Originally posted by Polytechnique Name: Payload Conventional Ammunition (PCA), Payload Rounds Description: Bullets designed and intended to carry a specific material payload to a target. (This is an example of a converted .50BMG round. This process and general schematic will apply to pretty much every type of concievable ammunition from .22LR to 30mm AA shells.) [/b]History:[/b] Murphy O'Ruanaidh converted the first out of standard FMJ ammunition before setting up assembly lines for them to be independently made. It primarily exists OOCly for the reason of bringing the 'future' to conventional ammunition (since who in 30XX wants to use 1000-year old technology) and to add more freedom to the effects of people's weapons. Intended Use: I mean, it's a bullet that you can manufacture with whatever you damn well please to put in it. So, to be shot at things I guess. This would be a good spot to put some standard loads that can be packed into them, as well as the nomenclature - Names for rounds are expressed as their standard designation (ex. 9x19mm) + 'PCA' plus a payload abbreviation, for example 9x19mmPCA-FA for a 9x19mm pistol cartridge with a fluoroantimonic acid load. Some common payloads are: [*] FA. Fluoroantimonic acid rounds. An extreme incendiary solution causing chemical fires, severe burns, and explosive cavitation within a target. [*] C4T. C4 on a timing circuit that detonates after a period of time. [*] C4P. C4 linked to a piezoelectric circuit that will detonate it on impact. [*] AF. Aflatoxin. Causes respiratory failure quickly, particularly against human targets. [*] BT. Botulinum toxin. See above. [*] SC. Steel core. Basically the same as a steel-core penetration round. [*] PZ. Piezoelectric material causing an extreme discharge on impact. [*] MG. Ferromagnetic material that can destroy implants and internal computing systems, particularly effective against Glitch. List of strengths: [*] It allows further specialization of loads. For instance, AF rounds may be extremely useful against human targets, due to their extreme toxicity. [*] They generally are longer-range, due to lighter mass. [*] They can result in far more powerful effects to the target than standard, multi-purpose ammunition. [*] Generally, they are cheaper to produce than other more expensive specialized incendiary or explosive rounds, due to the universality of the construction. [*] They allow for more freedom when it comes to what you're putting in a gun. List of weaknesses: [*] The rounds themselves are difficult to produce without a skilled manufacturer and the correct equipment. You can't just make them in a garage unless you're a reasonably competent metalsmith. [*] They require special handling procedures. Dropping FA bullets into water can cause explosions, which leads into: [*] They are not waterproof. Timing circuits and payloads are generally not protected from water. [*] They are dangerous to carry too many at once. Manufacturing errors can lead to exposure of dangerous chemicals to the air or other surroundings, leading to premature releases or detonations inside of guns or in pockets. [*] They are not 100% reliable. Often times, as these rounds are lighter than standard rounds, it will pass through its target without releasing its payload. This increases hazard for collateral damage, as such they are not suited for non-specialist purposes. Additionally, improper conversion (i.e. improper amount of mass inside of a projectile) will inhibit cycling due to lower barrel pressures and smaller impulses (attributed to powder not fully burning). [*] They are typically not suitable for full-auto fire. Firing them without 'buffer bullets' (hollowpoints, tracers, FMJs) can result in premature detonation inside of the barrel due to excess heat and residual safety coating material, causing the destruction of the firearm and potential injury to the user. This is not always the case, but a good rule of thumb. [*] They need long barrels. Shortened barrels will not work due to improper pressure - so no sawn-off PCA sluggers. Benefitting Roleplay: Allows for more open-ended and creative combat scenarios. Attainability: This technology is meant to be completely open. Anyone is free to use it if they please. They will likely be on the market with some specific payloads, and there will be toolkits for existing round conversions. I mean, you can put bacon grease in them if you really want to. It's meant to be extremely open ended.
