How important was weight of fire compared with individual shell effect in cruiser battles?
Short answerBefore radar, volume improved hit chances and helped disable opponents; radar fire control increased the value of larger calibres' greater range.
NotesBefore radar, visual fire control made volume valuable because more shells fired in the right direction increased the chance of a hit. Preventing an opponent from firing back could be enough: a cruiser could continue shooting or close to finish the disabled ship with torpedoes. Radar fire control made accurate engagement at longer ranges more practical, increasing the value of a larger gun's greater reach. The balance therefore depended on both fire-control technology and engagement range. Earlier protected cruisers carried a few large guns for a different reason: their smaller weapons could struggle to penetrate old ironclads and early armoured cruisers stationed overseas. The heavy guns supplied that penetrating capability despite their slow rate of fire.