Semi-Fixed Artillery Ammunition

[StarkvilleCivilWarArsenal]

I have been manufacturing artillery ammunition for well over 50 years for both smoothbore and rifled cannon. But, until now I have never made any semi-fixed rounds. I am preparing ammunition to fire out of a 24 Pdr. Field Howitzer and have just finished the projectiles. I thought you might like to see what I have completed at this time. As per Gibbon's Manual, fixing the projectiles to the sabots can be done with either tin or canvas straps. I am using canvas straps sewn together at the intersection of the two straps and then glued to the shell just as Gibbon prescribes. To keep tension on the straps, I have pulled the straps tight to the projectile by wrapping twine around the ball where it meets the sabot. Semi-fixed ammunition also has handles made of cordage to assist in handling. The handles are attached at the back of the sabot.

Soon I will start work on the powder cartridges which will have a cartridge block as per Gibbon's to give a finish to the cartridge and fill the chamber. I will keep you informed as I continue on the project.

 

[redbob]

Well done, your abilities continue to astound me.

 

[1st Section]

Beautiful! Does your range have space for horses?

 

[Dan Kohli]

Thank you for sharing. Those are some cool reproductions.

 

[iron bender]

Those look great Duffy!

 

[StarkvilleCivilWarArsenal]

Beautiful! Does your range have space for horses?

I wish it did. Some day I would like to work with First Section and have you pull the 24 Pdr. Shiloh would be the perfect location. Think about it.

 

[StarkvilleCivilWarArsenal]

I have just posted a follow-up thread to this one. It is called "24 Pdr. Powder Charge with Cartridge Block". I hope that after you look at both threads you will have a good understanding of semi-fixed ammunition.