Has anyone got a picture or drawing of a sectioned Tube Percussion SA Cartridge Mark V, (or any other mk) used on BL 5.5in Medium guns? I gather from a previous post that they are shortened .303 carts. Does any one know if they were just shortened .303 cases or were they specially made and just looked like a .303 case? Any help much appreciated, Cheers Gary
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Tube Percussion SA Cartridge Mark V
- Thread starter hangarman
- Start date
TonyE
HONOURED MEMBER RIP
With regard to the filling, my AT course notes do not give specifics but the general info would suggest that tubes would have a different filling to .303 in. SAA, because tubes have to fulfil a different purpose to SAA. The flash would have to be strong enough to pass along the vent axial and to ensure complete ignition of the cartridge igniter. The advantages of percussion tubes over electric are that they are simpler and stronger, whereas electric tubes are safer (the chance of a hangfire is reduced), allow a greater rapidity of fire and can be tested for continuity.
TonyE
HONOURED MEMBER RIP
I am still looking for my drawing of this, but they are completely different to a normal .303 inch round. For a start, they have a copper ball that seals the tube and prevents any blow back from the main charge.
If I cannot find it I will post a picture of a similar tube.
Cheers
Tony
If I cannot find it I will post a picture of a similar tube.
Cheers
Tony
Hangarman, sorry for taking over your question, but i also have a sort of 'tube percussion' round that i can't identify...I was told it was a tupe percussion, but not sure.
It's also shaped like the 303, but it has other markings, and no crimping dots on the side. It does have an internal structure as on the drawing from spotter.
Total lenght is 45,30mm (1.78 inch) and mouth diameter (measured externally) is 10,26mm (0.4 inch)
Anyone can identify it ?
It's also shaped like the 303, but it has other markings, and no crimping dots on the side. It does have an internal structure as on the drawing from spotter.
Total lenght is 45,30mm (1.78 inch) and mouth diameter (measured externally) is 10,26mm (0.4 inch)
Anyone can identify it ?
Attachments
Possibly a - Tube, Percussion, S.A. Cartridge Mk 1, 2, 2R, 3, 3A, 4 or 4A.
TimG
However, I've just noticed there is what appears to be a V on the headstamp that would make it a Mk5. It also appears to be the same length as the one posted by Tony.
Just engaged brain - the length qouted in "Notes on British Land Service Primers and Tubes" is quite clearly wrong.
TimG
However, I've just noticed there is what appears to be a V on the headstamp that would make it a Mk5. It also appears to be the same length as the one posted by Tony.
Just engaged brain - the length qouted in "Notes on British Land Service Primers and Tubes" is quite clearly wrong.
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Is it as simple as the 0.79 should read 1.79 ?
The next question is , does anyone have a spare for sale ?? if so please pm me.
Cheers
Gary
TonyE
HONOURED MEMBER RIP
Definitely a Tube Percussion Mark V, as the "V" between the factory code and the date shows. As it is wartime production the headsatmp is a bit sparse, that is all.
Also, as it is pre-1944 the Mark number is in Roman numerals. I should add that the case for your example was made at ROF Blackpole, but it was probably loaded at Chorley or a similar filling plant.
.303 inch cases have been used for all sorts of igniters, detonators and tubes. here are a few examples.
Regards
TonyE
Attachments
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