MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF 
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(4) Breecli-loading guns, with projectiles having a soft metal coating 
larger in diameter than the bore, but which is compressed by the gas to the 
form of the bore. 
I shall only give types of each class, for there will be no occasion to 
explain the different systems, which have been so fully described by Captains 
Scott and Fishbourne. 
The Whitworth and Lancaster systems may be taken as examples of the 
1st class.'* The great advantage shared by both is, that the projectile is 
made of only one metal; but as this must be iron, a steel bore is indispen¬ 
sable. Unless both bore and projectile are turned with great accuracy, and 
cleared from rust or dirt, the projectile may jam in loading—a very serious 
objection, for in the heat of action the gun might be fired when the shot 
was not home, and thus be burst. Mr Whitworth has very ingeniously 
modified the hexagonal form* so as to facilitate the loading, and if enough 
windage be allowed, difficulty in loading will not probably be experienced; 
as, however, the windage is increased, the fire will be less accurate, and the 
bore will suffer more wear. The hexagonal form is unfavourable as regards 
capacity of shell, and as the projectile is made of hard metal, the gaining 
twist cannot be employed either in a Lancaster or Whitworth gun. In 
the Lancaster there is a much greater tendency to jam than in the 
Whitworth system. 
The French, shunt, and Scott’s systems belong to the 2nd class. In all, 
the shot is centred so as to ensure stability of axis, there is no difficulty of 
loading, and, as the driving sides of the studs or ribs can be made of soft 
metal, the wear of the grooves is much reduced, so that either iron or steel 
may be used for the bore. By placing on the shot smaller studs in front 
than behind, a gaining twist may be employed. 
Bashley Britten’s system is a fair example of the 3rd class; it possesses 
several important advantages, viz. easy loading, accuracy of fire, and but 
little wear of the grooves; but the projectiles will not bear large charges, 
the expanding envelope giving way. Parrott’s and Blakely’s systems are 
nearly similar in principle. 
The Armstrong and Prussian B.L. systems belong to the 4th class. 
With these the bore can be readily cleaned, the loading can be easily 
performed, in the smaller natures of guns at least, and the soft coating does 
not injure the bore. The chief disadvantage is the great initial strain due 
to the necessity of the compression of the lead coating. 
The system of rifling is not, after all, of such very great importance; good 
results, as regards accuracy of fire, may, doubtless, be obtained with most of 
them, if both guns and projectiles are manufactured with equal skill 
and care. 
Ordnance of different Services . 
I will now endeavour to compare British with Foreign ordnance, and I 
think I shall be able to show that our condition is not quite so hopeless as 
has been represented, but rather the reverse. I shall not allude to the S.B. 
Lancaster now lias a few copper steadying studs to facilitate loading. 
