Abstract: 1. A device for determining preferred crystal orientation in a rotary exted shaped charge liner used in the field of ballistics comprising: an automatically controlled three circle goniometer type specimen mount; means for emitting a continuous x-ray beam onto a liner mounted in said specimen mount whereby continuous diffraction beams are reflected back in the shape of a cone; continuous detecting means and means to rotate same at the base of said cone; said detecting means being capable of producing electrical signals indicative of the intensity of the diffraction reflected beams; slip ring means connected to said detecting means; and continuous recording means connected to said slip ring means, said recording means providing an indication of the crystal orientation in said liner.