[PnP] Armorer skill - sling bullets

[Alex Koponen]

Being inspired to do some research I discovered that sling bullets are 
made in many shapes and from many materials.
The two shapes most common were spheres and ellipses. The spheres were 
probably easier to make and throw, but expert slingers likely could get 
more range and penetration from the elliptical style. Archeaology 
reveals that armies standardized their slingstones, likely to enhance 
consistancy and accuracy. Often symbols were inscribed, sometimes 
insults.
Different armies had different standards with different weights and 
shapes.
Ranges up to 440 yards are mentioned in the texts. Modern amateurs 
appear to only get ranges (using lead) close to those given in B2.
Stones, often rocks from a river were very common.
Some were made from ceramic. Sun dried clay or brick was easy and quick 
to make. Probably not good for more than one hit though.
Casting from lead had the advantage of high density at relatively low 
cost. Lead typically had 20-50% longer range than stone. Also lead has 
more consistency in its density than stones so would have been more 
accurate.
Other metals may have been used but would have been more expensive and 
often less effective (because less dense) than lead. Presumably gold, 
being even denser, would be even better but its rarity would preclude 
its use.

Staff (Handle) slings are capable of throwing larger (more damaging) 
projectiles. One would think that additional leverage would also allow 
for longer range. My research did not verify longer ranges than in B2.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Sylverrs_ dragon" <abnaric at hotmail.com>
To: <pnp at abroere.xs4all.nl>
Sent: Thursday, November 04, 2004 3:41 AM
Subject: RE: [PnP] Armorer skill - sling bullets


> Realistically a bullet could probably be molded thus taking much less 
> than nine days. it is basically a 2-3 inch ellipse of lead pointed at 
> both ends. (Like an american football). A good armorer could probably 
> make EL/10 (RU) every day once he was set up to make them. Maybe take 
> a week or so to make the mold.
>
>
>>From: "Alex Koponen" <akoponen at mosquitonet.com>
>>Reply-To: The Powers and Perils Mailing List <pnp at abroere.xs4all.nl>
>>To: <pnp at abroere.xs4all.nl>
>>Subject: [PnP] Armorer skill - sling bullets
>>Date: Wed, 3 Nov 2004 19:42:07 -0900
>>
>>Q. A sling projectile (basically a sphere of metal, usually lead) is 
>>WSB+1 and costs 8BB. Does it REALLY take 9 days for an armorer to make 
>>ONE of them?
>>
>>
>>
>>How many can be made in a batch that takes 9 days to process?
>>
>>
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