Range table


A range table was a list of angles of elevation a particular artillery gun barrel needed to be set to, to strike a target at a particular distance with a projectile of a particular weight using a propellant cartridge of a particular weight. They were used for several centuries by field and naval gunners of all countries until gradually replaced by computerised fire-control systems beginning in World War II.

Range table for US 3-inch field gun, models 1902-1905

This gun used a standard "fixed" cartridge with 15-pound shell, hence a single set of tables applied to all its ammunition.

Range table for British 3 inch Stokes Mortar, 1917

Different propellant charges were used to achieve required range, angle of descent and flight time. This is typical of mortars and howitzers.
Range Table For 3-Inch Stokes Mortar, Printed in September 1917.
Cartridge : 95 grains ballistite, reinforced with Charges : 5 grains, guncotton yarn
Rings : 110 grains,.3 mm flake cordite
Projectile : Bomb, 10 lb. 11 oz