Method of producing a cavity in the bursting charge of a high explosive projectile

A method of making a high explosive projectile comprising a hollow metal housing containing a bursting charge having a metal liner embedded therein, comprising the steps of:

• forming an axial bore in one end of said hollow projectile housing;
• inserting an elongated open-ended tubular liner through said bore and rigidly securing the outer end of said liner to said projectile housing in said bore, with the liner extending axially into said housing;
• supporting said projectile housing with its longitudinal axis vertical and said one end up;
• inserting the tubular stem of a pouring funnel into said liner until the lower ends of said liner and funnel are flush with each other;
• providing a liquid-tight seal between said lower ends;
• pouring sufficient molten explosive material into said funnel to fill said projectile housing and said tubular stem to a level above said liner;
• cooling said explosive material to a substantially solid cast state;
• rotating said funnel relative to said liner and said housing to shear the cast material at said lower end of said funnel stem;
• and
• removing said funnel from said liner and projectile.