From: "Jim FRANKLIN", [EMAIL PROTECTED] >Am I wrong as I was under the impression that the >propellant charge in the Challenger was handled in the >same way as in the Chieftain before it - it's a bagged >charge with no shell casing. The 120mm Tank Gun in Chieftain and Challenger I are identical, the L11. The Challeger II uses the L30 gun. Both ammunition sysytems are separate loading, ie. Projectile and Charge are loaded individually. To call it a"bagged charge" is a bit simplistic, the Charges for both systems are held in a Consumable Cartridge Case (CCC), a rigid tube made from nitro-cellulose and paper. It is laquered to give it envoronmental protection and physical strength. As the CCCs contribute energy to the charge system, making them is a "Black Art", perfected by the ROF at Bishopton, Glasgow. Ignition is effected by using an electric cartridge, not unlike a blank. Jim Franklin Orpington KENT. UK PGP key on request Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___________________________________________________________ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics