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Shells

 
Two shells recovered from Jean Bart

Above are two shells recovered from the Jean Bart. As only two shells are known to have exploded, these must be the two that hit the less armored areas causing the visible damage.

A blue practice round.

Shell and propellant

Six bags of propellant powder is a full charge for a 2,700 pound shell. There is far more explosive power in the propellant than in the shell, but the propellant was a slower burning material. An instantly exploding propellant would burst the gun. The propellant was designed to burn in roughly the amount of time it takes to push the shell from the gun.

Winch and rail

The hoist on a rail arrangement is commonly found near the turrets. These rails were used to move shells about the ship.

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