Design Carronade

admiralty carriage mount 18-pounder carronade, 1808

the original design of carronade included different type of mounting on wooden carriage, cannon had projecting loop on bottom pinned gun carriage, fastened side of ship, pivoting mounting allowed gun rotated, while rearward recoil contained, slider carriage. in versions, wedge placed underneath chamber control elevation, while in later versions elevating screw used.

carronades had chamber one-caliber smaller bore; example, 18-pounder carronade had chamber bored equal 12-pounder. reduced weight of cannon, had effect of reducing velocity of cannonball, , hence range. factor mitigating deficiency in range carronades bored tighter windage long guns, more of propellant went moving shot, rather bypassing it.

naval artillery during age of sail not accurate, regardless of whether cannon gun or carronade. barrels smoothbore, not rifled, , tolerances had wide variations on actual roundness , straightness of barrel shot size in relation bore (windage). sights rudimentary or non-existent, , elevation controlled wedges , guesswork. result, effective or decisive naval battles fought @ ranges under 100 yards carronade s heavier ball useful , shorter range not huge problem. technological improvements changed capabilities of naval armament nineteenth century, muzzle-loading smoothbore cannon still not accurate. consequently, naval tactics in line of battle counted on effect of rapid broadsides @ short range, carronade make significant contribution. in smaller vessels such frigates, privateers, , raiders, captains still appreciated long guns increased range, since not expected engage in fighting in line-of-battle, rather found engaged in long chases or attempts work windward. better tactically attempt shoot opponent s rigging down @ range rather close in direct combat, weaker hulls of lighter vessels @ risk. found far home or harbors, repairs , spare yards, masts or rigging found. generally, although power of smashers , called, acknowledged, captains continued prefer long guns.