72 
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF 
" After so many rounds there was a slight increase in the wear of the metal 
at the end of the grooves. It was already observable all round where the 
bore unites with the chamber, more at the lower than at the upper part. 
However, this w r ear was not more serious than that which appeared after 
800 rounds of the experimental 11-inch gun ( F ); and the piece is quite 
serviceable. 
24. "To sum up. The experiments have proved that the 8*58 inch rifled 
breech-loading guns made by Krupp, of cast steel, possess a very great 
accuracy of fire; that they produce satisfactory results against armour plates, 
that they stand 425 rounds and are then fit for service. 
"On the basis of the results of actual experiment the Commission nominated 
by Imperial command to enquire into the manufacture of cannon for fortresses 
and fleets has acknowledged the 8*58-inch breech-loading gun as perfectly 
suitable for the armament of coast batteries. It has decided in its immediate 
introduction, and to convert all the 8* 5 8-inch guns, not only those already 
made, but also those which M. Krupp has still to deliver, into breech-loading 
guns. 
"At the same time the Committee thought it right not to be satisfied with 
the experiments actually made with 8*58-inch B.L. guns, but on the 
contrary to continue their trials until it should be in a position to state 
more precisely, 
(1) " The resistance of these guns to heavier charges; 
(2) "The convenience or inconvenience of breech closing arrangement; 
(3) " The degree to which the metal is worn; 
(4) " The extreme distance at which they are capable of penetrating iron 
armour plates.” 
Note.— The two following plates drawn from photographs, will assist in making 
Par. 21 intelligible. The first represents a breech-loading gun of Krupp’s in six 
positions. 
Plate 1, figs. 1, 2. Rear view of the breech-block drawn out to admit of 
sponging and loading; shewing the block itself, the screw by which it is started, 
and the sliding clamp by which it is held when in place, to prevent it starting of 
itself on the discharge. In this position the gas ring is about half out of the slot. 
Pigs. 3, 4. The breech closed for firing, the sliding clamp pushed home, and 
holding the screw. 
Pigs. 5, 6. The breech-block drawn out beyond the loading position so as to 
completely clear its face, and to permit the steel or copper gas ring which is let into 
the face, to be cleaned, or exchanged for a new one. 
