GOLD MEDAL PRIZE ESSAY, 1879 . 
525 
Case Shot. 
Although the opportunities for the use of case will, in future, probably Case shot, 
be few, yet it is of the utmost importance that this projectile should be 
the best we can possibly make, as the safety of the guns will probably 
depend on the effect it produces on the occasions when it is used. 
The only means available, apparently, for increasing its power are :— ■ now to im. 
(1), increase of weight; (2), increase of the proportionate charge of prove • 
powder, and consequent increase of muzzle velocity; (3), the employ¬ 
ment of a denser alloy for the bullets; (4), the substitution of steel for 
wrought-iron in the segmental linings. 
Increase of weight will, of course, in shot of similar calibre allow of 
an increase in the number of bullets contained. A 24-lb. case of similar 
construction to the present 16-pr., which contains 176 at lGJper lb., 
would hold no less than 272 of the same size. 
Increase in the proportionate charge of powder. This is a most 
important point. The want of a sufficient charge has much to do with 
the falling off of the effect of case fired from rifled guns compared with 
that of the smooth-bore. 
A denser alloy would allow of each bullet being smaller (retaining 
them at the same weight). In the first place, this would increase the 
destructive effect, as each bullet would retain its velocity longer than 
one of the same weight but larger diameter, and even with equal 
velocities would be more likely to penetrate and disable on account of 
its smaller area. Moreover, the smaller the diameter of each bullet, 
the greater number could be inserted in a case or envelope of given 
dimensions and weight, or a fixed number could be contained in an 
envelope of less size; that is to Say, in a shot of given weight, a larger 
proportion of the total would be taken up by useful bullets and less by 
useless envelope. 
Wrought-iron is now employed as the material of which segmental 
linings are made. Their chief function is to render the case so rigid as 
not to “ set up 99 and take the rifling, from which would result a too 
great lateral depression of the bullets. This appears a work which mild 
steel would be far better suited to ; its greater hardness and higher 
elastic limit would probably allow of the thickness and weight of these 
linings being proportionately reduced. We should by this means 
also obtain an increase in the weight of bullets. 
Fuzes. 
The question of fuzes is one of the highest and most vital importance. Fuzes. 
In these days, without satisfactory fuzes the best artillery that could 
possibly be made would hardly be of more use to an army in the field 
than would a catapult or balista—a very incumbrance, and useless 
burden. Are we in a satisfactory position ? The answer must be, 
however much we may regret it, decidedly No ! As far as percussion 
fuzes go, we are; but all experience of practice and actual war must 
convince us of the terrible (though almost latent) power of the shrapnel 
