oil-cavity upward and in rear of the piston-head. By opening or closing these oil-passages by withdrawing or inserting different-sized plugs the friction, hence the recoil, can be adjusted.
Note.—For steel mortars model '91 the plugs are as in Fig. 32; that is, from top to bottom: closed, ½, 0, 0, ½, closed, closed. For C. I. mortars '91: c., ½, 0, 0, ¾, c., c. For model '96 c., ½, ¼, 0, ¼.
Q. What are "grease-cups"?
A. Brass cups placed on the trunnions of guns to lubricate or oil the trunnions and trunnion-beds.
Q. How are they filled and adjusted?
A. Fill up to the bevel edge of the cup with the special oil provided by the Ordnance Department. The cup is then put on and screwed down until the plunger sticks out one quarter of an inch. By doing this a spring bearing on the plunger is forced toact, causing the plunger to press upon the oil, forcing it into the grooves and channels cut under the trunnions. The plunger should be kept at this distance (¼") from the cap by screwing down the cap from day to day. When the plunger will no longer be pressed out it is known that no more oil is in the cup, and it should be refilled.
Q. State some rules to be observed in painting guns and carriages.
A. The gun is painted gray, and the carriage olive-green. These are the only colors authorized. The entire surface of the gun is painted except where the console, or tray, touches the gun. Two coats annually are usually allowed.
Bronze trays will not be painted. Steel trays, excepting the upper and front surfaces and guide-rails, will be painted the same color as the gun. No parts of the breech-block or mechanism will be painted. The unpainted surfaces will be kept clean and bright with rottenstone and oil or "Putz-pomade."
All steel and iron non-bearing surfaces, both inside and out, will be painted. This includes the exposed parts of shafts (except squared ends), bottom plate of counterweight, ladders, cross-heads, cranks (not handles), cross-head pawls (except teeth), and large bronze pieces, including web and spokes of wheels and cylinder-heads.
The following parts are not painted: All wearing or bearing surfaces, which includes the handles of hand-wheels and cranks, teeth of all gear-wheels, teeth of cross-head pawls, teeth of cross-heads, elevating-rack guides, rollers and surfaces on which they travel, piston-rods, crosshead-guides, etc.
The bronze sight-holders will not be painted, nor will the azimuth and elevating-scales and pointers and the followers of the stuffing-boxes; these parts will be kept clean and, with the exception of the sight-holders, will also be kept bright with rottenstone and oil or "Putz-pomade."
The raised surfaces of letters and rims of direction and name-plates are to be kept clean and bright; the background of these plates will be painted the same color as the carriage.
Name-plates shall never be removed in painting the carriage. This is prohibited by orders.
Q. How is old paint removed?
A. Dissolve one pound of concentrated lye, powdered form, in six pints of hot water, and slake in enough lime to give the solution the consistency of paint. Use the solution freely mixed, and apply to the parts where paint is to be removed, with a brush preferably, or with waste tied on the end of a stick. When the solution begins to dry on the surface use a scraper to remove the old paint, and complete the cleaning of the surface with a mop and water. If one application is not sufficient to loosen the paint, apply a second coat. Before applying the new coat of paint wash the surface with liquid made by dissolving one half pound of washing-soda in eight quarts of water, and wipe dry. Let stand a sufficient length of time to have all parts thoroughly dry before painting.
Q. Should oil or grease ever be applied to the surfaces of electrical contacts on a gun or carriage?
A. No. Grease or oil acts as an insulator and prevents the current from passing the contacts.
Q. Point out or describe the following parts of a battery: Emplacement, parapet, traverse, parados, exterior slope, interior crest, interior slope, superior slope, interior wall, gun-platform, truck-platform, loading-platform.
A. See Fig. 14.
Q. Explain how to adjust the firing mechanism.
A. Insert the safety bar in the safety-bar notch of the slide housing. Slip the slide housing over the spindle, at the same time inserting the safety bar in its recess in the breech block. Press both home firmly. Slip on the yoke, pressing down until the notch above the ring is just visible. (In this operation it may be necessary further to adjust the spindle if the yoke does not go on completely, and the gas-check pad may have to be flattened for this purpose.)
Put the ejector in place with the ejector raised and the slide stop pulled out. Place the slide in position.
Q. When the weather is freezing what should be done to the recoil-cylinders before firing service charges?
A. A small amount of oil should be taken out and a reduced charge fired, then fill the cylinders and fire full service.
Q. Where should primers and fixed ammunition be kept?
A. Separate place from powder: never in the magazine. Primers should be kept preferably in the ammunition-chests, and fixed ammunition in the shot-room.
Q. How is the weight of a cored shot or plugged shell brought to standard weight?
A. By adding sand mixed with iron filings, water, or sawdust, according to the degree of increase required.
Q. How should throttling-bar bolts be adjusted?
A. First loosen them slightly, scrape away any paint that clogs them, and then tighten them to full limit.
Q. What is a priming-charge, and where is it placed?
A. A small charge of black powder in both front and rear of every section of cartridge.
Q. Should the trunnion-seats of sight-standards be polished? If not, why not?
A. No. Polishing wears away the brass and throws the sight out of adjustment. They should be wiped clean, however.
Q. Is the removal of the name-plates or sight-brackets authorized at any time?
A. No.
Q. How do you test the adjustment of the azimuth indicator?
A. Insert the bore-sights, traverse the gun until the line of sight through the front and rear bore-sights intersects a datum point whose azimuth is known. If the indicator reads this azimuth, the gun is in azimuth.
Q. How do you test the level of a carriage?
A. If the trunnion sight-bracket is correctly adjusted, place the telescopic sight upon it, set the sight and gun at zero elevation, and traverse the carriage to the full limits. If the bubble in thetelescope-level remains stationary, the carriage is level. If not, adjust by turning the leveling-bolts.
Q. How do you distinguish the following powders: Musket, sphero-hexagonal,[1]brown prismatic, black prismatic, and smokeless.
A. Musket is black and very fine grained. Sphero-hexagonal is black and in the shape of a small ball with a six-sided ring around it. Brown prismatic is brown, in the form of a six-sided prism with a hole in the center. All smokeless powder has the appearance of translucent celluloid and smells of ether. This powder grades in size according to the caliber of the gun, and has for large guns a cylindrical form with small holes running lengthwise in it. (See Fig. 33.)
MUSKET.SPHERO-HEXAGONAL.BROWN PRISMATIC.MORTAR.SMOKELESS POWDER.Fig. 33.
MUSKET.SPHERO-HEXAGONAL.BROWN PRISMATIC.MORTAR.SMOKELESS POWDER.Fig. 33.
MUSKET.SPHERO-HEXAGONAL.BROWN PRISMATIC.MORTAR.SMOKELESS POWDER.
Fig. 33.
Note.—The smokeless powder used in the U. S. Coast Artillery is made out of ordinary cotton waste. The process of manufacture is briefly as follows: The cotton waste is first thoroughlywashed, cleaned, picked, and then put through shredding- and cutting-machines. It is then dried in ovens for many hours. It is then placed in pots and a mixture of strong nitric and sulphuric acid is poured over it. It is then washed in running water for many more hours. It is now called "guncotton." It is then dissolved with a mixture of alcohol and ether and put under a hydraulic press. On coming out of the press it looks like yellow gum. It is then forced through different sized dies, and in this shape looks like macaroni. It is then cut into various lengths and sizes, according to the caliber of gun for which it is to be used.
Q. Give the weight of charge, weight of projectile, and initial velocity of the piece to which your company is assigned.
A. See table on page 75. (Ref. Ordnance Department, G. O. 9, W. D. '08.) Slight variations from the requirements of this table will be permitted; but it is desired that these requirements shall be fulfilled as nearly as practicable.
Q. Name the different kinds of primers.
A. Common friction, common electric, obturating friction, obturating electric, and combination electric friction.
Q. Explain the action of the common friction and the obturating friction primer.
A. Its action consists in the friction of a saw-tooth wire being pulled through a portion of mercuric fulminate, which explodes and ignites a small charge of powder in the primer, which in turn ignites the main charge in the gun. (See Figs. 34 and 35.)
Q. Explain the action of the common and obturating electric primer.
A. Two insulated wires entering the primers are joined by a platinum wire. (A little guncotton is sometimes imbedded around the platinum wire.) The current heats the platinum, which ignites a small charge of powder or fulminate, if it be a common electric, in the primer, which ignites the main charge. (See Figs. 36 and 37.)
Table of Charges, Velocities, etc., for Rapid-fire and Seacoast Guns.Weights of projectiles, powder charges, muzzle velocity, and pressure for rapid-fire and seacoast guns, service and practice charges.
Column headings:Col A: 1-pounder Subcaliber Tube.Col B: 18-pounder Subcaliber Tube.Col C: 6-pounder.Col D: 15-pounder, Models of 1891 and 1902.Col E: 15-pounder, Model of 1903.Col F: 4-inch D.-S.Col G: 4·72-inch Armstrong.Col H: 6-inch Armstrong.Col I: 5-inch O. D. Model, of 1897.Col J: 5-inch O. D. Model of 1900.ABCDEFGHIJWeight ofprojectile (lbs.)1·06186151533451065858Weight of charge(lbs.):Smokeless--Nitroglycerin1·25{ 40-7·5}Nitrocellulose[2]2·5[2]71·3556·067·5{45-10·5} 1916·523{50-10·5}{ 40-5·5}Cordite{ 45-8·2} 13·3{ 50-8·2}Brown prismatic12·0Muzzle velocity(f.s.):Smokeless2100750240026002600230026002600{40-2150}Cordite{45-2570} 2150{50-2600}Brown prismatic2000Maximum permissiblepressure (poundsper square inch)25000180003746034000410003400034000340003800036000
Column headings:Col K: 6-inch O. D., Model of 1897 M1.Col L: 6-inch O. D., Model of 1900, 1903, and 1905.Col M: 8-inch.Col N: 10-inch R., Models of 1888 and 1895.Col O: 10-inch R., Models of 1900.Col P: 12-inch R., Models of 1888 and 1895.Col Q: 12-inch R., Model of 1900.Col R: 12-inch M., Models of 1886 and 1886-90 M1.Col S: 12-inch M., Steel Model of 1890 M1.KLMNOPQRSWeight of projectile(lbs.)1061063166046041046104682410468241046Weight of charge(lbs.):Smokeless--Nitrocellulose29·7539·18015520527532533336254Brown prismatic1352804907575105105Muzzle velocity(f.s.):Smokeless2600260022002250225022502250105091013001050Brown prismatic197520252025102090011501020Maximum permissiblepressure (poundsper square inch)3800036000380003800038000380003800027500275003300033000
COMMON FRICTION.Fig. 34.
COMMON FRICTION.Fig. 34.
COMMON FRICTION.
Fig. 34.
OBTURATING FRICTION.Fig. 35.
OBTURATING FRICTION.Fig. 35.
OBTURATING FRICTION.
Fig. 35.
COMMON ELECTRIC.Fig. 36.
COMMON ELECTRIC.Fig. 36.
COMMON ELECTRIC.
Fig. 36.
OBTURATING ELECTRIC.Fig. 37.
OBTURATING ELECTRIC.Fig. 37.
OBTURATING ELECTRIC.
Fig. 37.
Q. Explain the action of the combination electric friction primer.
A. It is a combination of the two above principles, except that in the electric feature there is no return wire in the combination primer. The current comes in through the stem from the copper contacts on the firing mechanisms, heats the platinum, etc., and goes out through the case of the primer to the breech-block of the gun, thence to the trunnion and to the other pole of the firing-battery. This primer is alsoobturating. (Fig. 38.)
Q. What is an obturating-primer?
A. One which prevents the escape of powder-gas through the vent. (It need not necessarily be screwed into the vent.)
Q. What are percussion-primers?
A. Such as are used in fixed ammunition and go off by the snap of the firing-pin. They are commonly calledcaps.
Q. What are high- and low-resistance fuses?
A. A high-resistance fuse is one that requires a high initial velocity to cause the plunger to be released, and is therefore safer in handling. A low-resistance fuse does not require such a high initial velocity to cause it to act. Low-resistance fuses are provided with "safety-wires." (See Fig. 39.)
Q. What fuses are used in the United States service?
A. Frankford Arsenal base percussion, point percussion, and combination. The first two are of either high or low resistance, and vary in size for different calibers of guns. All fuses that are not "centrifugal" have become obsolete for all calibres above 1·65", except the combination fuse, but those on hand will bein serviceuntil used up.
Q. How are fuses inserted to make a tight joint?
A. By putting a special preparation, supplied by the Ordnance Department, on the threads.Never use red lead.
Q. Describe the action of a percussion-fuse and name parts.
A. On firing, the plunger-sleeve is forced to the rear and remains in this position during flight. On striking, the plunger and plunger-sleeve are forced forward and the prick-point of the plunger strikes the fulminate of the fuse; this ignites the priming charge in the fuse, which ignites the charge in the shell (Fig. 39).
Note.—There is a new fuse now prescribed for our artillery called "The Detonating Fuse." No one is permitted to take this fuse apart and its construction is kept secret.
COMBINATION ELECTRIC-FRICTION PRIMER.NOTE: Current comes from the contacts at "A" passes through the platinum wire (heating it) out at "B" and thence to the body at "C" thence to the ground.Fig. 38.
COMBINATION ELECTRIC-FRICTION PRIMER.NOTE: Current comes from the contacts at "A" passes through the platinum wire (heating it) out at "B" and thence to the body at "C" thence to the ground.Fig. 38.
COMBINATION ELECTRIC-FRICTION PRIMER.
NOTE: Current comes from the contacts at "A" passes through the platinum wire (heating it) out at "B" and thence to the body at "C" thence to the ground.
Fig. 38.
FRANKFORD ARSENAL BASE PERCUSSION FUSES.Low.High.aBodybClosing-capcPrimer closing-screwdPrimereTin-foil discfPrimer-shieldgFiring-pin sleevehFiring-pinjSplit-ring springkLocking-groovelBrass-covering discmPercussion-primer compositionnMagazine powder-chargewSafety-wirevVentLow Fuse, Model 1900.Fig. 39.
FRANKFORD ARSENAL BASE PERCUSSION FUSES.Low.High.aBodybClosing-capcPrimer closing-screwdPrimereTin-foil discfPrimer-shieldgFiring-pin sleevehFiring-pinjSplit-ring springkLocking-groovelBrass-covering discmPercussion-primer compositionnMagazine powder-chargewSafety-wirevVentLow Fuse, Model 1900.Fig. 39.
FRANKFORD ARSENAL BASE PERCUSSION FUSES.
Low.High.
aBodybClosing-capcPrimer closing-screwdPrimereTin-foil discfPrimer-shieldgFiring-pin sleevehFiring-pinjSplit-ring springkLocking-groovelBrass-covering discmPercussion-primer compositionnMagazine powder-chargewSafety-wirevVent
Low Fuse, Model 1900.
Fig. 39.
Q. Explain the action of the combination fuse and name parts.
A. Before firing a hole is punched through the hole on the time-cone corresponding to time of flight at which it is desired that the projectile burst. On firing, the time-plunger strikes the firing-pin for the time-train, then the time-train begins to burn from the point where the hole in the cone was made, andat the end of the time of flight the flame reaches the interior of the fuse, thence to the shell. If this fails or it be desired to use the fuse as a percussion-fuse, the action is as in an ordinary percussion-fuse. Combination fuses are now always made with the centrifugal arming device as in percussion. (See Figs. 40 and 42.)
Q. What is a delayed-action fuse?
A. One which does not explode until a short time after striking.
Q. Explain the action of the new centrifugal fuse.
A. This fuse can act only when a rotary motion is given to it. This rotary motion, due to the rotating band, causes the plunger to bulge away from the center into two parts; when these parts separate it is seen from Fig. 41 that the firing-pin takes up a position parallel to the longer axis of the fuse and its point is almost touching the friction composition. When the projectile strikes, the plunger drives the firing-pin into the friction composition. The action is then the same as in the ordinary percussion-fuse. This fuse is therefore perfectly safe to handle, transport, or use. It becomesactiveonly when a high rotary motion is given it. (See Figs. 41 and 42.)
Q. How are drill-primers loaded?
A. Insert a serrated wire with friction-pellet in the body of the primer, hold it in position with the assembling-tool, screw a rear wire or bottom wire (depending on whether it is an old- or new-model vent) fast to the serrated wire, fill with musket-powder, and close with a brass closing-cup, using the assembling-tool.
Q. Name the different kinds of projectiles in the United States service.
A. Solid shot, cored shot, shell, shrapnel, and canister. (See Fig. 43.)
Q. What is the rotating-band and what is its use?
A. The copper band near the base end. It is forced into the grooves of the rifling and causes the projectile to take up a rotary motion to prevent tumbling during flight.
Q. Why are some projectiles capped?
A. Experimental tests have shown that it will penetrate armor-plate deeper than those not capped.
FRANKFORD ARSENAL TIME PERCUSSION OR COMBINATION FUSE. MODEL 1900.aBodyb'Compressed powder-ringbRetaining-ringb2Brass ring}b3Brass cup} Gas-checkb4Felt washer}cTime-traindTime-train coneeCone-covere'Drawn-brass waterproof covere2Soldering-stripfCapgClamping-nuthTime-plungerh'Split-ring springiSafety-pinjConnecting-tubekPowder-chargek'Powder-chamber closing-screwlPercussion-primerl'Tin-foil discsl2Percussion-primer compositionl3Brass cupmConcussion firing-pinnPercussion firing-pin sleeven'Percussion safety-wireoPercussion firing-pinpDowel-pins (2)qStud-pinrConcussion-primer compositionr'Tin-foil discssVents (4)tSplit-ring springwWrench-holeyTin-foil base-coverzBottom closing-screwz'Base-vents (8)z2Locking-grooveFig. 40.
FRANKFORD ARSENAL TIME PERCUSSION OR COMBINATION FUSE. MODEL 1900.aBodyb'Compressed powder-ringbRetaining-ringb2Brass ring}b3Brass cup} Gas-checkb4Felt washer}cTime-traindTime-train coneeCone-covere'Drawn-brass waterproof covere2Soldering-stripfCapgClamping-nuthTime-plungerh'Split-ring springiSafety-pinjConnecting-tubekPowder-chargek'Powder-chamber closing-screwlPercussion-primerl'Tin-foil discsl2Percussion-primer compositionl3Brass cupmConcussion firing-pinnPercussion firing-pin sleeven'Percussion safety-wireoPercussion firing-pinpDowel-pins (2)qStud-pinrConcussion-primer compositionr'Tin-foil discssVents (4)tSplit-ring springwWrench-holeyTin-foil base-coverzBottom closing-screwz'Base-vents (8)z2Locking-grooveFig. 40.
FRANKFORD ARSENAL TIME PERCUSSION OR COMBINATION FUSE. MODEL 1900.
aBodyb'Compressed powder-ringbRetaining-ringb2Brass ring}b3Brass cup} Gas-checkb4Felt washer}cTime-traindTime-train coneeCone-covere'Drawn-brass waterproof covere2Soldering-stripfCapgClamping-nuthTime-plungerh'Split-ring springiSafety-pinjConnecting-tubekPowder-chargek'Powder-chamber closing-screwlPercussion-primerl'Tin-foil discsl2Percussion-primer compositionl3Brass cupmConcussion firing-pinnPercussion firing-pin sleeven'Percussion safety-wireoPercussion firing-pinpDowel-pins (2)qStud-pinrConcussion-primer compositionr'Tin-foil discssVents (4)tSplit-ring springwWrench-holeyTin-foil base-coverzBottom closing-screwz'Base-vents (8)z2Locking-groove
Fig. 40.
Note.—In punching fuse see that pin enters up to shoulder to insure penetration of coned.If fired for percussion-burst, punch at maximum time-setting but do not remove safety-pini.Ignition of time-traincis due to punched hole acting as vent for gases from primer-chargerand compressed powder-ringb.
Note.—In punching fuse see that pin enters up to shoulder to insure penetration of coned.
If fired for percussion-burst, punch at maximum time-setting but do not remove safety-pini.
Ignition of time-traincis due to punched hole acting as vent for gases from primer-chargerand compressed powder-ringb.
FRANKFORD ARSENAL CENTRIFUGAL FUSES. BASE FUSE "S".BEFORE ARMING. AFTER ARMING.Fig. 41.
FRANKFORD ARSENAL CENTRIFUGAL FUSES. BASE FUSE "S".BEFORE ARMING. AFTER ARMING.Fig. 41.
FRANKFORD ARSENAL CENTRIFUGAL FUSES. BASE FUSE "S".
BEFORE ARMING. AFTER ARMING.
Fig. 41.
Q. What is the difference between shrapnel and canister?
A. Shrapnel is composed of a number of spherical balls in a cast-iron case, of the usual shape of a projectile, and has a bursting-charge in either the point or the base to scatter these balls. Canister is in a cylindrical case and has no bursting-charge. Shrapnel has a point combination fuse and is thus readily distinguished from all other projectiles. (See Fig. 43.)
Q. What is the difference between cored shot and shell?
A. Cored shot have hollowed centers, as also have shell, but in the latter the hollow is much larger. Owing to the recent manufacture of a suitable bursting-charge, cored shot can be filled with it and used the same as shell.
Q. What is the general color of the main body of all projectiles?
A. Black.
Q. How is the kind of metal of which it is composed marked?
A. By a painted band around the center, half-caliber wide.
Q. How is the degree of armor-piercing capacity marked?
A. By a greater or lesser portion of the head being painted with the color representing the metal of the projectile.
Q. How is the interior bursting-charge marked?
A. By a distinct color around the base below the rotating-band.
Q. Give the colors for the following metals:
1. Forged steel.A.1. Blue-gray.2. Cast steel.2. Brownish gray.3. Cast iron.3. Olive-green.4. Chilled iron.4. Light olive-green.
Q. Give the colors for the following bursting-charges:
1. Gunpowder.A.1. Bright red.2. Maximite.2. Brown.3. Explosive D.3. Yellow.
FRANKFORD ARSENAL 21-SECOND COMBINATION FUSE. (Centrifugal.)EXTERIORBEFORE ARMINGAFTER ARMINGFig. 42.
FRANKFORD ARSENAL 21-SECOND COMBINATION FUSE. (Centrifugal.)EXTERIORBEFORE ARMINGAFTER ARMINGFig. 42.
FRANKFORD ARSENAL 21-SECOND COMBINATION FUSE. (Centrifugal.)
EXTERIORBEFORE ARMINGAFTER ARMING
Fig. 42.
PROJECTILES.SOLID SHOT CAST IRON.CORED SHOT.SHELL.FIXED AMMUNITION.SHRAPNEL.Fig. 43.
PROJECTILES.SOLID SHOT CAST IRON.CORED SHOT.SHELL.FIXED AMMUNITION.SHRAPNEL.Fig. 43.
PROJECTILES.
SOLID SHOT CAST IRON.
CORED SHOT.
SHELL.
FIXED AMMUNITION.
SHRAPNEL.
Fig. 43.
Q. How are the interiors of shells coated?
A. With a special varnish furnished by the Ordnance Department.
Q. How are canister painted?
A. Black all over.
Q. How are shrapnel painted?
A. The whole body black, with a band of bright red on the head below the fuse to indicate front charge, or on the cylindrical portion of the body in rear of the copper band to indicate base charge, depending on which class—base or front charge—it is.
Q. How are shrapnel distinguished from shell?
A. By the combination point fuse, which is always used with shrapnel.
Q. What is meant by fixed ammunition?
A. That in which the powder-charge and projectile are fixed; as examples, the ammunition for small-arm pieces and that for the 6-pdr. R.F. gun (which is made in the same way, only of a larger size), the powder being contained in a brass case, the projectile being fastened to the end of the brass case and a percussion-primer or cap being in the base of the same. (See Fig. 43.)
Q. Name the principal parts of a projectile.
A. The main body, the head, the bourrelet, the point, the base, and the rotating-band. (See Fig. 43.)
Q. In what kinds of projectiles are fuses used?
A. Shell, cored shot, and shrapnel.
Q. What is the rotating-band made of?
A. Copper.
Note.—Recent experiments have shown the superiority of a wider and heavier band. This new band will in all probability soon be adopted.
Q. Give some instructions for filling shell.
A. Unscrew and remove the plug from the shell. Place the filling-rod in the bag and fold the latter round the rod; insert it through the plug-hole, taking care not to force the end of the rod through the bottom of the bag; carefully push in the bag until the neck only is in the plug-hole, a portion being kept outside, asthe whole bag must not be allowed to slip into the shell during the operation of filling; then withdraw the rod and insert the funnel into the neck of the bag, pressing the funnel well down into the plug-hole; pass the filling-rod through the funnel and gradually pour in a small quantity of the powder (say about half the charge); take out the funnel and rod, lift up the bag and jerk it, so as to "set" the powder well down to the bottom and to open the bag; then reinsert the funnel and rod as before, and continue the filling; choke the bag and cut off the superfluous choke. The filling-rod should be moved up and down while pouring in the powder, to facilitate its passage through the funnel, the powder in the shell being tamped on at the same time. The use of a large mallet against the side of the shell (any piece of wood will answer the same purpose) will materially assist in getting the maximum amount of powder into the shell.
When the shell is quite full withdraw the funnel and filling-rod, and tie the neck of the bag with two hitches of twine close to the top of the plug-hole. Cut off the superfluous choke, and push the neck of the bag well down the plug-hole into the shell, then screw in the plug as required.
Lead rings are supplied for the armor-piercing shell. The ring is hammered into the recess round the head of the plug, and the superfluous metal removed.
No preparation of the bag by pricking or otherwise is necessary.
Q. Suppose a projectile when weighed on a scale comes to 1044 lbs. and that it has a blue-gray head and a blue-gray band around its center of gravity, and below the copper band it is painted yellow; state what gun it is for, what kind of a projectile it is (whether a shell or solid shot), what it is made of, and if a shell, what is inside of it.
A. It is an armor-piercing shell for a 12-inch gun; it is made of forged steel, and is filled with explosive "D."
Q. What are shell and cored shot filled with?
A. Maximite, explosive "D," and rarely gunpowder.
Q. Why should shell always be coated carefully with a lacquer or varnish before being filled?
A. Because some of the explosives now used to fill shell, though perfectly stable and harmless in themselves, become very sensitive explosives when exposed to steel or iron. The slightest friction will sometimes detonate them.
Q. Why is red lead or white lead prohibited on fuse-threads?
A. Because, as with iron, some shell-fillers change into extremely sensitive explosives on contact with lead.
Q. Why should all fixed ammunition and primers be stored separately from magazines containing powder?
A. Because they are liable to explode by dropping or breaking, etc., and the shock of one primer or charge exploding might explode the whole magazine.
Q. Should rubber shoes be worn in magazines?
A. Yes.
Q. Why?
A. Because there are always priming-charges of black powder in every section of smokeless powder, and powder-dust from these might fill the air when opening cases, and a spark from a nail in a shoe on the concrete floor would ignite it. There is also a remote chance of the vapor of ether from the new smokeless powder exploding when in combination with the air.
Rubber matting on magazine floors would be best.