How one naval gun serves deck and belt targets

Could one gun fire both heavy deck-penetrating and high-velocity belt-penetrating shells?

Yes. Several projectile designs can fit the same gun, and propellant charges can also be varied.

A gun can fire several shell designs adapted to it. Heavy shells fired at high angles are associated with deck penetration, while flatter trajectories at shorter range attack belt armour. High-explosive and armour-piercing shells differ in density because the explosive filling is less dense than solid metal. Iowa's super-heavy armour-piercing ammunition provides an example of a heavy projectile alongside lighter AP designs. One participant warns that changing the powder charge could reduce accuracy without suitable range tables. Others reply that reduced, normal, and overcharge tables exist and argue that the tables should cover changes in propellant quantity.