Originally Posted by
meleagertoo
I'm surprised that the discussion re the brewing up of T72s is being related to rounds carried.
This is surely not the case, the spectacular roman candle effect is a result of cordite propellant charges burning rather that any explosive reaction of pretty inert projectiles - which it little resembles?
Any molten spray whanging around inside a tank is surely going to find a cordite bag no matter what, and then it's just fireworks time, surely? Time enough for shells to cook of in the fire minutes later.
You are right in the sense that the projectiles are separated from the charges in the carousel. It is the charges that go off, not the projectiles (however depending on the projectile they may chip in).
Basically the crew is sitting on the charges, here's a pretty good video how the thing works