GDG- Cannon Fire

[gary.mcginnis at dot.gov]

I was wondering if anyone could give some descriptions of cannon fire
for the various cannons used at Gettysburg, and here is what I am
wondering.

 

I'll take a stab at this even though I am by no means an expert. Filed
artillery mostly comprised of Napoleon 12 pounders made from brass, and
rifled 3" and 10 lb Parrots. There were a few other mixed in also. 

 

Napoleons fired a 10 lb 4.50 or 4.75 inch diameter ball. Its Range was
just about a mile +/_ depending on the round, the angle, etc. It used
2.5 lbs of powder. 

 

The rifled guns were iron and had groves cut in the barrel to make the
shell spin similar to a football. They used 2 pounds of powder and the
shot weighed approximately 10 lbs. A three inch shell can be fired from
a 10 lb Parrott, but due to a slight difference in diameter you can't
fire a 10 lb from a three inch unless modified. There is an example of
this on the field near the NH sharpshooter monument in front and north
of the PA monument. If you are really curious (like me) you can take a
cup and put it in the barrel and draw the diameter of both tubes to see
the difference.

 

Rifled guns went slightly further than a mile. Guns were normally limned
up with 12 - 14 yards between hubs. A 12 pound Nap with firing solid
shot will recoil approximately 12 feet. The rifles were slightly less. 

 

I don't want to take up too much space so I won't get into the various
types of rounds they used. I'm sure someone will chime in. 

 

If you need more info just ask.

 

Gary McGinnis