This bullet is a trial version of the P42 and Sea Service rifle bullet, found at some Naval stations in the UK. It was not formally adopted, although large numbers of them seem to have been made. It is characterised by the four cannelures, the only rifle projectile to have these until the Snider bullet. Assuming this bullet was paper patched, as the adopted version was, the cannelures are not for lubrication, but instead based on the Tamisier principle. This involves the air flowing over the bullet in flight causing a small amount of drag over the grooves, keeping it slightly more stable. This was particularly relevant to cast bullets, which can vary in weight, due to air bubbles or lead that was too hot when poured into the mould. These trial bullets appear to be cast. Official documentation has yet to come to light on this bullet, so there are no standard weights and dimensions available.
P42/Sea Service trial bullet, unfired
- Weight (with cup): 858 gn (55.6 g)
- Weight (without cup): 821 gn (53.2 g)
- Diameter: 0.752 in (19.1 mm)
- Length: 1.041 in (26.4 mm)
This is not a ground recovered specimen, but has been hidden away in a collection for 170 years or so. The iron cup is in fantastic condition, showing the rough bottom edge quite clearly.
- Weight: 38 gn (2.4 g)
- Diameter: 0.520 in (13.2 mm)
- Height: 0.274 in (6.9 mm)
P42/Sea Service trial bullet, unfired
- Weight: 821 gn (53.2 g)
- Diameter: 0.773 in (19.6 mm)
- Height: 1.024 in (26 mm)
This bullet also appears to be unfired, although it was ground recovered. There is no cup present or any stamps on the bullet. It would appear that the bullet has a casting seam but may also have been compressed in a fly-press to ensure uniformity.
P42/Sea Service trial bullet, fired
This bullet shows how the iron cup has become tipped during the ignition of the powder and become wedged at an angle. This was apparently a common fault with iron cups.
P42/Sea Service bullet introduction
P42/Sea Service trial bullet
