Observations - Theoretical And Practical - On Muskets, Rifles And Projectiles by Henry Wilkinson M.R.A.S. M.S.A

Author:Henry Wilkinson, M.R.A.S., M.S.A.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Read Books Ltd.
Published: 2016-08-21T16:00:00+00:00

Part II.

SINCE the first edition of this pamphlet was published, a considerable change of opinion appears to have taken place, and all parties agree in the necessity of improving our arms and national defences. I hope that the plain statement of facts contained in the preceding pages (published in December, 1851) may have had some influence in drawing attention to a subject of such serious importance, and that the present investigations may result in relieving our soldiers from an useless burden, whatever projectile may be finally adopted. It is much easier to point out defects than to remedy them, but I am now enabled to state that I have discovered an entirely new system, by which I can combine all the advantages of the Carabine à Tige, the Minié, and the Swiss methods, and avoid their defects; and at the same time reduce the weight of the musket and bayonet from 11 to 8 pounds, while I retain the same length of barrel and the same weight of bullet as that of the old musket, with greater thickness of metal and increased strength of barrel, in consequence of the elongation of the projectile and the reduction of the bore to 32 instead of 11 (or 0·56 diameter, instead of 0·76) as formerly, thus effecting a saving of 3 pounds in the weight of the fire-arm and bayonet only, and about 2 pounds in the weight of the accoutrements, in consequence of the reduction in the size required to carry the 60 rounds of ammunition. It is certain that rifles could never be generally introduced into the army without perfect simplicity of construction and ease in loading; and a rifle is useless unless the bullet be made to enter the grooves and receive the rotation communicated to it by the spiral. All of these conditions are accomplished by means of my “easy-loading, self-expanding, solid bullet,” (registered January 22, 1852). The form of it may be expressed more correctly by calling it cylindro-ogivale, with two deep grooves at the base (see fig. 10, plate 3,) and the end-view in a five-grooved rifle.

The term ogivale having been lately introduced, and not to be found in many dictionaries, I have given a diagram at plate 3 in order to define it more clearly.

This form appears to be admirably adapted for the anterior part of a projectile, and much superior to the conical or hemispherical, as it throws the centre of gravity more forward than the former, and opposes less resistance to the air than the latter. The ogivale is adopted by the Swiss, and more recently by the French. I have therefore not hesitated to borrow this form for the anterior portion of my projectile, although the posterior part is that on which my new principle depends, and in whieh its novelty consists, as by means of the two grooves I cause the bullet to rifle itself, although solid, and cast in a mould in the ordinary manner. It enters so freely, whether used

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