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40mm test projectile.
- Thread starter SG500
- Start date
ordman
Well-Known Member
Hey guys
If i were to venture a guess as to wha it is
I'd guess some type of test sabot for a high velocity penitrator
The shape and the fact that it has a flanged nose with the holes for air disruption
would seem to point in that direction
Maybe a scaled down experimental ballistic test for a penitrator carrier
If i were to venture a guess as to wha it is
I'd guess some type of test sabot for a high velocity penitrator
The shape and the fact that it has a flanged nose with the holes for air disruption
would seem to point in that direction
Maybe a scaled down experimental ballistic test for a penitrator carrier
Dave,
You have a puzzle there. I'm seeing what looks like threads in the base. I'm thinking it could be a tool for measuring bore wear, or something like that, and perhaps a ram is screwed into that threaded area. The white area that would normally be for a rotating band, looks oversize or out of proportion for rotating band design. The unfinished nature of the top end and the holes also are a puzzle. Not sure if the holes are to lower the weight for an actual firing, or to let air past when going down the barrel. Definitely uncommon.
Have yiou definitely identified it as a projectile? It could be a hydraulic pusher or something like that, with the holes provding a means to let the oil get back close to the seal.
You have a puzzle there. I'm seeing what looks like threads in the base. I'm thinking it could be a tool for measuring bore wear, or something like that, and perhaps a ram is screwed into that threaded area. The white area that would normally be for a rotating band, looks oversize or out of proportion for rotating band design. The unfinished nature of the top end and the holes also are a puzzle. Not sure if the holes are to lower the weight for an actual firing, or to let air past when going down the barrel. Definitely uncommon.
Have yiou definitely identified it as a projectile? It could be a hydraulic pusher or something like that, with the holes provding a means to let the oil get back close to the seal.
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Thanks Hazord, no I don't know for sure if it is a projectile but it does feel right. The band may look oversized in the photos but it rotates just like you'd expect on an APFSDS, I have 30mm Rarden APFSDS projectiles with drive bands which rotate just like this one.
The base isn't threaded but is machined as is the inside with a step profile (3 steps).
Regarding the holes, I've photographed an SG113A German 77mm recoilless projectile for comparison, yes the holes are bigger on the SG but its the same idea, obviously to let air past the forward part of the projectile. As with the SG113A this projectile obviously doesn't deform or squeeze.
You may be right, it could be its the end of a tool that pushes into the barrel. That's what I like about this hobby, sometimes you get something you've not got a clue about (if you remember your 37mm pre engraved rounds) and then all of a sudden someone comes up with the answer - sometimes years later.:tinysmile_eyebrow_t
Dave.
Well Dave, one conclusion you can draw from the rough machining in some areas and the fine machining in other areas, is that the rough areas aren't important, so nothing goes into the stepped bore in the base. I'm thinking that was to make it lighter. It is the wrong material to be a sabot, but they might have wanted to simulate the weight of a complete round, but the stepped bore in the base gives a wrong profile for a proper pressure test. Also, there doesn't seem to be any groove for crimping into a case.