322 
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF 
The firing from the breech-loader had to be discontinued after the 20th 
round without lubrication, from the lead stripping off the shot and the 
breech closing apparatus becoming disarranged. This trial showed that the 
gun would be unfit for use in the field, if, by any accident the lubricators 
were not at hand. The bores of the other guns were examined at the end 
of the firing, and were found uninjured by it. 
The Committee remark that the rapid firing of seven rounds per minute 
obtained by exceptional arrangements from the breech-loader was a feat 
inconsistent with proper laying of the gun, and that it would have been 
attended with risk if performed in the heat of action. The utmost rate 
consistent with steady aim and good practice is quite attainable, they 
consider, with the muzzle-loader. 
To this might be added the consideration whether ammunition could be 
supplied quick enough in the field for more rapid firing. In these experi¬ 
ments, where the main object w r as to ascertain how quickly a gun of a 
certain construction could be loaded and fired, apart from all other 
considerations, the supply of ammunition was arranged so that no delay 
should be caused on that account. In the ordinary operations of field 
service it is held dangerous to have the provision of cartridges close to the 
piece when in action. The limber takes a position in which the boxes are 
25 yds. from the muzzle of the gun ; the cartridge has to be taken out of its 
cartouche, the shot to be lifted from its place, and each to pass through 
three different hands before it is put in the bore and rammed home. 
Whatever might be done by special arrangements, and with the same men 
always told off for the same duties, it may be doubted whether guns coming 
into action, on any chance encounter, could be supplied with more than 
three rounds per minute, and the Armstrong muzzle-loader showed itself 
capable of this on the last day's trials. Former data allowed two rounds per 
minute with approximate accuracy, and this is fairly corroborated by the 
rate of one round in about 25 seconds which is the general result of the 
whole trial. 
At the same time it should not be overlooked that on occasions like the 
defence of an entrenched position, there might be the opportunity for making 
special preparation, including that of having ammunition closer than usual, 
and a few extra discharges against an assaulting party might be highly 
advantageous if the guns were capable of such a rate of firing. It must 
therefore be conceded that the quality is a merit, but such occasions are so 
rarely met with that it has little practical value. 
(11) Extent of Recoil* 
The mean recoil, as measured on the platforms when the guns were fired 
under like circumstances, was 66 inches for the breech-loader and 76 inches 
for the muzzle-loader. This is in accordance with the higher firing charge 
in the latter and with the higher initial velocity obtained. 
Report, p. 27, 
