The practical advantages of the 8-inch cruiser gun

What practical advantages does an 8-inch gun have over a 9.2-inch gun?

It stores more ammunition in the same space, fires faster, and needs smaller shell-handling machinery.

The larger shell promises greater destructive power but brings penalties throughout the mounting and magazine. Eight-inch ammunition occupies less space, letting a cruiser carry more rounds for the same protected volume. Lighter shells and equipment also support a higher rate of fire and more compact handling machinery. A modest caliber reduction can improve sustained fighting power even when each individual hit is smaller.