page_title: Glossary of British ordnance terms
section_title: Separate QF
hierarchical_section_title: Glossary of British ordnance terms / QF / Separate QF
caption_attribution_description: Diagram of Mk III cartridge for British QF 15 pounder field gun. Mk III cartridge case takes Percussion Primer No.3 in the base. Mk II cartridge case is similar, but takes Percussion Cap in a cap chamber. Mk I cartridge case was the original German design purchased with the guns, and superseded by the Britisk Mk II and Mk III designs. Propellant charge is 1 lb 2 oz 10 drams Cordite M.D.T Size 20-10 for shrapnel and case shot; reduced charge of 4 oz for star shell.
context_page_description: The terms may have slightly different meanings in the military of other countries.
context_section_description: In other guns, typically naval guns 3 inches or above, such as the QF 12 pounder 12 cwt and QF 6 inch naval gun, and howitzers, such as the QF 4.5 inch howitzer and ordnance QF 25 pounder gun-howitzer, the projectile was loaded separately to the cartridge case containing the propellant: "separate ammunition". This system was suitable for howitzers as it allowed the gunner to remove part of the cordite charge before loading if required for shorter ranges. Separating the cartridge and projectile also allowed the weight of loading to be shared by two men.
caption: Separate QF 15 pounder cartridge
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