Graduated-density packed propellant charge

摘要

A charge formed of a mass of packed propellant is generally centered on an axis and is of radially generally uniformly and radially outwardly increasing density. This charge has a predetermined size and shape and is made by first filling particulate propellant into a chamber centered on an axis and defined by side walls extending at least generally parallel to the axis. This chamber is radially somewhat larger than the predetermined size and shape for the charge. At least some of the side walls are then displaced radially inward to reduce the volume of the chamber until the reduced chamber generally has the size and shape for the charge. The weight of the particulate propellant filled into the chamber is equal to the desired weight for the charge. The tail of a projectile is positioned in the chamber before filling the particulate propellant into the chamber. The projectile downwardly closes the chamber and can be raised after the mass is packed to push it up out of the chamber.