By: Neil

Neil — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 15:37:34 +0000

Just a few notes, the 14.5×114’s grooves are nominally 14.93 mm in diameter, so 0.588 inches; 0.5878″ if you want to be pedantic. The weapons that fire the 14.5×115 have a bore that is nominally 14.5 mm, so 0.571″ (0.5709″). The bullets of the 14.5×115 are nominally 14.905 mm (0.5868″) in diameter before firing, but all dimensions vary around that nominal value. After firing the bullet will not be 14.5 mm/0.571″ calibre, but around 0.587″ calibre. This as their maximum diameter will be near that of the grooves in the weapon’s barrel.

The muzzle velocity of the B-32 and BS-41 API rounds is regulated to 1,012 m/s (3,320 ft/s), which is from official Russian manual data. The lower figure of 1,006 m/s (3,300 ft/s) that is commonly seen is for the observed velocity at 25 m, not the muzzle velocity.

The mass of the B-32 API projectile is 62.6-64.6 g (966-997 gr), whilst the BS-41’s API (hard core) projectile is 65.5-66.0 g (1,011-1,018 gr). As such neither API projectile weighs the 993 gr (64.3 g) as stated, though the figure is close to the B-32.

Finally, rounds such as the BZT API-T series, BST API-T (hard core), PZ observing, and the MDZ-series HEI all have different projectile weights and velocity ranges.

A slightly earlier version of this info was posted on another ammunition related site, where it was pooh-poohed. I’m just tired of seeing misinformation posted about the 14.5×114, and hence have posted it here too. Feel free to ignore it, though that would be a shame. Anyway, one can only try to pass on knowledge, one can’t expect it to be taken notice of.

Comments on: Mega-Sized 14.5x114mm Round — Russia’s Colossal Cartridge

By: Neil