When was it published?

October 31, 1745 in The Virginia Gazette

Foreign News October 31, 1745

The Virginia Gazette

Q: What sub-type of article is it?

Military Experiments, Ordnance Technology

Q: What entities or persons were involved?

Lord Viscount Molesworth, Master Of Ordnance

Q: What keywords are associated?

Cannon Experiments, Recoil Prevention, Powder Savings, Six Pounder, Military Ordnance

Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia

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What is this article about?

Experiments ordered by Lord Viscount Molesworth tested a six-pounder cannon fixed to prevent recoil, finding it achieves the same range with 2 pounds of powder as 3 pounds when free to recoil, potentially saving powder and improving speed and accuracy.

Clipping

OCR Quality

98% Excellent

Full Text

On Wednesday last some Experiments were made by Order of the Right Hon. Lord Viscount Molesworth, Master of Ordnance; by which 'twas found, that a six Pounder, when tak'd so as to be prevented from recoiling, ranged her Shot as far, at the same Degree of Elevation, with a Charge of two Pounds of Powder, as with the ordinary Charge of three Pounds, when at Liberty to recoil: A Discovery which may prove of infinite Service, as a great deal of Powder may thereby be saved; and, at the same Time, the Discharge made with greater Expedition, and much more Certainty and Exactness.

What sub-type of article is it?

Military Experiments Ordnance Technology

What keywords are associated?

Cannon Experiments Recoil Prevention Powder Savings Six Pounder Military Ordnance

What entities or persons were involved?

Lord Viscount Molesworth Master Of Ordnance

Foreign News Details

Event Date

On Wednesday Last

Key Persons

Lord Viscount Molesworth Master Of Ordnance

Outcome

discovery allows same range with 2 pounds of powder instead of 3, saving powder, enabling faster discharge with greater certainty and exactness.

Event Details

Experiments showed that a six-pounder cannon, prevented from recoiling, ranges its shot as far at the same elevation with a 2-pound powder charge as with the ordinary 3-pound charge when free to recoil.