HOWITZERS.
Howitzers are a short description of Ordnance, either Brass or Iron, and are used for projecting Shells. Their principal advantages are that they can be more easily loaded, and are considerably lighter, in proportion to their calibre, than Guns; and they also may be used as Mortars. They have no dispart, the diameter of the base ring and swell of the muzzle being equal, except in the 24 and 12-pounders; which, however, are provided with a patch to make up the difference.
Millar’s howitzers differ from the old pattern in the increased length, being from six to ten calibres; and in the conical form given to their Chambers (called Gomer) which are the frustrum of a cone, terminating in an hemisphere.
Note.—Vide Tables for Weights, Dimensions, Ranges, Charges, &c.
CARRONADES.
A Carronade is a short piece of Iron Ordnance, with a loop under the reinforce instead of trunnions. Its construction is materially different to that of guns; having a chamber; a part scooped out inside the muzzle forming a cup; also a patch on the reinforce. They take their name from the Carron Foundry (where they were first cast for the Navy in 1779), are considerably lighter than Guns of similar calibres, and are fired with charges of about one-twelfth the weight of the shot.
Carronades are chiefly used on board ship, but occasionally in casemates, and retired flanks of fortresses.
| The highest charge is | one-eighth the weight of the shot. |
| The lowest charge | one-sixteenth do. do. |
Note.—For Weights, Dimensions, Ranges, &c., vide [Tables.]