Muzzle-loading rifle

These long rifles and similar weapons were used from about 1700 to 1900, but gradually gave way to firearms whose projectile is loaded into the chamber via the breech, without having to pass through the barrel.

[2] The muzzle-loading rifle was introduced into service in ships of the Royal Navy, after experimentation with alternative armament systems, after the failure of the Armstrong 100-pounder breech-loaders installed in 1860.

The type of gun finally adopted was a muzzle-loading weapon which fired projectiles with external studs which engaged with the rifling.

In contrast to smooth bore cannon which preceded it, the rifling of the gun barrel allowed much greater accuracy and penetration as the spin induced to the shell gave it directional stability.

This new gun and the rifled breech loader generated a huge arms race in the late 19th century, with rapid advances in fortifications and ironclad warships.

Many artillery pieces were converted from older smooth bore weapons once technical problems in strengthening the original cast iron body had been overcome.

The largest RML carried on a warship was the Elswick Ordnance Company's 17.7 inch (450-mm) 100 ton gun of the 1870s, four of which were installed in each of the Italian ironclads Duilio and Enrico Dandolo (launched in 1876 and 1878, respectively).

During this period rapid burning black powder was used as the propellant, so the guns had a stubby, 'soda bottle' shape giving easy access to either end for loading.