Whitworth .451
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,476
Likes: 224
From: Frequently frozen MN
Whitworth .451
Hi,
Apparently the same guy that invented the standardized whitworth thread invented this rifle -- the whitworth .451
I'm quite curious about it because it supposedly was qute the sniper rifle ( long range accuracy) -- because it had an internal HEX barrel and rifling,
The images below are the barrel, some bullets with one towards the center being a hex example, and apparently a bullet mold.
I'm not any great shake with firearms, and I wonder why this odd combination would be good -- or even why it should work at all.
hj
Apparently the same guy that invented the standardized whitworth thread invented this rifle -- the whitworth .451
I'm quite curious about it because it supposedly was qute the sniper rifle ( long range accuracy) -- because it had an internal HEX barrel and rifling,
The images below are the barrel, some bullets with one towards the center being a hex example, and apparently a bullet mold.
I'm not any great shake with firearms, and I wonder why this odd combination would be good -- or even why it should work at all.
hj
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,562
Likes: 2
From: Southern MD
Ya know, I have no idea as to how/why the Whitworth rifle works.
I have read that the Whitworth was accurate.
Kinda like the Gyrojet pistol. In one's mind and on paper it works, but, in practical terms, it was a dud.
Innacurate. "Minute of broadside of a barn" accuracy from what I recall.
I have read that the Whitworth was accurate.
Kinda like the Gyrojet pistol. In one's mind and on paper it works, but, in practical terms, it was a dud.
Innacurate. "Minute of broadside of a barn" accuracy from what I recall.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,562
Likes: 2
From: Southern MD
I THINK the Whitworth came out in the era of smoothbore rifles and roundball projectiles.
Keyword. . . THINK.
The old smoothbores and roundballs were historically inaccurate, because most of the time, the roundball would bounce around in the barrel and depending on what part of the barrel the ball was touching when it left the barrel, that would alter the ball's path.
Aim for the chest. . . . . hit the lower left leg.
Whitworth rifle. . . . tight-fitting projectile. . . more accuracy.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,402
Likes: 10
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,476
Likes: 224
From: Frequently frozen MN
LazyK. I think that you have it -- tried to rep, but no go so *THANKS*
From that website
Sir Joseph Whitworth of England created a rifle with a twisted hexagonal bore and then shaped bullets to match this bore. (1) He patented his hexagonal bore in 1854. (2) A Confederate weapon in the Civil War, when outfitted with a telescopic sight this firearm had an effective range of 1,500 yards. The twisted hexagonal bore imparted a steadiness of flight to its .45 caliber bullet, and made this rifle the favorite of Confederate sharpshooters.
A twisted hex barrel -- this is the first reference that I've seen describing the twist.
Wonder how 'effective' it was at 1500 yards
hj
From that website
Sir Joseph Whitworth of England created a rifle with a twisted hexagonal bore and then shaped bullets to match this bore. (1) He patented his hexagonal bore in 1854. (2) A Confederate weapon in the Civil War, when outfitted with a telescopic sight this firearm had an effective range of 1,500 yards. The twisted hexagonal bore imparted a steadiness of flight to its .45 caliber bullet, and made this rifle the favorite of Confederate sharpshooters.
A twisted hex barrel -- this is the first reference that I've seen describing the twist.
Wonder how 'effective' it was at 1500 yards
hj
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,402
Likes: 10
Thank you for the compliment. just thought you would be interested in the Civil War connection.
The bullet seems to be over twice the weight of that of a Colt .45 plus, if accutate at 1500yds, then it must be travelling fast and still spinning on its axis so would be carrying a lot of energy. I would think, if hit by it, you would not be able to carry on fighting in the battle and perhaps not in any other.
Whitworths greatest achievement, however, was the first ever standardized bolt thread formula. Before that every blacksmith made his own nuts and bolts.
The Whitworth thread was used up to around the late 1950s in the UK and many other countries until replaced by SAE.
The bullet seems to be over twice the weight of that of a Colt .45 plus, if accutate at 1500yds, then it must be travelling fast and still spinning on its axis so would be carrying a lot of energy. I would think, if hit by it, you would not be able to carry on fighting in the battle and perhaps not in any other.
Whitworths greatest achievement, however, was the first ever standardized bolt thread formula. Before that every blacksmith made his own nuts and bolts.
The Whitworth thread was used up to around the late 1950s in the UK and many other countries until replaced by SAE.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
JaredMackall
General NON-Automotive Conversation
36
Sep 14, 2004 06:14 PM
