Estimating Shell Weights via Scaling

(Created 2 July 2016)
(Revised April 2024)

General Purpose Shell Scaling Formula

Webmaster's Note: This formula was originally given to me by a friend on 23 October 2007. It took until now (2 July 2016) to actually get around to cleaning it up and testing it.

This formula works for both projectiles and propellant masses.

MScale = (CScale / CRef )3 * MRef

Where:

MScale = Mass of the scaled shell.
MRef = Mass of the reference shell.
CScale = Caliber of the scaled shell (in inches or mm)
CRef = Caliber of the reference shell (in inches or mm)

EXAMPLE 1: How heavy would a hypothetical 155mm HVAP projectile be, if we used the weight of the existing 90mm T30E16 HVAP shell (16.7 lb)?

(155 / 90)3 * 16.7 = 85.3

Thus, a 155mm HVAP projectile would weigh 85 pounds.

EXAMPLE 2: How heavy would a hypothetical 76mm HVAP projectile be, if we used the weight of the existing 90mm T30E16 HVAP shell (16.7 lb)?

(76 / 90)3 * 16.7 = 10.05

Thus, a 76mm HVAP projectile would weigh 10.05 pounds.

(The actual 76mm T4 HVAP round weighed 9.5 pounds, so this scaling method turned out to be off by about 5%, so keep that in mind for evaluation purposes.)

Pre Built Shell Weight Estimation Calculator

Reference Gun Caliber (mm):
Reference Gun Total Weight (kg):

Reference Penetrator Weight (kg):
Reference Sabot Weight (kg):
Reference Total Projectile Weight (kg):
Reference Propellant Weight (kg):
Reference Case Weight (kg):
Reference Total Round Weight (kg):

Reference Shell Muzzle Velocity (m/sec):
Reference Shell Muzzle Energy (MJ):

Scaled Gun Caliber (mm):
Scaled Gun Total Weight (kg):

Scaled Penetrator Weight (kg):
Scaled Sabot Weight (kg):
Scaled Total Projectile Weight (kg):
Scaled Propellant Weight (kg):
Scaled Case Weight (kg):
Scaled Total Round Weight (kg):

Scaled Shell Muzzle Velocity (m/sec):
Scaled Shell Muzzle Energy (MJ):

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