Keyes Self Rotating Bullet

[John P]

Attached are a some photos of what I'm told are Keyes Self Rotating Bullets (thanks Fede). That is about as much as I know, can anyone shed some more light on these items? The first two are the same item, the writing actually says Keyes Self Rotating. The third is a another slightly smaller example without the paper covering the base.

 

[Bullet Mick]

From what I understand these were designed for smooth bore muskets and used the propellant gasses to act on the internal spiral to create rotation like in a rifled barrel. Hope this helps Mick.

 

[John P]

Mick, Thanks for this

 

[Falcon]

I remember seeing these on the IAA forum. Is there any conclusive evidence that it actually worked? I have hard time believing that it did, but wouldn't mind being proven wrong.

 

[Bullet Mick]

Falcon im thinking the same I cannot see it having much effect if the bullet is a tight fit in the bore. If it were not and under sized then I think any gain trying to rotate the bullet to improve accuracy would be lost by the fact of it rattling down the barrel. Im no expert though and would interested if anyone else has any info or ideas. Cheers Mick.

 

[John P]

I tend to agree with Bullet Mick, I can't see how spin would be produced within the barrel. I'm no expert in ballistics but I suppose just as the bullet left the barrel there might be a very short period when the internal shape of the bullet and the propellant gases could cause a small amount of spin to be it could induced. Anyone else got any ideas?