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 SECOND REPORT 
 
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 ASSEMBLED AT AUGUSTA, GEORGIA, 
 
 IS.v Special Orders No. 278, Head Quarters Dcii't S. ('., Ga. & Fla„ 
 dated December 19th, 1863, for the purpose of determining 
 the proper Charges for Heavy Guns, the highest allow- 
 able angles of Elevation, and other matters con- 
 neeled with the service of Artillery in general. 
 
 2k 
 
 iiii' first or partial Report of the Board, referred directly to the 
 proper forms an<l weights of projectiles, and their service charges, as 
 deduced from existing facts and the practice of service; but many 
 points intimately related with the above were left undetermined, on 
 account of the want of experimental data. Artillery of very large 
 calibre being brought into the service of war for the first time during 
 the present revolution, and heavy riHc artillery being previously un- 
 known in military operations, several important points, relating to 
 their proper use in service, have heretofore necessarily been left unde- 
 termined. For the investigation of these matters, a scries of experi- 
 ments were instituted at the Augusta Arsenal, with the approbation 
 fif the Chief of Ordnance, and the Board was reassembled by its 
 President to witness and assist in these experimental researches: 
 
 Some of the results attained from the above have been omitted in 
 this Report as, although useful and interesting to the service in general, 
 they have only a partial relation to the subject matter of the service 
 of artillery. 
 
 The several propositions are placed under the head of questions, and 
 'In- deductions from the series of experiments instituted in each case 
 follow as their answers. After these, a few miscellaneous general 
 facts, interesting to the artillery service, arc appended as deduction,;, 
 from the series of experiments. 
 
 The Board reassembled at the Augusta Arsenal, March '_"_'(/, 1864, 
 and w»'ic about four weeks, more or less, engaged in daily experiments. 
 
 
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 The guns made use of in thre trials were : First, a 3 Inch rifle and 
 banded iron pin, carrying ;i shell of 7.1 lbs. weigbl : Second, a bronze 
 6 pounder; Third, a 12 pounder Napoleon ; and Fourth, a 7 inch 
 Colunibiad, carrying a bolt of one calibre in length, with a windage 
 of .05 inch and weighing Go lbs. 
 
 This bolt, at its end nearest the charge, had a recess about \] inches 
 broad, which was wrapped with lubricated cloth, and thus tbe bolt 
 fitted the bore of the gun practically without windage, and corres- 
 ponded more nearly to a rifle gun. 
 
 In connection with the above, and for the purpose of obtaining the 
 initial velocities and corresponding pressures on the bores of the guns 
 at each discharge, the following instruments were employed : First, an 
 electro ballistic ntachine of two pendulums, on the principle of Capt. 
 Benton's, but somewhat modified and improved ; Second, a pressure 
 piston, arranged after the plan of Capt. Rodman, but using a composi- 
 tion of type metal and lead, in place of copper disks. This change is 
 regarded as decidedly more reliable and convenient. 
 
 The dimensions of this instrument coincide in all respects with thai 
 used by Capt, Hodman in his experiments. The method of determin- 
 ing the pressure was to remove the block of composition metal from 
 the piston housing, carefully lifting it from the steel cutter after the 
 discharge, and reversing the same block so as to bring its hack on the 
 cutter, and then subjecting it to pressure by means of a heavy iron 
 lever, until a cut was made of the same length as that produced by the 
 force of the charge. The dimensions of the lever, and weights added, 
 afforded the data for a near approximation to the true pressures experi- 
 enced on each square inch of the bore at the moment of inflammation 
 of the charge. 
 
 The wire targets of the electro ballistic machine were placed 70 feet 
 apart in all the experiments, with one exception, which will be referred 
 to at the proper time. The muzzles of the smaller guns were 20 feet 
 from the first target, and of the 7 inch Colunibiad 30 feet, to avoid the 
 force of the blast. It will he seen, from the table of firings, that the 
 initial velocities given by the above instrument coincide with those 
 g^ven by the rifle and ballistic pendulums for the same charges. 
 
 The charges of powder were accurately weighed, by means of a 
 delicate balance, and proper cafe taken in each case that the conditions 
 should be alike in comparative trials. 
 
 The experiments were divided into scries — each set for the determi- 
 nation of some point connected with the service of artillery, and the 
 trials were continued in each case until the Board was satisfied as to 
 the results. The scries will be taken up in the same order as they 
 occurred, and each discussed on its own merits, ami at the end of the 
 report a condensed tabic; of the more important data of the firings will 
 he appended. 
 
 First Question. — What size of grain corresponding l<> a given 
 density should be given to Gunpowder far Artillery purposes^ 
 
 To determine the above, Gunpowder made at Raleigh, and at 
 Columbia for the Navy were employed, as well as different kinds 
 received from Europe-, ami those manufactured at the Government 
 
3 
 
 ~$ 
 Powdev Works near Augusta. The average gravimetric densities of 
 the Cannon Powders were as follows : 
 
 Navy 1025 
 
 Raleigh : 1026 
 
 Foreign 875 
 
 Power Works 914 
 
 *Dupont's, U. S 919 
 
 *Hazard's, U. S 924 
 
 *Waltham Abbey, (English Government Powder) 872 
 
 * French War Department Powder 804 
 
 ♦These Powders were not experimented with — none to be had. Taken from 
 Mordecai's Report on Gunpowder. 
 
 The specific gravity of each description of Gunpowder would have 
 been a more accurate representation of their comparative densities, but 
 such was not attainable ; and the gravimetric densities given in the 
 table, are sufficiently near approximations for the purpose proposed. 
 Tt will be seen from it that the Navy and Raleigh Powders are very 
 dense, and hence afforded good opportunity to compare such kinds of 
 Powder with those of a less density. The results of such trials will be 
 ft mnd in the tables annexed to this Report, as also those relating to 
 the comparison of "Mill Cake" and "pressed" Powders, and the 
 comparative strengths of grained and mealed powders, and of their 
 mixtures. 
 
 From the above series of experiments the following facts were 
 deduced, viz: 
 
 First — The density of Gunpowder, resulting from more or less com- 
 plete pulverization of its ingredients, the time consumed in their 
 incorporation, and the subsequent pressure of the damp mass, should 
 not exceed 950 ounces to the cubic foot for Cannon Powders. An 
 increase of this density cannot be fully compensated by fineness of 
 grain, even when carried to an extreme. 
 
 Second. — The most perfect intermixture of the ingredients appears 
 to be in the " Mill Cake," which if broken up cannot afterwards be 
 restored by pressure, since the former operation has a tendency to 
 disturb the intimate association of the lighter and heavier particles, 
 and thus cause a partial separation which simple pressure cannot 
 restore. Hence that the requisite density should be obtained by 
 working the mass of ingredients together, and not by means of pres- 
 sure. In other words, all Cannon Powder should be made directly 
 from " Mill Cake " of the required density, and not from cake formed 
 by pressing Meal Powder or Powder Dust. Steaming the mixed 
 ingredients of Gunpowder before incorporation appears to make a 
 superior Powder in much less time. 
 
 Third. — The dust formed in the manufacture of powder has about £ 
 of the strength of the powder from which it is derived, when used for 
 artillery charges, hence it may be used for such purpose when grain 
 powder cannot be had. The dry dust formed by the mixture of the 
 ingredients of Gunpowder in the rolling barrels which has never been 
 subjected to moisture, is not a true Gunpowder composition, since the 
 pores of the charcoal have not been tilled with the saltpetre, which can 
 only be done by a more or less partial solution of that salt. 
 
Fourth. — A raixtun irge :i proportion as one-hajf of dust 
 
 ■t materially to affect the strength of Gunpowder, hence a 
 dusty powder is no Sign of its inferior strength. 
 
 Fifth. — The size of grain of Gunp »wder has an important bearing 
 in the service of heavy artillery; it' the grains b i too small the -train 
 on the gun is greatly increased, with no oding increase irf 
 
 initial velocity ov range to the projectile. 
 
 Sixth. — A mixture of large and small grain ]> »wder appears to burn 
 up in the laige charges tor heavy artillery as ir' composed entirely of 
 tne smaller size of grain, hence such mixtures are hazardous for service 
 charges. Thus a mixture <>f one-half large cannon ami one-half small 
 cannon in a cartridge weighing 8 pounds, packed and fitting the bore 
 of the 7 inch earn, with a 0.5 pounds holt, without windage, gave the 
 enormous pressure of 120,000 pounds to the square inch at the moment 
 discharge. The same charge, under precisely the same circum- 
 stances, of large cannon powder alone, (grains A inch) gave a mean 
 pressure of 80,000 pounds. 
 
 Seventh. — A Gunpowder made of proper proportions of nitre and 
 charcoal, without sulphur, is hut little inferior to good powder of the 
 usual composition. Thus 65 grains of Gunpowder incorporated three 
 hours gave 1057 feet initial velocity, whilst the same weight of the 
 nitre and charcoal powder, under the same circumstances, gave 990 
 feet. 
 
 Eighth. — A charge of eight pounds large cannon powder, grains .0 
 inch in diameter, made from "mill cake,'? and having a gravimetric 
 density of about Ol'O, with a holt weighing 05 pounds, without windage, 
 was entirely consumed in the seven inch gun, none of the grains being 
 thrown out unburned. 
 
 Ninth. — A similar charge in all respects, except that the powdcf 
 had been subjected to hydraulic pressure, with a gravimetric density 
 of about 1000, on being fired, several of the grains were thrown against 
 the screen of boards in front of the gun, apparently without having 
 taken fire at all by the discharge. 
 
 Tenth. — The air space, in connection with a charge of powder, ena- 
 bles us to use a much larger grain. Thus an air space of one-half 
 calibre, in the 7 inch gun, with the 65 pounds boit, enables a charge 
 of 10 pounds of powder to be entirely consumed within the gun, 
 whose grains were from .75 to .90 in diameter, and 36 of which 
 weighed one pound. Gravimetric density about 930. 
 
 Second Question. — M'Tiat advantage, if any, results from the em- 
 ployment of Air Sjmces for the partial expansion of the inflamed 
 gases of the charge, and if advantageous, what should be their dimensions, 
 and xohere located ^ 
 
 To determine the above over one hundred trials were made, with 
 the guns named, but mainly with the 7 inch Columbiad, with air spaces 
 of different dimensions, from 1-10 part of a calibre to 1:5 calibres in 
 extent. In each case the initial velocities and pressures were carefully 
 taken, the mean results of which — in the more important cases — will 
 be found in the appended tabular statements. 
 
 In making these experiments the charges were packed into paper 
 cartridges, tilting the Lore, or with a certain less diameter, so that the 
 
influence of the actual amount of air space might be certainly made in 
 each case. It being plain to see that the intervals between the grains 
 of powder — the latter being in a . more or less compact condition — 
 would in themselves constitute an element to be taken into considera- 
 tion ; thus a service charge for a heavy gun may be settled in the 
 cartridge so as to occupy from ^ inch to 1 inch less space in length 
 than when loosely poured in, hence in the trials the powder was closely 
 packed in each cartridge. 
 
 The following facts were deduced from the trials, viz : 
 
 First. — Air spaces, properly proportioned to the charge of powder, 
 greatly diminish the strain on guns, without loss of i initial velocity or 
 range, and hence are of great importance in the service of heavy artil- 
 lery especially. 
 
 Thus 8 pounds of large cannon powder (grains .4 inch diameter) 
 packed into a cartridge lifting the bore of the 7 inch gun, with a bolt 
 of 05 pounds, without windage, gaVe a mean pressure of 80,000 pounds 
 to the square inch, whilst a similar charge in all respects of 10 pounds 
 of the same powder, with an air space of I- calibre, gave a mean pres- 
 of 49,431 pounds; the addition of one pound weight of charge, (11 
 pounds of powder) whose grains were from .75 to .00 inch, with same 
 air space, gave a mean pressure of 24,717 pounds, the same initial 
 velocity being had in each case. 
 
 Second. — Retaining the service pressure on the bore of the gun, 
 increased velocity can be given to the projectile by the addition of a 
 proper quantity of powder to the charge, by the use of the principle of 
 the air space. 
 
 Third. — Air spaces of about one-half the calibre of the gun appear 
 the most advantageous., with an addition to the service charge of about 
 one-fourth of the weight of powder. Larger air spaces give the same 
 results of pressure, but require larger charges of powder to maintain 
 the velocity, hence no advantage appear&tobe gained beyond the limil 
 specified. 
 
 The service charge is understood to mean a given amount of the 
 proper size of grain powder placed in a cartridge fitting the bore of the 
 gun, and closely parked, with a square end to the cartridge next to the 
 projectile, and the latter, if of the rifle kind, rammed well home, to 
 cause the cup to pass over the end of the charge, so as to avoid a par- 
 tial air space; or, if a round shot be used, that it shall have a proper 
 sabot attached to it. 
 
 The above charge, when fired as above arranged, to give a mean 
 pressure not exceeding that which in service is regarded as safe for the 
 description of gun under trial. To ascertain this pressure in any 
 required calibre or gun, let it be loaded as usual, and by means of the 
 pressure piston ascertain the mean pressure of several fires. Having 
 thus ascertained the service charge as above defined — which it will 
 readily be seen will be in general less than that usually employed — 
 add one-fourth of its weight for an air space of X- calibre. By this 
 means the strain on the gun will be reduced to less than one-half of 
 that due to the service charge, without loss of velocity or range. 
 
 The Board have thus indicated the proper method to be pursued in 
 arriving at the proper charges Por all descriptions of heavy artillery. 
 
 The want of a gun of each cable.' to experiment with, is the reason 
 
why the charges themselves have not been determined, and such data 
 would then have formed a part of this Report, which would have, in 
 such case, been final. 
 
 A> the foregoing determination requires the use only of the pressure 
 piston, which can be attached without injury to the gan orguns at any 
 ponvenient battery, it is respectfully recommended that authority be 
 given to the Board to make use of such guns as may be selected for 
 the above purpose, and thus enable the Board to complete its labors 
 in a satisfactory manner. 
 
 Fourth. — The air space would be most convenient as an air cham- 
 ber in rear of the charge, or, in other words, like the chambers of 
 Howitzers; but in the guns now in service the same end may be 
 arrived at by diminishing the diameters of the cartridges, by passing 
 sticks through their centres with projecting ends, or by means of tin- 
 devise of the hollow cartridge, or by using a cross of light boards, 
 joined at right angles and edgewise at their centres, to insert between 
 the charge and projectile. 
 
 Fifth. — As all cartridges of less diameters than the corresponding 
 bores of guns have equivalent air spaces, such must be allowed for in 
 practice. Also the spherical form of balls without sabots, when not 
 rammed so as to embed themselves in the charge, have a certain 
 amount of air space in each case, which must be taken into considers 
 tion. 
 
 Sixth. — The usual custom of making cartridges of less diameters 
 than the bores of their respective guns, is an acknowledgement of the 
 principle of the air space; but it has not been carried sufficiently tar, 
 neither has any relation been heretofore established between the 
 weight of the charge and air space employed. 
 
 Seventh. — The pressures at each extremity of an air space, however 
 long in the bore of the gun, are equal ; in other words, all parts of the 
 bore, between the breech and projectile, experience like pressures on 
 equal areas at the moment of inflammation of the charge. 
 
 Third Question. — What arc the causes of variation in Artillery 
 Practice, and by what means can a (greater uniformity in the results be 
 obtained ? 
 
 In the investigation of this subject the Board has no hesitation in 
 saving, that the main cause of varied results in artillery practice arises 
 from overlooking these important facts, that variations in the diam- 
 eters of the cartridges, although apparently slight, and of the more or 
 less loose state of the powder charges, have great influence on the 
 initial velocities and ranges of projectiles, as well as on the strains 
 sustained on the guns employed. 
 
 First. — Hence uniformity in the compactness of cartridges, and in 
 their diameters, are of the first importance in the service of artillen . 
 Thus one pound of small cannon powder, packed into a cartridge 
 fitting the bore of the 3 inch rifle gun, gave an initial velocity of 1260 
 feet to a shell of 7^ pounds weight, whilst the same amount of the 
 same powder placed loosely in the cartridge bag gave but 1042 feci ; 
 the shells in each case not being rammed, but dimply pressed lo its 
 position on the charge. 
 
 Again, 8 pounds large cannon powder, in the 7 inch gun, packed in 
 
a cartridge fitting the We, with ;i bolt of V>o pounds, without windage, 
 gave an initial velocity of 1265 feet, whilst the same charge in all 
 respects, loosely put into the cartridge bag, so as to diminish it§ diam- 
 eter about one inch, gave only 1104 feet. 
 
 Other experiments with the other calibres gave analagous results, 
 clearly showing the fact that very considerable variations of ranges in 
 artillery practice will be experienced, unless great care be taken in the 
 diameters of cartridges, and the packing of the powder. 
 
 A cartridge fitting the bore, with its powder packed, cannot be 
 essentially disturbed by variations in the force or manner of ramming, 
 whilst a cartridge of less diameter would either be burst by hard 
 ramming, and thus fill the bore, or would be crowded up so as to 
 occupy less space in 'a more or less degree, thus materially influencing 
 the range of the projectile and pressure on the gun. 
 
 Again, a loosely packed cartridge will admit of the ball being 
 cushioned in it by ramming, thus decreasing more or less the airspace 
 due to its form, and consequently affecting the range. 
 
 Second. — A second cause of variation of range in smooth bore 
 artillery arises from the windage, and consequent ballotting of the ball, 
 which thus does not leave the muzzle of the gun in the true line of 
 direction. Variations of range also takes place from the different 
 degrees of quickness of burning in the charge, hence a larger amount 
 of its force escapes around the ball before it fairly gets into motion 
 within the gun, at one time than at others, as no two charges bum 
 exactly in the same time. 
 
 These two causes of variations may to a great extent be removed by 
 wrapping the ball with cloth and driving it to its position. Thus with 
 the 12 pounder Napoleon, with equal charges, packed into cartridges 
 fitting the bore, the following results were obtained: 
 
 1st discharge, initial velocity 1288 teet. 
 
 L >,1 u •• - " 1288 " 
 
 With « different charge. 
 
 1st discharge, initial velocity t208 feet. 
 
 •_M « - '• ' 120- •• 
 
 With a still different charge, 
 
 1st discharge, initial velocitv 1220 feet. 
 
 2d " " " 1220 " 
 
 G Pounder Bronze. 
 
 1st discharge, initial velocity 1290 feet. 
 
 2d " ' " " 1296 " 
 
 The loss of velocity by windage is sometimes very great, amounting 
 in some cases to the £ part, thus in the 12 pounder Napoleon : 
 
 1st discharge, ball of large windage, without sabot, velocity 1126 feet. 
 2<J » ball wrapped with cloth, velocity 1288 " 
 
Third. — The employment of sabots, or blocks of wood, between 
 the cartridge and ball, also affects the velocity and pressure. 
 
 If the sabots be made like those for field service, that is covering 
 the larger portion of that part of the ball next to the charge, and thus 
 filling up to a considerable extent the vacant or air space due to the 
 form of the ball, the initial velocity is increased by its use. Bat if a 
 simple block of wood be employed, not hollowed out, there will result 
 a loss of range from two causes, viz: From the unoccupied air space 
 above mentioned — no powder being added to compensate for it — and 
 from the fact that the wood at the moment of discharge is powerfully 
 compressed, and thus partially acts as an air space itself. All air npac 1 
 to be advantageous must have a corresponding increase of the charge, 
 as has been seen, to prevent a loss of force. 
 
 Thus, with the 12 pounder Xapoleon, a given charge gave 1288 feet 
 initial velocity to the shot'; with the same charge, but using the usual 
 sabot, the velocity was 129G feet. With the same charge as in the 
 two foregoing cases, but interposing a block Qf poplar wood -\ inches 
 thick, (cannister sabot) the velocity was 1208 feet. 
 
 Fourth. — A variation of range Occurs from using powders of differ- 
 ent degrees of strength. 
 
 This cause of variation can be easily remedied, by having the differ- 
 ent descriptions of powder in each batteny tested and classified accord- 
 ing to strength. This can be done very accurately at Augusta. 
 
 Powder of the same classification of strength should then be used 
 only at any one time until it is expended. In passing to another 
 powder of different classified strength, a slight variation of elevation 
 will in general be sufficient to maintain the former range. Those 
 powders which by the classification shall be declared too weak or 
 damaged for service, should be sent to the Powder Works to be* 
 renewed. 
 
 Fifth. — Rifle guns have add it i >nal sources of variation of range anil 
 accuracy. 
 
 It. From an insufficient rotary velocity. 
 
 2d. Prom a defective cup or saucer. 
 
 3d. From the imperfect casting, causing the shell to crack by the 
 discharge, and thus communicate lire to its bursting charge — which 
 failure is m general erroneously attributed to a faulty fuse. 
 
 4th. From a defective form or model, whence arises the defects of 
 the projectile, being too weak, too heavy, or too long for the charge 
 of powder and twist of the gun. 
 
 An insufficient rotary velocity, resulting in the turning over of the 
 projectile, sometimes within a few feet from the muzzle of the gun, 
 may arise either from too small a charge of powder, or from the pro- 
 jectile being too long and heavy. There are two ways of obtaining ;i 
 higher angular velocity; either by increasing the twist of the gun, or 
 by increasing the initial velocity. The former cannot be done except 
 in new guns, and in these there are practical limits which cannot 
 safely be exceeded; the increase of velocity also has its safe limits, 
 beyond which it would create a hazardous strain on the gnu, by the 
 necessary propelling force employed. 
 
 Hence those projectiles whose defective models cannot be safely 
 compensated by the above, and hence must remain variable in their 
 
9 
 
 results) should be rejected. This applies particularly to those heavy 
 bolts, and sometimes shells, which in many cases considerably exceed 
 the limits within which a safe charge could communicate the necessary 
 initial velocity to produce the required angular rotation. The above 
 is mainly the reason why the Board, in their first Report, recom- 
 mended projectiles of less weight and length than many which had 
 been and are still employed in service. 
 
 The cups or saucers at the base of rifle projectiles are frequently 
 defective in having their edges too thick, whence they do not expand 
 suiiicicntly quick, and thus allow a considerable portion of the force of 
 the charge to escay around them. A certain amount of force is 
 required in each case to expand tin' cup and cause it to take the 
 grooves, and if any of the charge be lost from the above cause, what 
 remains may l>e insufficient for the purpose. 
 
 Hence the edges of the cups should be quite thin, or they should be 
 sawed into several segments, to the distance of about £ of an inch from 
 the fih^c downwards, so as to permit the latter to readily yield to the 
 first pressure, and thus prevent the escape of a portion of the inflamed 
 gases. 
 
 The lubricating ring between the base of the projectile and cup acts 
 mainly in assisting to close the windage at the first moment of inflam- 
 mation, and thus more certainly insures the expansion of the base. As 
 far as the lubrication of the gun is concerned, it can more certainly 
 and effectually be accomplished by pouring a sufficient amount of 
 the material melted into the bottom of the cup, which at the time of the 
 discharge will be disperse.] throughout the boreof the gun. The lubri- 
 cating material in this case should not be hard, but rather of a 
 -'.siency. 
 
 tii Question. — The use of the Air Space in Artillery involves 
 the necessity of placing the projectile farther towards the muzzle, or of 
 allowing an interval between it and the charge. What is the maximum 
 interval that can be safely allowed, or is there any danger to the gun by 
 thus displacing the projectile from its usual position, resting against 
 the charge? 
 
 In the series of experiments, undertaken to elucidate this subject, 
 with the different guns at the disposal of the Board, the fact was clearly 
 established that the common opinion, as to the danger incurred in the 
 displacement of the projectile from the charge, is without sufficient 
 foundation. That the maximum strain on the gun is experienced 
 when the projectile is closely rammed home on the charge, the latter 
 being packed and fitting the bore. That in proportion as the projec- 
 tile is removed from the charge towards the muzzle the strain de- 
 creases, and is at its lowest point when it is at or near the muzzle 
 itself. 
 
 Thus 2 lbs. of small cannon powder has been repeatedly fired with 
 three balls placed within 2 calibres of the muzzle of the 6 pounder; 
 also several charges of the same weight of powder, and the ball 
 wrapped with cloth, and driven tightly to the same distance from the 
 muzzle. In all these eases no injury whatever was experienced by the 
 
10 
 
 Again In the 7 inch gun, with 8 lbs. large cannon powder, with 
 the bolt of 65 lbs. tightly fitting the bore, the average pressure', as has 
 i seen, was 80,000 lbs. to the square inch. When the boh was 
 placed at 30 inches distance from the charge, all other conditions 
 remaining the same, the pressure was only 6258 lbs., and at 2 calibres 
 from the muzzle the pressure fell to an average of 2617 lbs. 
 
 Thus no danger whatever arises from leaving a single projectile in 
 any part of the bore, but on the contrary the strain on the gun i^ 
 greatly decreased by removing the projectile to some distance from 
 '.In' charge of powder. 
 
 Fifth Question-. — Ts there any danger tn the Rifle Gun .should the 
 projectile fit so tightly as to require to be driven to its position on the 
 charge, and should it pet jammed in the act of loading, would there be 
 hazard m firing off the gun in such condition.' 
 
 Experiments conclusively demonstrate that in all cylindrical pro- 
 jectiles which have been turned in a lathe, no amount of force that can 
 be generally employed to drive them home on the charge, affects in the 
 
 slightest degree the pressure or strain on the gun at the time oi' the 
 discharge. This might be reasonably inferred without experiment ; 
 tor as such projectiles cannot by any movement increase their diam- 
 eters, the additional .strain on the gun would be simply that due to the 
 additional force required to overcome the friction. This has for its 
 measure the force which was expended in driving the projectile home ; 
 but such an amount of force is inappreciable when compared to the 
 immense force exerted by the charge in overcoming the inertia of its 
 mass. 
 
 The preceding discussions plainly show tHat no danger can be in- 
 curred in firing off a gun, with a turned cylindrical projectile, which 
 shall become jammed in the bore. The case would be very didereni 
 with spherical projectiles, for as these are never turned off to a true 
 form, it might happen that a larger diameter would be brought into 
 action by the rolling movement, and thus operate upon the principal 
 of the eccentric press, wedging the gun asunder : thus a tight fitting 
 naked shot would be too hazardous for service. 
 
 Sixth Question. — Is there any fixed relation between different 
 amounts of Gunpowder and the corresponding initial velocities ; that is 
 will successive additions of equal weights of powder produce an equal 
 increase in the corresponding initial velocities! 
 
 Experiments show that in those charge* which arc entirely consumed 
 within the gun, and not too small in quantity, equal increments of 
 powder correspond to nearly equal increments of velocity. Thus in 
 the 3 inch gun 1 lb. of small cannon powder gave 1250 feet initial 
 velocity; £ lb. gave 1040 feet; ^ lb. gave 800 feet; each quarter of a 
 pound, starting from the half pound charge, giving about 240 feet 
 increase of velocity. 
 
 This also holds good of small arms, between certain limits: thus 45 
 grains of rifle musket powder, with an expanding projectile of 535 
 grains, in the Enfield rifle, gave 829 feet initial velocity ; 55 grains 
 
11 
 
 gave 952 feet; 65 grama gave 1078 feet; or about 125 feet velocity 
 
 for each 10 grains of powder. Below 40 grains of powder, there is 
 not sufficient force to properly expand the base of the ball, and above 
 65 grains a portion of the powder is not consumed. A similar obser- 
 vation applies to artillery practice, for below a certain initial velocity 
 t lie cup of the rifle projectile does not expand and take the grooves, 
 and above a certain weight of charge the powder is not wholly burned. 
 
 Seventh Question.— Does a high angle of firing in the practice of 
 Art tiler it increase the strain on the gun? 
 
 Experiments were conclusive on this point, showing that firing at 
 angles of elevation does not affect the pressure on the bore of the'gun 
 due to the same charge fired horizontally. Thus the mean of three 
 charges of 8 lbs. large cannon powder, .packed into a cartridge § of an 
 inch less in diameter than the bore of the 7 inch gun, with 'a bolt of 
 65 lbs. without windage, gave a mean pressure of 64,000 lbs. to the 
 square inch, when tired with the bore in the horizontal plane. The 
 same charge in all respects, when the gun was fired at an angle of 40° 
 elevation, gave a mean pressure of three discharges somewhat less than 
 the above. 
 
 MISCKLLAXEOTJS DATA. 
 
 1st. The projectile being placed inside of the bore and near the 
 muzzle, with the charge of powder next to it, if the latter be fired in 
 its extremity next to the breech, the pressure will be fonnd exceedingly 
 small, scarcely sufficient to throw the projectile ten feet from The 
 muzzle of the gun, as the cartridge and ball' are thrown out together 
 before time has been given for but a smallnortion of the powder to be 
 consumed within the gun. if the charge be fired at, its end next to 
 the projectile the pressure and explosion will be greater, though still 
 much inferior to what it would have been with "the cartridge at the 
 bottom <>f tie' bore. 
 
 2d. Tin- force of the charge, in small rifle guns, must be able to im- 
 part an initial velocity of not less than 1000 feet to the projectile, to 
 insure the expansion of the cup into the grooves of the gun. Similar 
 data in relation to large rifle guns remains to be determined. 
 
 3d. 'I here appears no necessity for turned bolts having a greater 
 windage than .05 inch for smooth bore guns; and if they be made 
 with a recess of 1| inches broad and about 3-16 inch deep, in that 
 extremity next to the charge, and this be filled up with lubricated 
 -trips ol cloth, all windage will be prevented, and additional force and 
 accuracy given to this species of projectile. 
 
 4th. A few heavy charges is not proof that a gun will be able to 
 continuously sustain them. Thus a 12 pounder gun was finally burst 
 at a considerable less prcs*sure than what it had previously at "several 
 limes, sustained without apparent injury. 
 
 5th; The pressures in the use of' service charges in field artillery 
 are about half those of smooth bore heavy gunsi 
 
 (5th. Half the charge of powder with a double weight of projectile, , 
 3 the same pressure in heavy artillerv a<? a full charge and a' single 
 projectile. 
 
12 
 
 Tib. A charge of powder fired in a space of twice the capacity of 
 the charge reduces the strain on a large gun to one-fourth. The above 
 two results are in confirmation of, Cap:. Rodman's experiment; they 
 do not hold good for small pieces. 
 
 8th. A bolt of one calibre in length, without windage, with agiven 
 charge, causes nearly twice the strain on the gun to that produced by 
 a round shot without sabot. A part of this diminished pressure is 
 due to the less weight of the ball, and a part to the air space due to its 
 spherical form. 
 
 RECAPITUL A..T I <> IV . 
 GUNPOWDER FOR ARTILLERY. 
 
 First. — It is not advantageous for cannon powder to exceed a gravi- 
 metric density of 950. 
 
 Second. — All cannon powder should be made from Mill Cake oi' the 
 proper density, and not from pressed cake, or cake formed by pressing 
 dust. 
 
 Third. — Powder for large cannon, if made from Mill Cake of a 
 gravimetric density of not exceeding 030, should not have a less size 
 of grain than from ^ to ^ inch in diameter. If air spaces be employed, 
 the grains should not be less than from .75 to .00 inch diameter for 
 all calibers above 7 inches. For very large guns with air spaces, as the 
 Great Blakely guns, the grains should be over one cubic in capacity i 
 or each grain should weigh about one ounce. 
 
 Fourth. — Unless the powder be of excessive density, any mixture of 
 small cannon or fine grain powderwith large camion powder should be 
 most carefully avoided as very hazardous in the service of heavy guns, 
 without any corresponding increase of force or range to projectile. 
 
 \ AIU SPACES. 
 
 First. — Air spaces properly proportioned to the charge of powder 
 
 greatly diminishes the strain on guns without loss of initial velocity 
 or range, and hence are of great importance in the service of heavy 
 Artillery *, they may be in front, rear, inside or outside <>f the Cartridge.. 
 
 Second. — Air spaces of about one half caliber of the gun appear the 
 most advantageous as far as tried, with an increase to the service 
 charge of one fourth the weight of large grain powder. 
 
 Third. — The most convenient form for the airspace would be a cham- 
 ber to the gun, but the usual service Artillery may be used with air 
 spaces by making the Cartridge hollow, and thus containing the 
 necessary space in itself; or the cartridge being compact, with a square 
 or flat end, two pieces of board fixed together at right angles edgewise, 
 forming a cross, might be inserted in the bore of the gun, so as to keep 
 the projectile a proper distance from the charge. These wood crosses 
 could readily be made, and easily used like wads. 
 
 Foiirth. — Cartridges of less diameter than the bore of the guns to 
 which they belong have equivalent airspaces; spherical projectiles also 
 leave spaces due to their form, next to the charge. Such air spaces 
 however are variable in dimensions, and hence objectionable. 
 
18 
 
 CAUSES OF VARIATION IN ARTILLERY PRACTICE. 
 
 First. — Uniformity in compactness of cartridges and in their diam- 
 eters are of the first importance in the service of Artillery, and the 
 want of which is the main cause of variation of range in Artillery 
 practice. 
 
 Second. — Cartridges for Artillery should he made to fit the bore of 
 the gun, the powder well packed, with the end next to the projectile 
 flat. Such cartridges can be made by first making a cylindrical bag 
 to fit the bore, and placing within this a thin paste board cylinder 
 without ends of nearly the diameter of the bore. Into this pack the 
 charge well, and insert at the open end a circle of wood about f of an 
 inch thick, with a deep groove cut into its edge; the paper cylinder 
 being cut just the height of the charge, the open end of the bag is 
 drawn up tightly around this circle of wood, which is pressed down 
 on the powder, and then firmy tied in the groove. Hollow cartridges 
 <-;ni be made in the same manner, first inserting a hollow cylinder 
 or paste board, or tin, with closed ends, having the required capacity 
 of air space. 
 
 Third. — Spherical projectiles for smooth bore heavy artillery should 
 have sabots attached to them separate from the cartridge. Such sabots 
 should be hollowed out in the end of the fibres of the wood, so as to 
 Rover as much as practicable the part of the ball next to the charge. 
 Such s.ihots will answer a double purpose of filling up t he empty space — 
 the airspace being otherwise obtained — and also preventing the rolling 
 forward of the ball in the bore in firing on a level, or at an angle of 
 depression ; the wood cross before alluded to could be used for this last 
 purpose. At the instant of firing the sabot is forced forward on the 
 I >all thus filling up the windage, and preventing to a considerable degree 
 the balloting of the projectile. 
 
 Fourth. — Powders at the different batteries should be tested and 
 sified not less than every six months, if put up in cartridges; if in 
 the original boxes or barrels, once each year would be sufficient. In 
 the practice of Artillery the powder of the same classification should 
 alone be used until expended; a slight change of elevation would then 
 maintain the same range with another class of powder. 
 
 Fifth. — Cartridges as usually made by tieing up the open end of 
 the bag after beingfilled with powder, are liable to give Avith the same 
 charge different results, on account of want of compactness and the more 
 or less space between the charge and the projectile, resulting from 
 the neck of the cartridge. 
 
 Respectfully submitted, 
 
 CEO. W. RAINS, President, 
 
 Col. Artillery on Ordnance Duty. 
 W.\r. L. BASSINCER, 
 
 Major, Artillery Service, &c. 
 
 Charleston, Harbor. 
 
 JNO. G. BARNWELL, 
 
 Major Artillery, on Ord. Duty, 
 
 Charleston, Harbor. 
 

 
 
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