THE RANGE OF MODERN ARTILLERY.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 773, 7 February 1871, Page 3

THE RANGE OF MODERN ARTILLERY.

In the report of the Whitworth nnd Armstrong Committee we find the following:—"lt further appears, from the table of ranges, combined with aninspection of the probable rectangles, that the "Whitworth gun made good practice up to a range of 8000 yards, which is about 2000 yards in excess of the ranges attained by either of the Armstroug guus at the same elevation of 21 degrees." Some idea of the distance these modern rifled cannon can throw a, shot will be formed by the general reader when he reflects that 8000 yards represent a distance of more than four miles and a-half; that is, a Whitworth shot might be well aimed from the southern slope of Highgate-hill at an object on the further side of the Thames. This, however, does not represent the carrying distance of the f)-inch Whitworth. On the 20th of November, a range of 10.300 yards (more than five miles and three quarters) was attaiued. The shot on this occasion weighed 2501b5., charge of powder 501b5., and the elevation 33 degrees. The very next day the same gun beat its previous performance. With 33.5 degrees elevation it threw a shell weighing 3101b5., with 501bs powder, 11,127 yards," to the first graze," being upwards of six miles and a quarter! This is stated to be 1000 yards farther than the flight of any projectile from any gun in this or foreign countries.—" Mechanics' Magazine."