As I understand major factor of throat errosion of overbore cartridges is unburned powder abrasing throat.

So why don't make cartridge with some "primer chanel" allowing to initialize powder from the front . . .

[This message has been edited by Jiri (edited 04-16-2002).]

As I understand major factor of throat errosion of overbore cartridges is unburned powder abrasing throat.

So why don't make cartridge with some "primer chanel" allowing to initialize powder from the front . . .

DonG: Please, delete previous post . . .

[This message has been edited by Jiri (edited 04-16-2002).]

You're right. Years ago I believe Elmer Keith and others did a little work on the .50 BMG with the primer tubes. Resulted in better velocity and clean burning, but was very expensive.
I need to double check the book Hell I was there.

Jiri-
From what I've read, the problem is getting enough flame to the end of the flash tube.

I know a guy who wants to make a wildcat from the .50 BMG case. He wants to cut it down shorter than the .50 Spotter. I suppose that big primer, with a (relatively) short flash tube would be a good candidate.

There was an article in Precision Shooting on this about 3 years ago. I'll try to find someone with a backissue.

As noted above, O'Neil, Keith, Hopkins (O.K.H.), and, I believe, Rocky Gibbs experimented with front ignition. Some pretty lavish claims were made for the efficacy of the system, but it was rather labor-intensive to set up the cartridges, then loading them was complicated by the tube in the center of the case. In addition, the flash tube reduced the total powder capacity of the case to s certain degree. Eventually, the idea was abandoned. However, many types of artillery shells have a similar setup inside the cases.

"major factor of throat errosion of overbore cartridges is unburned powder abrasing throat".

No it is the high temp gasses ERODING the throad. It is not worn away like sandpaper but burned away like a cutting torch.

So why don't make cartridge with some "primer chanel" allowing to initialize powder from the front . . .

Because it is impractical. The real improvements do not justify the trouble.

Good idea and logical thinking though.

Scot

I think Elmer Keith was involved in this primer flash tube up the middle idea during World War II when he worked around artillery ordinance. His idea was "...we're lighting the powder at the wrong end". And as previous posters already state, they attempted to incorporate this idea to sporting cartridges but it was not practical.

I don't have my Hatcher's Notebook handy, but Earl Naramore in his 1954 _Principles and Practice of Loading Ammunition_, p 157 ff, addresses the issue, as does Philip B. Sharpe in _Complete Guide to Handloading_, p 208 ff of the post war Supplement.

Someone commented that this idea comes up periodically as those who experienced it retire or die off.
Cheers from Darkest California,
Ross

Yes, Wolfe Publishing published a 64 page book "Gibbs' Cartridges and Front Ignition Loading Technique", 1991, author Roger Stowers. About half of the book covers F.I. loading.