The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - caseless ammo... could it really be that easy ???

Jim Watson · April 12, 2012, 07:55 PM

As I recall from an old, old article, the original Volcanic "Rocket Ball" powder cavity was closed by a cork disk with a patch of fulminate in the middle. Combustible primer and frangible closure, there was nothing to eject. The guns WERE provided with an extractor, a sharp hook meant to pierce the cork and unload an unfired bullet. Didn't work very well, from what I recall.

You will note the TV Volcanic was never shown being loaded or fired as a repeater.

There is a kind of mad machinist video showing the building of a repro Volcanic. But it was made to shoot conventional cartridges, just shortened to fit the action length. Therefore operating more like an 1866 than a regulation Volcanic.

As far as smokeless powder in a Modern Rocket Ball, the French GTV's copper bullets are deeply hollowed out and the powder fill is said to go all the way up into the bullet from the case. Must take some fancy powder charging machinery at the factory. But the hollowbase bullet is standing the pressure.

I await the OP getting a little lathe and cranking out some trick bullets.

April 12, 2012, 07:55 PM	#17
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 19,178	As I recall from an old, old article, the original Volcanic "Rocket Ball" powder cavity was closed by a cork disk with a patch of fulminate in the middle. Combustible primer and frangible closure, there was nothing to eject. The guns WERE provided with an extractor, a sharp hook meant to pierce the cork and unload an unfired bullet. Didn't work very well, from what I recall. You will note the TV Volcanic was never shown being loaded or fired as a repeater. There is a kind of mad machinist video showing the building of a repro Volcanic. But it was made to shoot conventional cartridges, just shortened to fit the action length. Therefore operating more like an 1866 than a regulation Volcanic. As far as smokeless powder in a Modern Rocket Ball, the French GTV's copper bullets are deeply hollowed out and the powder fill is said to go all the way up into the bullet from the case. Must take some fancy powder charging machinery at the factory. But the hollowbase bullet is standing the pressure. I await the OP getting a little lathe and cranking out some trick bullets. Last edited by Jim Watson; April 12, 2012 at 08:02 PM.