Titre : | Ballistic characterization of .338 ammunition |
Auteurs : | Simon Lowther, Auteur ; Frederik Coghe |
Type de document : | Thesis |
Editeur : | Brussels [Belgique] : Royal Military Academy, 2016 |
Article en page(s) : | 96 |
Langues: | Anglais |
Catégories : | |
Tags : | SSMW 151 ; Master's dissertations ; Defense (E) ; Ammunition |
Résumé : |
In November 2009, Corporal of Horse Craig Harrison of the Household Cavalry, British Army, was credited with the longest sniping kill in history. To this day, he holds the record of a kill shot at a distance of 2474 meters. Corporal Harrison did so using a .338 LM chambered Accuracy International sniper rifle while fighting in Afghanistan.
This thesis is centred on the .338 Lapua Magnum projectile. As Corporal Harrison proved it in Afghanistan, the capabilities of this projectile are bound to impress. The objective is to improve general knowledge of the projectile and the understanding of its performances, capabilities and effects. The following pages will elaborate on different aspects of the .338 round, studying and analysing data obtained from scientific experimentation. A sniper is specifically trained to hit targets at distances beyond the reach of common assault weapons. To effectively hit long range targets requires a special set of skills, tools and materials. The shooter must consider many variables and take into account an abundance conditions and parameters. Dispersion of the weapon/ammunition combination is of vital interest to the shooter. Dispersion is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the bullet is in free flight trajectory. This thesis studies the dispersion characteristics of the .338 LM ammunition and establishes comparisons between different distances and different bullet types. The trajectory of the projectile is equally of utmost importance. Various conditions, parameters or bullet characteristics can affect a trajectory drastically. It is therefore indispensable to calculate, analyse and assess it. This master’s thesis studies the trajectories of the .338 LM projectiles. Its objective is to grant shooters the possibility to confirm or adjust their shooting tables, with which they anticipate a projectile’s trajectory. The ultimate objective of the shooter is to create a certain effect on a target. The lethality of the projectile on a soft target or its capacity of perforation on a hard target are then parameters that are evaluated in this thesis. Attention is focused not only on comparing lethality levels at different distances, but also on comparing bullet types and the effects of projectiles on armour protected and bare targets. The capacity of the specifically designed armour piercing round to perforate a ceramic plate is also evaluated. This thesis offers thus altogether and in the most complete way possible a thorough study of the .338 LM round and its different types, from the moment the projectile exits the muzzle, to the moment the bullet passes through the target, generating the effect. The data found in this thesis is based on scientific experiments conducted in laboratories and testing facilities and on personal research. The complete set is assembled in a file, which is kept by the department weapon systems and ballistics of the royal military academy. Whoever wishes to consult the detailed set of data, measures and calculations may address himself to the abovementioned. |
Promotion : | 151 SSMW |
En ligne : | http://units.mil.intra/sites/UBDef-BUDef/_layouts/DocIdRedir.aspx?ID=UBDEF-6-21699 |
Exemplaires (1)
Code-barres | Cote | Support | Localisation | Section | Disponibilité |
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119404R | RMA Mast SSMW 151/80 | Thesis | Royal Military Academy | Bibliothèque ERM | Exclu du prêt |