D:03 WaffenGeschichteGeschichte der Feuerwaffen07 … Samuel Pauly In 1802, while living in Paris,...

7. Projectiles 145

7. Projectiles

Literature Durdik, Jan, Alte Feuerwaffen, Hanau, 1977, DuJaLockhoven, Hans-Bert, Feuerwaffen, Cologne, 1968, LoHa

Mattenheimer, A., Patronen der Rückladungs-Gewehre, Leipzig, 1868, MaAnSchützenverein, Schweiz. Hand- & Faustwaffen, Schweiz. Ord. 1817–1975, Frauenfeld, 1971, ScScSchmidt, Rudolf, Die Handfeuerwaffen, 1878, Graz, 1968, SmRu78

Objective of this Chapter

With a few examples this chapter gives a small overview of the very exten-sive and complex development of projectiles and cartridges. For more indepth information, literature on ammunition should be referred to.

Historical Overview

Hand Thrown Objects

The 1st thrown projectiles humans used were most likely fist sized rocks,rods or wooden sticks that were pointed on one side. There were alreadyround and pointed projectiles. In order to throw these projectiles moreaccurately, the sling shot for smaller projectiles was invented. At a latertime, catapults were used for the throwing of larger rocks. As early as 668,the Greeks used catapults to throw naphtha bombs. These catapults,together with fire bombs can be called the 1st use of firearms.

Arrows

Pointed rods or wooden arrows were soon equipped with stone arrow-heads and shot with a bow, as the weapon. This was no longer consideredthrowing, but shooting with a predictable trajectory that was as straight aspossible. The crossbow was introduced in the 10th century. With it, ashorter arrow could have a higher velocity. Soon, it was discovered thatfeathers at the end of an arrow had a stabilizing effect, especially whenthey gave the arrow a twist. It is easy to imagine that the first projectiles forfire arms were based on the arrows of crossbows.

Walter deMilemete

In the year 1326, the Chaplain Walter de Milemete wrote the two manu-scripts ‘De Nobilitatibus, Sapientiis et Prudentiis Regum’ and ‘De SecretisSecratorum’ for King Edward III of England. An illustration inserted on theborder of these manuscripts, shows a knight holding a rod to a vaseshaped barrel. Attached to the rod is most likely a piece of glowing coal ormoss. From the muzzle of the vase shaped barrel, an arrow is shot. Theend of the arrow is probably wrapped or made thicker with fabric orfeathers.

Towards the end of the 14th century, these types of arrows were stillreferred to in invoices.

7. Projectiles146

Arrows Ca. 1830, a projectile expert from Charrin, Belgium made special arrowsfor the duck hunt. This was a strange idea which most likely was not oftenused.

Stone Balls

Already towards the end of the 14th century, projectiles in the form of ballswere widely accepted. They had the advantage of being inserted into thebarrel in all types of situations. There was no danger of misaligning in thebore. Ball shaped chiselled rocks were shot from larger rock guns, cannons andmortars.

Iron, Bronze and Lead Balls

Large Balls In the middle of the 15th century, balls from iron, bronze and lead weremade with a diameter of up to 70 cm and a weight of over 500 kg for thelargest guns. Some had a range of up to 1250 metres such as the Mons-Meg Bombard or the Dardanelles gun.

Small Balls For handguns with a relatively small caliber, the balls were made fromLoth (German for lead). For this reason, hand guns were often calledLotbüchse (lead gun). Often, lead balls were cast by shooters or theirhelpers with a bullet mold. Mostly however, multiple castings weremanufactured in specialty workshops.

Pointed Projectiles

Charrin Among others, projectile experts in Charrin, Belgium were of the opinionthat bullets with a point had less air resistance than round bullets. Aroundthe year 1831, several studies and tests regarding shapes of projectileswere performed in Charrin. The result of this was the spherical, conicalprojectile. The projectile’s flat base enabled it to more effectively utilize thegas pressure, and with that give the projectile a higher velocity.From then on, these design characteristics were considered for thedevelopment of new projectiles.

7. Projectiles 147

Expansion Projectiles

With rifled barrels becoming more popular, various projectile shapes weredeveloped in Europe and America. There are an almost incomprehensiblenumber of projectile designs and patents on the market.

Minié One of the most familiar pointed projectiles is the Minié projectile. In1849, it was developed for rifled barrels of muzzle loaders by the Frenchofficer Claude F. Minié. This projectile has a hollow base and a subcaliber which means the projectile is smaller than the bore. The subcaliber makes loading much easier, even with a very dirty bore. To achievebetter sliding properties in the rifled barrel, there are grooves in theprojectile that are filled with grease. The hollow base is closed with a smalliron cap (Culot). When shooting, this cap is forced into the base. At theshot, the hollow base expands. On ignition, the hot gases expand thehollow base of the bullet to the larger diameter of the rifling. This effecti-vely seals the gas pressure behind the bullet. Through the twist of the rif-ling, the rifling spins the bullet in its longitudinal axis, thereby stabilizing it.

Burton In 1855, James H. Burton, a worker at the Harper’s Ferry Armourychanged the projectile so it could be produced more cost effectivelywithout the Culot. Today, this optimal Minié projectile is still used formuzzle loaders.

In its adapted form, this construction principle is also used for cartridgeammunition such as the 22lr. In the world wide sport of target shooting, itis the most commonly used ammunition.

Incendiary Projectiles and Cluster Bombs

IncendiaryProjectiles

Incendiary projectiles were of a unique construction. They had a hollowspace that was filled with powder and were shot from cannons or mortars.These incendiary projectiles were used very early on. The ignition occurredinitially with a fuse, later with impact ignitions.

Cluster Bombs Cluster bombs were known very early on. They are missiles that hadmultiple smaller bullets with inserted powder. At the impact of the bomb,the bullets separate from the bomb. The load of the bullets ignites uponimpact.

7. Projectiles148

Packaged Loads and Paper Cartridges

PaperCartridges

It is assumed that already before 1500, it was discovered that when thecorrect amount of powder and the bullet were wrapped into a paper rollthe handling, loading and storing of ammunition was easier. The firstpaper cartridges were only used as packages. Shooters had to rip themopen with their teeth when loading.

LoadingProcedure

First the musketeer dropped the powder into the muzzle of the barrel. Hethen pushed the paper as a patch, together with the bullet, all the waydown the barrel with the ramrod. These cartridges came into action mainlyfor military flint and percussion lock guns. The powder horn was still usedfor hunting and target shooting.

Paper Cartridges with integrated Primer

Breech loadingCartridges

Only when cartridges with an outside diameter close to the caliber of theweapon with integrated ignition were developed, produced and introdu-ced, was the introduction of breech loading possible.

JohannesSamuel Pauly

In 1802, while living in Paris, the Swiss gunsmith Johannes Pauly, wasawarded a patent for a paper cartridge with a brass base. The ignitioncompound was in the protruding rim of the base. By hitting onto the rim ofthe cartridge, the so-called ‘rim fire ignition’ was fired.

Lefaucheux In Paris, around 1835, the gunsmith Lefaucheux developed a paper cart-ridge with a metal base from which a metal pin protruded sideways. Byhitting this pin, it was forced into the ignition cap which then set off theshot.

NikolausDreyse

Nikolaus Dreyse developed a paper cartridge for his pin fire rifle. Theignition cap is located between the black powder and the lead bullet. Atthe shot, the firing pin penetrates the black powder and through friction,ignites the ignition cap.

Lindner, Terryand Chassepot

Furthermore the paper cartridges with integrated ignition caps by Lindner,Terry and Chassepot from the years 1860 – 1870, deserve to be men-tioned.

Metal Cartridges with integrated Primer

In 1812, while living in Paris, the Swiss gunsmith Johannes Samuel Pauly,was awarded a patent for a brass cartridge or paper cartridge with a brassbase. With these cartridges, the escape of the powder gases wasdiminished. This design was the foundation of the self sealing moderncartridge. Contrary to the paper cartridge that burned when shot, themetal cartridge had to be removed either by hand or by an automaticdischarge. This was probably the main reason it still took some time formetal cartridges to be used in large numbers.

7. Projectiles 149

Pin Fire System From the paper cartridge, Lefaucheux developed a cartridge with a metalshell that had a pin ignition. It was produced and used in large numbersfor non-military revolvers and hunting rifles.

Rim FireSystem

At about the same time, cartridges with metal shells and rim fire ignitionemerged. Among others, they are the cartridges of Winchester, Peabodyand Milbank-Amsler. In isolated cases such as the Vetterli repeater rifle,the caliber was minimized to 10.5 mm.

Central FireSystem

Besides rim fire, centre fire became more frequently used. The boxercartridge for the Snider rifle from around 1866, had such an ignition.

Small Caliber With the introduction of smokeless powder, world wide, the calibersbecame smaller. As an example, the 7.5 mm cartridges with centre fire,used by the Swiss Army, are listed here.

7. Projectiles Arrows, Balls150

Images of Projectiles:

Arrows

Fig. 7 – 1 Ca. 1326:Modified Crossbow Arrowsaccording to Walter de Milemete

Photo: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 2 Ca. 1830:Arrow for Duck HuntingExperimental ProjectileCharrin, Belgium

Photo: SmRu78, Vol. 2, Sketch16, 100

Balls

Fig. 7 – 3 Ca. 1450:Early Stone Balls for Bombards

South Sea Castle Museum, EnglandPhoto: PaPe, Page 14

Fig. 7 – 4 Ca. 1480:Stone Balls for Artillery andMortars

Citadel Museum, Jülich, GermanyPhoto: KuPe

7. ProjectilesPointed Projectiles 151

Fig. 7 – 5 1400 - 1800:Various Iron Balls

Large Calibers

Historical Museum, St. GallenPhoto: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 6 1400 - 1880:Various Lead BallsSmall Calibers

Caliber 8 to 25 mm

Private collectionPhoto: KuPe

Pointed Projectiles Drawings based on SmRu78, Vol. 2, Sketch. 16

Fig. 7 – 7 1831:Spherical, Conical Projectile

Charrin, Belgium

Photo: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 8 1832:Cylindrical, Conical Projectile

Charrin, Belgium

Photo: KuPe

7. Projectiles Pointed Projectiles152

Fig. 7 – 9 1837:Pointed Projectile from Russia

With Guide Lugs

Photo: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 10 1842:Full Pointed Projectile

Norwegian chamber gun

Photo: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 11 1844:Full Pointed Projectile

American target rifle M. 1844

Photo: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 12 1845:Charrin Ram Projectile

Charrin, Belgium

Photo: KuPe

7. ProjectilesExpansion Projectiles 153

Expansion Projectiles Drawings based on SmRu78, Vol. 2 Sketch 16

Fig. 7 – 13 1846:Tamisier Pointed Projectile

Projectiles for the Thouvin rifle

Photo: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 14 1846:Charrin Pointed Projectile forCompression and Expansion

Charrin, Belgium

Photo: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 15 1849:First Minié Projectile

Expansion plug before firing

Expansion plug (Culot) is at the beginning ofthe boring

Photo: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 16 1849First Minié Projectile

Expansion plug after firing

Expansion plug at the end of the boring,presses the rear part into the rifling Photo: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 17 Ca. 1851:Timmerhans Pointed Projectile

Used for Belgium Minié rifle

Photo: KuPe

7. Projectiles Expansion Projectiles154

Fig. 7 – 18 1852:Pointed Projectile with Funnelshaped Cavity

Charrin, Belgium

Photo: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 19 1853:Pointed Pritchett Projectile

Projectile for Enfield-Pritchett rifle M. 1853, England

Photo: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 20 Ca. 1855:Wilkinson Compression PointedProjectile

Used in America

Photo: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 21 Ca. 1854:Minié-Burton Pointed Projectilewithout Expansion Plug

Modified by James H. Burton, HarpersFerry Armoury

Photo: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 22 Ca. 1854:Minié Pointed Projectile withoutExpansion Plug

Widely used in Europa

Photo: KuPe


Fig. 7 – 23 Ca. 1854:Expansion Projectile by Nessler

Photo: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 24 Ca. 1855:Nessler Projectile for smoothBores

Photo: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 25 Ca. 1855:Hessian Expansion ProjectilePloenis

Photo: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 26 Ca. 1856:Compression ProjectileSwiss Army Target Rifle

Photo: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 27 Ca. 1856:Expansion Projectile of Charrin«Balle alégée»

Charrin, Belgium

Photo: KuPe

7. Projectiles Expansion Projectiles156

Fig. 7 – 28 Ca. 1857:Hexagonal Withworth Projectile

Photo: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 29 Ca. 1856:Cylindrical Withworth Projectile

Photo: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 30 Ca. 1859:Expansion Projectileby Prélaz-Burnand

Swiss Army carbine M. 1842/1859

Photo: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 31 Ca. 1860:Schmidt Compression andExpansion Projectile

Prototype, Switzerland

Photo: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 32 Ca. 1860:Russian Projectile, M. 1860Before Firing

Obturator rifle

Photo: KuPe


Fig. 7 – 33 Ca. 1860:Russian Projectile, M. 1860After firing

Obturator rifle

Photo: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 34 Ca. 1863:Buholzer Projectile

For infantry riflesSwiss Army M. 1863

Photo: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 35 From 1867:Universal Compression-Expansion Projectilefor Small Caliber

Swiss carbine starting with M. 1867caliber 10.4mmPhoto: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 36 Selection of Lead Projectiles

Caliber 9 to 18 mm


7. Projectiles Incendiary Projectiles, Grenades158

Incendiary Balls and Grenades

Fig. 7 – 37 Ca. 700:Greek Fire

Ceramic or tin pots filled with naphthalit with fuses and thrown with catapults

Photo: PaPe, Page 15

Fig. 7 – 38 Ca. 1628:Hand Grenade

Copper edging by Robert Norton «TheGunner Shewing the Whole Practice ofArtillery», London 1628

Photo: HeRo, Page 85

Fig. 7 – 39 Ca. 1630:Cluster Bomb with Time Fuse

Cluster bomb with iron spikes thrownwith a catapult, according to a copperetching by Jean Appier-Hanzelet, LaPyrotechnic, Pont-A-MoussonCa. 1630Photo: HeRo, Page 89

Fig. 7 – 40 Ca. 1650:Chained Projectile for Ships Gunsused to hit the Rigging


Fig. 7 – 41 Ca. 1780:Knife Projectiles for Ship Guns usedto destroy Sails and Rigging

Photo: PoDu, Page 165

7. ProjectilesIncendiary Projectiles, Grenades 159

Fig. 7 – 42 Ca. 1840:Egg shaped Incendiary Projectile

Used with cannons and mortars onships; The projectile was filled with amixture of nitrate, sulfur, antimony andbitumen Percussion fusePhoto: PaPe, Page 72

Fig. 7 – 43 Ca. 1840:Incendiary Projectile

Used in cannons or mortars on ships.The projectile was filled with a mixtureof nitrate, sulphur, antimony andbitumen. Percussion fusePhoto: PaPe, Page 72

Fig. 7 – 44 Ca. 1840:Cluster Bomb

Used in cannons or mortars on ships.The projectile was filled with a mixtureof nitrate, sulphur, antimony andbitumenPhoto: PaPe, Page 72

Fig. 7 – 45 Ca. 1860Shrapnel Projectile, Prussia

A percussion primer in the nose of hegrenade ignites it


Fig. 7 – 46 Ca. 1870:Shrapnel, Switzerland

The wooden cap at the bottom of theball prevents the shrapnel from turningin the barrel.

Private collection; Photo: KuPe

7. Projectiles Bullet Molds160

Images of Bullet Molds:

Fig. 7 – 47 Ca. 1650:Bullet Mold

Lead ball, 12 mm, hunting



Lead ball, 17.5 mmMilitary use, Switzerland


Fig. 7 – 49 Ca. 1750:Bullet Mold for GrenadeGun

Lead ball, 40 mm

Museum Altes Zeughaus, SolothurnPhoto: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 50 Ca. 1830:5-Cavity Bullet Mold






7. ProjectilesBullet Molds 161

Fig. 7 – 52a Ca. 1830:28-Cavity MoldingEquipment

Closed condition

Lead balls, 17.5 mmMilitary use, Switzerland


Fig. 7 – 52b Opened condition



Pointed compression projectiles17.5 mmMilitary use, Switzerland



Pointed projectiles and balls9 mm, patent Colt


7. Projectiles Bullet Molds162

Fig. 7 – 55a Ca. 1870:6-Cavity Bullet Mold

Pointed compression projectile17.5 mmSwiss Army

Claws with cavities


Fig. 7 – 55b Insert with cores

Museum Altes Zeughaus SolothurnPhoto: KuPe


Pointed compression projectile17.5 mmSwiss Army


7. ProjectilesBandoleers 163

Images of Bandoleers

Fig. 7 – 57 17th Century:Bandoleer, Piemont

Waist belt

Owner unknownPhoto: CiAl,

Fig. 7 – 58 17th Century:Bandoleer, Switzerland

Shoulder gridle

Museum Altes Zeughaus, Solothurn

Photo: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 59 17th Century:Bandoleer, Switzerland

Waist belt


7. Projectiles Cartridges164

Cartridge Designs

Fig. 7 – 60 Ca. 1750:Flintlock Musket Cartridge

Cartridge contains several lead ballsand a portion of black powder

Photo: LoHa, Page 91

Fig. 7 – 61 Ca. 1770:Paper wrapped FlintlockCartridgeCartridge contains one lead ball and aportion of black powderPhoto: LoHa, Page 91

Fig. 7 – 62 1802:Johannes Samuel Pauly cartridge

Paper tube with brass baseCenter firePhoto: LoBe, Page 93

Fig. 7 – 63 1816:Voltigeur Cartridge

Used for Voltigeur carbineSwiss Army 1816

Photo: ScSc, Page 21

Fig. 7 – 64 1835:10 mm Lefaucheux Cartridge

Lefaucheux cartridge, system Schmidand Jung, pin firePhoto: MaAn, Fig. 131

Fig. 7 – 65 1848:15.5 mm Dreyse CartridgeNeedle rifle, Prussian Army. Needle fire.Primer is in the middle of the cartridge


7. ProjectilesCartridges 165

Fig. 7 – 66 1851:10.5 mm Sharpshooter Rifle

Swiss Army 1851Photo: ScSc, Page 35

Fig. 7 – 67 1856:10.5 mm «Jägergewehr»Cartridge

Swiss Army 1856/1859


Fig. 7 – 68 1859:Infantry Carbine Cartridge

Swiss Army 1817/1842/1859


Fig. 7 – 69 Ca. 1860:Gun Cotton Cartridge

Developed by General von Lenk,Austria. Cotton was seldom used insteadblack powder

Photo: LoBe, Page 91

Fig. 7 – 70 Ca. 1860:Lindner Paper Cartridge

The expanding bulk in the rear of thecartridge serves as seal in the barrel atthe breechPhoto: MaAn, Fig. 87

Fig. 7 – 71 Ca. 1860:Terry Cartridge

The grease plug in the rear of the cart-ridge lubricates the rifling for the nextshotPhoto: ScSc, page 71


Fig. 7 – 72 1863:10.5 mm Infantry Cartridge

Swiss Army 1863


Fig. 7 – 73 Ca. 1865:Mont-Storm Cartridge

The black powder of the cartridge iscovered by animal skin to dimish pow-der fowlingPhoto: MaAn, Fig. 83b

Fig. 7 – 74 1866:11 mm Chassepot Cartridge

French carbine M. 1866


Fig. 7 – 75 1866:.44 Winchester Cartridge

Winchester repeating rifle,pPatent 1866


Fig. 7 – 76 1867:.577 Boxer Cartridge

English Snider carbine. First militarycartridge with center fire Photo: MaA, Fig. 86

Fig. 7 – 77 1867:11 mm Tersen-ComblainCartridge

Albini carbine, Belgium

Photo: LoHa, Page 93, Pos. 4

7. ProjectilesCartridges 167

Fig. 7 – 78 1867:10.4 mm Peabody Cartridge

RimfireSwiss Army 1867


Fig. 7 – 79 1867:17.5 mm Milbank-AmslerCartridge

Rimfire breech loading carbine withlarge caliberSwiss Army 1817/1842/1859/1867.


Fig. 7 – 80 1867:11 mm Werndl Cartridge

Werndl carbine, M. 1867, Austria

Photo: LoBe, Page 93, Pos. 7

Fig. 7 – 81 1871:10.4 mm Vetterli Cartridge

Rim fireSwiss Army 1871


Fig. 7 – 82 1871:11 mm Mauser Cartridge

Mauser carbine, M.1871; Germany

Photo: LoBe, Page 94


Fig. 7 – 83 1879:10.6 mm Revolver Cartridge

Army revolver, M. 1979/83, Germany


Fig. 7 – 84 1886:8 mm Lebel Cartridge

First military smokeless cartridge8 mm caliber, France


Fig. 7 – 85 1890:7.5 mm Central Fire Cartridge

Repeating carbine, xystem SchmidtSwiss Army 1889Photo: ScSc, Page 99

Fig. 7 – 86 1890:7.5 mm Central Fire Cartridge

Repeating carbine, system SchmidtSwiss Army 1890/1903Photo: ScSc, Page101

Fig. 7 – 87 1911:7.5 mm Lead Core Cartridge

Central fire carbineSwiss Army 1911Photo: ScSc, Page 121

7. ProjectilesAmmunition Packages 169

Ammunition Packages

Fig. 7 – 88 1853:Percussion Caps Package

Package for 25 percussion capsCaps with 6 mm diameter and4 wingsCanton Solothurn, Switzerland


Fig. 7 – 89 Ca. 1860:Lefaucheux CartridgePackage

Package for 25 cartridgesPointed projectile, 7.5 mmShot projectile, 7.5 mmLefaucheux revolver, France

Private collection, Photo: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 90 1892:Vetterli Cartridge Package

Package for 10 cartridgesRim fire cartridge,10.5 mmVetterli carbine, Switzerland

Private collection Photo: KuPe

Fig. 7 – 91 Ca. 1875:Vetterli Cartridge Bag

20 single cartridges and4 Packages with 10 cartridgeseachVetterli repeater, Switzerland


7. Projectiles Ammunition Packages170

Fig. 7 – 92 Ca. 1890:Revolver Cartridge Package

Package for 25 cartridgesCentral fire, 9 mm


Fig. 7 – 93 1903:Carbine Cartridge Package

Package for 10 cartridgesCentral fire, 7.5 mmRepeater M. 1889 Switzerland


Fig. 7 – 94 1905:Revolver Cartridge Package

Package for 20 cartridgesCentral fire 10.4 mmRevolver, Switzerland


D:03 WaffenGeschichteGeschichte der Feuerwaffen07 … Samuel Pauly In 1802, while living in Paris,...

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