Tapering (firearms)

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In firearms, tapering refers to components that narrow down like a cone does, hence the name taper. [1] [2] [3] [4]

Contents

Barrels

Tapered barrel of a cannon. En salutkanon.jpg
Tapered barrel of a cannon.
Tapered bore. Squeezebore Diagram Example.png
Tapered bore.

In barrels, this centralises mass to the operator, not only to reduce perceived weight due to center of mass, but also to improve accuracy/acquisition and stabilise the balance handling of the weapon. In addition, a tapered barrel means that chamber pressures are higher, leading to increased round velocity.

Cartridges

Tapered rifle cartridge. Cartridge .303 British CC BY-SA 4.0 by Grasyl.jpg
Tapered rifle cartridge.

In cartridges, this usually helps in chambering/unloading the weapon. This differs from shouldering/bottlenecking [5] , which only refers to the case head of the cartridge that holds the projectile, whereas tapering usually refers to the angled sides of the cartridge.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "British Cannon Design 1600 - 1800".
  2. ↑ Tony DiGiulian. "Definitions and Information about Naval Guns". NavWeaps. Retrieved 2022-08-20.
  3. ↑ "Naval Gun Barrel Construction".
  4. ↑ "The 24 Pounder Cannon".
  5. ↑ Cartridges and Firearm Identification By Robert E. Walker. CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group. ISBN 978-1-4665-0206-2 Ammunition Cartridges Page 47


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