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Can a paper-patch provide obturation without a soft projectile, i.e artillery shells?
I was wondering whether this would actually work on larger calibers, which typically don't use ductile metals.
The only example I'm aware of would be the Schenkl projectile, which was made of cast iron, but that was a considerably thicker papier-mache sabot, rather than a thin layer to engage the rifling.
Attachment 263050
Would a simple patch not work with the cast iron shell?
I guess it wouldn't expand and provide additional obturation, but shouldn't patching to groove diameter suffice for that?
In other words, is a relatively soft metal essential to making a functioning paper-patched projectile?