What's new
British Ordnance Collectors Network

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

12 x 165 anti tank

SG500

SG500

Well-Known Member
Premium Member
I picked this up at War and Peace this week.
It looks like it was run over by a bus and lived in the ground for 50 years but I'm happy with it.
Its the case for the experimental Czech anti tank rifle.
Does anyone have drawings or decent photos of the projectile that they could post please.
Also, anyone got any clues on how to get dents out of the case?
Thanks.
Dave.

IMG_5535.jpgIMG_5534.jpg
 
Just bumping this thread.
Anyone out there got any ideas on this?
Thanks.
Dave.
 
Dave . To try & get the dents out , we used to fill the cases with sand & then heat them to about 300c , you can then gently tamp a wooden plug into the neck to expand the hot sand & this should push the dents out . Worth a try ! Mike.
 
siegfreid said:
Dave . To try & get the dents out , we used to fill the cases with sand & then heat them to about 300c , you can then gently tamp a wooden plug into the neck to expand the hot sand & this should push the dents out . Worth a try ! Mike.
Click to expand...

Thanks Mike I may just try that on a less rare one first.
When you say 300 degrees C.......would that equate to a reddish glow or would that be too hot?
Dave.
 
Last edited:
Dave . A reddish glow is just right & then you can notch it up a touch if that doesn't work but keep it under 500c . Mike
 
The brass appears to have broken down in places due to being in the ground. I would be wary of heating this case as the heating or cooling could split it.
 
Heating usually is used to anneal (soften) brittle brass. I wonder how the case should crack then. Before attempting any "undenting" it has to be annealed in any case or then it will have a mich higher chance of cracking/splitting.
 
EOD is absolutley correct. Heating it is the only way to anneal it and prevent it from cracking. Old brass will crack when it gets cold or worked without being heated. I've had cases to crack after being sit on a cold concrete floor overnight. Just remember, there is a fine line between it getting dull red and melting...................
 
How about denting some .50cal cases and trying this process on them first?
You wouldn't want to ruin such an unusual case and might end up being better just to leave as is.
Also,any idea if you can unsquash the head?,looks a bit oval.

cheers
Bob
 
kahu1 said:
How about denting some .50cal cases and trying this process on them first?
You wouldn't want to ruin such an unusual case and might end up being better just to leave as is.
Also,any idea if you can unsquash the head?,looks a bit oval.

cheers
Bob
Click to expand...

Hi thanks I agree Bob I'm not going to do this one until I've tested all the good advice on a common 50 cal.
The neck isn't that bad, there is a much larger dent lower down though.
I'll post more photos if/when I get around to doing it.
Dave.
 
Dave, try searching with the code 12 165 BGC 020, it shows about 4 different cartridges of this caliber. Hans
 
Falcon does have a valid point,when brass has been in the ground for some time electrolysis can 'leach out' the zinc from the copper/zinc mix (brass) hence the classic copper appearance or partial appearance of brass recovered from the ground and will react differently heat than brass does

Tony
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top