40mm L70 Case That Isn't a 40mm L70 Case: 40x278

[oldshotandshell]

Gentlemen - I've seen a few of these cases over the years but have never been able to find out what they were for. Case measurement is 40x278 and headstamps have always been '40/70 Mk1 LOT8 RLB 1956'. This particular case appears to have a blackened front end. I've also seen a shorter variant measuring 40x237. Any information/identification would be appreciated...

 

[tomsk]

blackened front end probably from annealing process prior to re necking

 

[bdgreen]

From: A GUIDE TO THE IDENTIFICATION AND RSEARCH OF BIG BORE AMMUNITION, 20MM TO 80CM, 2nd edition, RCJ Cartridges-

40x278mmR = M49 clearing round for the 40mm L/60. So this case started out as a L/70 case and was latter converted to a clearing round case?

Brian

 

[kiwieod]

the bofors L70 case has a different extractor rim than the L60 case so it wouldn't fit in the L60 gun.clearing rounds have the same profile as the original case.this looks like it has been necked down for some sort of experiment.

 

[kahu1]

Are you sure its 40mm ,not 42mm?. Could be one of the 'Red Queen' rounds?

 

[Tony Williams]

Rim diameters:

Bofors 40mm L60 = 61.8 mm
Bofors 40mm L70 = 65.0 mm
Oerlikon 42 x 348 mm 421 RK (British "Red King") = 70.0 mm
British 42 x 270 mm "Red Queen" = 81.2 mm

From the Ammo Data Tables on my website.

 

[SG500]

Gentlemen - I've seen a few of these cases over the years but have never been able to find out what they were for. Case measurement is 40x278 and headstamps have always been '40/70 Mk1 LOT8 RLB 1956'. This particular case appears to have a blackened front end. I've also seen a shorter variant measuring 40x237. Any information/identification would be appreciated...

View attachment 121370View attachment 121368View attachment 121369

You may find its 42mm not 40mm.
Definitely not red queen.
See link below. I realise the purple projectile on the link below fits inside the case and says 40mm on it, the rear of the driving band had an extension on it (I used to own the round). I was never sure if the proj went with the case but it came from a good source.
Dave.
http://www.bocn.co.uk/vbforum/threads/4288-42mm-Red-Queen-anti-aircraft?highlight=red+queen

 

[oldshotandshell]

Thank you Gentlemen. The link above ties these threads nicely together. I've re-checked the calibre of the case and it is 42mm.

 

[Quatermass]

From: A GUIDE TO THE IDENTIFICATION AND RSEARCH OF BIG BORE AMMUNITION, 20MM TO 80CM, 2nd edition, RCJ Cartridges-

40x278mmR = M49 clearing round for the 40mm L/60. So this case started out as a L/70 case and was latter converted to a clearing round case?

Brian

I have a WW2 dated shortened L60 case 41x279R ink marked EXPULSION, it seems to match the case in your description.

 

[27MMNUTTER42]

Now for sale on quickfire if anyone wants it