Civil War Explosive Ordnance (Revision)
Abstract
The purpose of this pamphlet is to provide an Identification text for Explosive Ordnance Disposal use in the field. No attempt has been made to outline inerting, rendering safe, or disposal procedures in this publication. Only the more common types of Civil War explosive ordnance are covered. It should be noted that, since standardization at the time of the Civil War was not as we know It today, It Is quite common to find ordnance with slight modifications from type to type. Civil War artillery pieces are of two general types: smooth bore and rifled bore. Most were muzzle-loaded, although a few imported pieces were breech loaded. Smooth bore weapons normally fired a spherical projectile, which was frequently attached by bands to a wooden sabot In order to gain better obturation. Muzzle-loaded, rifled artillery normally fired projectiles fitted with expanding rotating bands (sabots), the expansion caused by propellant pressure at the moment of firing. The explosive filler used In shell and case shot was black powder, with the balls in the case shot held in place by a matrix usually made of sulphur or some similar material. Fuzes were normally loaded with granulated black powder for powder trains and fitted with fulminate caps, should a Impact function be desired.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 10, 1960
- Accession Number
- ADA638753
Entities
People
- F. W. Hackley