Projectile Engraving Mutations and Their Relationships to Accuracy of the M16A1 Rifle
Abstract
A two-phase test program was conducted in order to evaluate the hypothesis that changes in the accuracy of a rifle are reflected in changes of the engraving patterns found on projectiles fired from that rifle. Three mutations of projectile engraving characteristics were isolated. These mutations were: (1) widening of the grooves engraved in the projectiles; (2) increasing variation in the lengths of the grooves on a bullet; (3) the appearance of surface mutilation on the bullet jackets. Each of the mutations demonstrated some correlation with accuracy. The widening of the grooves correlated best with accuracy, exhibiting correlation coefficient above .7 over a wide range of firing rates, ammunition types, and barrel manufacturing processes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA013384
Entities
People
- Bernard C. Knouse
- Ronald E. Elbe