RECOVERY FIRING OF 40MM PROJECTILE COATED WITH MOLYBDENUM DISULFIDE

Investigations were made to determine the best method of applyi ng MoSsub2 to 40-mm projectiles for use in gun life tests and to obtain information on its use as a gun bore lubricant. Twenty 40-mm T1E1 projectiles were inert loaded to a weight of 1.985 lb, fitted with flat nose plugs and fired for recovery in sawdust. At various stages of the test, the projectiles or the bore of the gun, or both, were coated with MoSsub2. Upon visual inspection, traces of MoSsub2 were noted on the shell cases and a deposit was noted in the gun chamber after firing. Painting the projectiles with a mixture of MoSsub2 and plastic paint produced a uniform coating of sulfide of greater thickness than can be obtained by wiping on the dry powder. The method of wiping on the dry material to cover the projectile band and body without coating the gun was preferred because of its simplicity.