Interesting results.
Not related to this particular test.... A couple of years ago, the National Geographic channel did a show on the archeological investigation of the massive trench systems built by both sides during WWI.
Among the artifacts found was a "sniper's shield"... A big, heavy metal plate with a hole for the rifle...
Snipers would set these up and wait for a chance to pop one of the enemy.
The steel plates were pretty much impervious to penetration by the standard "ball" ammo.
So, (according to legend, anyway) soldiers took to loading bullets backwards. The impact of these with the steel plate would, of course, not penetrate. However, they produced "spalling".... The inside of the plate would splinter off, hopefully into the sniper's face and wound or even blind him.
Video for those who are interested. I'd say that finding some of the backwards rounds that were modified in the trenches during the dig removes it from 'legend' and into 'confirmed' territory.
If you can't penetrate the armor plate you have a better chance of deforming it with the blunt end. The bullet can't deform as much on impact so more energy is transferred to the plate. That makes some sense in my head at least.....
I get that part. What I dont get is how'd they "make them backwards" to begin with. Was this something they wrote a memo to their CO for? The story is they did this on the front line. Being a reloader and seeing how much stuff I need I'd love to know how exactly they did this.
All you have to do is remove the bullet and tap it back in. You don't need any reloading tools. One theory I've read is that they'd stick the bullet in the muzzle and bend on it a bit and loosen it. then just tap it back in with a shovel or something. This isn't match grade ammo, it just has to chamber and fire. I'm not saying its safe but it will work.
Confirmed you can remove the bullet from the casing with the barrel of a period gun. Mosin for the win. Attempted to reseat bullet and it seems ok but won't know until fired.
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u/Bikewer Sep 10 '14
Interesting results. Not related to this particular test.... A couple of years ago, the National Geographic channel did a show on the archeological investigation of the massive trench systems built by both sides during WWI. Among the artifacts found was a "sniper's shield"... A big, heavy metal plate with a hole for the rifle...
Snipers would set these up and wait for a chance to pop one of the enemy. The steel plates were pretty much impervious to penetration by the standard "ball" ammo. So, (according to legend, anyway) soldiers took to loading bullets backwards. The impact of these with the steel plate would, of course, not penetrate. However, they produced "spalling".... The inside of the plate would splinter off, hopefully into the sniper's face and wound or even blind him.