I think you guys need to think a little more outside the box.

If they managed to reduce the weight, that might have interesting effects on the ballistics of the shells. It could increase or decrease the max range and accuracy depending on many factors, which could easily be accounded for in the design of the shell.

I would think a 10-15% increase in reach would come in pretty handy.

Alternatively, they could potentially increase the size of the warhead but keep the total weight the same and so add in things like fins and/or seekers for a guided weapon or just to stuff more HE in and get a bigger bang for your buck…