What is heated shot?

Author: Leandro Alegsa

Q: What is heated shot?


A: Heated shot is the heating of round shot before firing from muzzle-loading cannons.

Q: Why is heated shot used?


A: The purpose of heated shot is for setting fire to enemy warships, buildings, or equipment.

Q: How far back does the use of heated shot date?


A: The use of hot shot dates back centuries.

Q: When was the use of heated shot stopped?


A: The use of heated shot was stopped when vessels armored with iron replaced wooden warships in the world's navies.

Q: Was heated shot mainly used on ships or on shore batteries and forts?


A: Heated shot was mainly used on shore batteries and forts, due to the need for a special furnace to heat the shot.

Q: Was the use of heated shot from a ship dangerous?


A: Yes, the use of heated shot from a ship was so dangerous that it was against Royal Navy regulations.

Q: Which ship had a shot furnace installed for hot shot to be fired?


A: The American ship USS Constitution had a shot furnace installed for hot shot to be fired.


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