This disassembled view shows the three-piece construction of the Hotchkiss
projectile (the nose, the lead band, and the base cup). Upon the ignition of the gun, the
base cup was driven along the cylindrical base of the projectile body, expanding the lead
band (sabot) into the rifling. Hotchkiss patent projectiles were intended for use in the
3-inch wrought iron (ordnance) rifle; because the seven lands and grooves allowed a more
even distribution of the stress, during the expansion of the lead sabot.
To see a complete 3-inch Hotchkiss bolt click here.
