Discussion UsefulNotes / RussoJapaneseWar

I've read that one of the reasons for the Russian naval losses was the usage of pyroxiline as the explosive compound, while the Japanese were using picric acid. The former is more stable but is harder to store and is less powerful. The latter is more powerful and easier to store but is less stable. As a result, by the time the Russian reinforcements arrived after going around Africa, most of the ammunition had gone damp, causing up to 65% of all shots to misfire. On the other hand, a number of Japanese shots exploded in the barrels due to picric acid's lower stability. It would only be after the war that TNT would become widespread and replace pretty much all other explosive compounds in naval artillery.

Well, I've decided to start a trope sction. Anyone wanting to help feel free to do so.