Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:03:26

Could a 15-inch/50 reuse 15-inch/42 ammunition?

A longer 15-inch gun could probably retain ammunition commonality if its breech and handling spaces were designed accordingly.

15-inch GunsAmmunitionNaval GunneryRoyal Navy
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Question

Would a British 15-inch/50 gun have reused ammunition from the 15-inch/42?

Short answer

Probably, provided the breech and mounting offered enough space.

Notes

The calibre alone does not decide whether the older projectile and charge can be reused. Common ammunition appears probable for a British 15-inch/50, provided its breech and mounting have enough space. A longer gun may change the chamber and handling arrangements even when the bore remains the same. Ammunition compatibility would therefore have to be designed into the mounting.