Handbook for Light ArtilleryDyer, A. B. (Alexander Brydie)
History
Handbook for Light Artillery
Dyer, A. B. (Alexander Brydie)
Artillery, Field and mountain
The =Ammunition= consists of a cartridge-case containing the
powder-charge, and the projectile. The drawn metal cartridge-case
(Fig. 16) is of brass, and is drawn from the solid metal to shape.
It is reinforced at the base by inside and outside cups of the same
metal. The head is fastened to the base by brass rivets, which clamp
the case, cups, and head solidly together. A vent is pierced through
the head of the cartridge, and five eccentric-fire holes through
the reinforcing-cups. Between the reinforcing-cups is held an iron
obturator. The jet of flame from the primer, entering the vent, lifts
the obturator and forces its way through the fire-holes to the charge.
The charge being ignited, the pressure of the gas immediately forces
back the obturator and seals the vent.
The =Charge= consists of 14 oz. I. K. granular powder. In order to
vary the charge the ammunition is made in two parts, viz., projectile
and cartridge-case. The cartridge is put into the metallic case in two
half-charges, in bags, so that one may be removed if desired.
The vent of the cartridge is sealed with a thin coating of wax.
The =Common Shell= (Fig. 17) is of the cylindro-ogival pattern, with a
copper band, and is fitted with a point percussion-fuze. It contains a
bursting-charge of about 6.3 ounces (180 grammes) of fine-grain powder.
[Illustration: FIG. 17.]
[Illustration: FIG. 18.]
[Illustration: FIG. 19.]
The =Shrapnel= (Fig. 18) is made of cast iron. It consists of a body to
which the head is attached by three copper rivets. The bursting-charge
of about 1¾ ounces of fine-grain powder is contained in a chamber
in the base, which is brought into communication with the fuze by
a central igniting-tube. The shrapnel is loaded with 160 hardened
balls packed in sulphur. These projectiles are transported plugged,
the combined time and percussion fuze being inserted at the moment of
action.
The =Canister= (Fig. 19) consists of a thin brass envelope, which is
lined with six wrought-iron segments. The head is of wood, and is
fitted with a false point to bring it to the same length as the common
shell. On the body is an annular stop to prevent inserting too far into
the cartridge-case. The canister contains 125 hardened lead balls.
The common shell are painted black, the shrapnel red, and the canister
are unpainted.
ACCESSORIES AND SPARE PARTS.
The following accessories and spare parts are supplied with each gun,
carriage, and limber:
GUN.
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