AJ Hamler wrote:
George, to follow up a bit on what Zulu said, not all cannonballs were ball-shaped. Others, like the 10-lb round below that's typical for what would have been used in a 10-lb Parrot rifle, have the shape of a more traditional shell (or "bolt"). The one shown below would have been about 9" long, and 3" wide.
Reference to ball was meant to be generic. I am familiar with other types, such as canister, grape, shell, chain, and bar shot. Last two would, of course have limited use on land.
Was not aware that they set up a cartridge-type load in advance. Would increase the rate of fire, that's for sure. Since little cannon fire back then was indirect, imagine they had standard charges.