~Axite~ Service Cartridges.
Velocity 2,179 F.S.
Pressure 15.76 tons.
~Cordite~ Service Cartridges.
Velocity 2,010 F.S.
Pressure 15.67 tons.
Five rounds from the Service axite and Service cordite were placed in an oven and heated to a temperature of 110° F. for one hour, and were then fired for pressure. The following results were obtained:—
~Axite.~ ~Cordite.~
Before heating 15.76 tons per sq. in. 15.67 tons per sq. in.
After " 16.73 " " 17.21 " "
_____ _____
Increase .97 = 6.1% 1.54 = 9.8%
Average Velocities—
Before heating 2,150 F.S. 2,030 F.S.
After " 2,180 " 2,090 "
_____ _____
Increase 30 F.S. = 1-1/2% 60.0 F.S. = 3%
In order to show the accuracy given by axite, seven rounds were fired from a machine rest at a target fixed at 100 yards from a rifle. Six of the seven shots could be covered by a penny piece, the other being just outside. In order to ascertain the relative heat imparted to a rifle by the explosion of axite and cordite, ten rounds each of axite and cordite cartridges were fired from a .303 rifle, at intervals of ten seconds, the temperature of the rifle barrel being taken before and after each series:—
THE RISE IN TEMPERATURE OF THE RIFLE BARREL
With axite was 71° F.
With cordite was 89° F.
Difference in favour of axite 18° F. = 20.2%