Real deck gun loading times?

Paul Riley · 03-06-10, 02:55 PM

3-5 seconds?! ,bloody hell thats fast.
I have set my 8.8 to 12 secs and the 10.5 to 15 secs,this seems reasonable

Jimbuna · 03-06-10, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Riley

3-5 seconds?! ,bloody hell thats fast.
I have set my 8.8 to 12 secs and the 10.5 to 15 secs,this seems reasonable

Actually I agree with you but in ideal/calm conditions and with a well drilled team it was probably possible....I couldn't imagine it being achievable in battle conditions though.

03-06-10, 05:16 PM

Ammunition for the 8.8 cm and 10.5 cm guns came assembled and was loaded in one operation after which the breach would be closed with a single rotation of its operating lever. The gun was then ready to lay and fire.

A good loader could theoretically trip the cartidge extractors automatically closing the breach and saving one operation but doing so would require cleaning of all protective grease, of which generally there was a considerable amount, from the breech mechanism. So the 3-4 second figure is probably very optimistic and unsustainable for any length of time.

Getting the gun ready for the opening round and securing it after the action probably took some time as well. There are incidents recorded of failing to remove the tampion (muzzle cap) before firing which likely resulted in the muzzle being shot off. Other instances of burst barrels might be attributed to excessive corrosion in the tube or the build-up of solidified grease creating overpressure behind the shell and causing the tube to fail.

I would guess that 5-rounds per minute for the 8.8 (12-seconds) and 4 for the 10.5 (15 seconds) is probably very generous in the real world. I use 20 and 30 seconds respectively but then almost never use the gun in action.

frau kaleun · 03-06-10, 06:15 PM

OMG I've heard about deck gun threads!

03-06-10, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frau kaleun

OMG I've heard about deck gun threads!

What's the big deal?

When retired real-world gunners see topics about gunnery not diving in head first can be a bit difficult at times.

frau kaleun · 03-06-10, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randomizer

What's the big deal?

When retired real-world gunners see topics about gunnery not diving in head first can be a bit difficult at times.

One can only hope. I've got lots of popcorn.

03-06-10, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frau kaleun

One can only hope. I've got lots of popcorn.

Well, popcorn is always good and however many grains of salt you do not need for the discussion just make it that much better. Particularly if there are a couple of golden sodas to help wash it down.

The ol'lady always found gunnery a tiresome topic too. Can't understand why though...

vergol · 03-06-10, 09:40 PM

Speaking of deck guns, I've noticed they don't appear in the tech availability timeline. I see torps and flak, but not deck guns.

Anyone know how I can fill that gap?

03-06-10, 02:55 PM	#1
Paul Riley Ocean Warrior Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Sheffield, England Posts: 2,679 Downloads: 165 Uploads: 0	3-5 seconds?! ,bloody hell thats fast. I have set my 8.8 to 12 secs and the 10.5 to 15 secs,this seems reasonable __________________ Best Patrol: 10 merchants + HMS Nelson for 68.056 Tonnes

03-06-10, 05:16 PM	#3
Randomizer Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	Ammunition for the 8.8 cm and 10.5 cm guns came assembled and was loaded in one operation after which the breach would be closed with a single rotation of its operating lever. The gun was then ready to lay and fire. A good loader could theoretically trip the cartidge extractors automatically closing the breach and saving one operation but doing so would require cleaning of all protective grease, of which generally there was a considerable amount, from the breech mechanism. So the 3-4 second figure is probably very optimistic and unsustainable for any length of time. Getting the gun ready for the opening round and securing it after the action probably took some time as well. There are incidents recorded of failing to remove the tampion (muzzle cap) before firing which likely resulted in the muzzle being shot off. Other instances of burst barrels might be attributed to excessive corrosion in the tube or the build-up of solidified grease creating overpressure behind the shell and causing the tube to fail. I would guess that 5-rounds per minute for the 8.8 (12-seconds) and 4 for the 10.5 (15 seconds) is probably very generous in the real world. I use 20 and 30 seconds respectively but then almost never use the gun in action.

03-06-10, 06:15 PM	#4
frau kaleun Rear Admiral Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Skyri--oh who are we kidding, I'm probably at Lowe's. Again. Posts: 12,706 Downloads: 168 Uploads: 0	OMG I've heard about deck gun threads!

03-06-10, 09:40 PM	#8
vergol Machinist's Mate Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 121 Downloads: 29 Uploads: 0	Speaking of deck guns, I've noticed they don't appear in the tech availability timeline. I see torps and flak, but not deck guns. Anyone know how I can fill that gap?