It is certainly way slower.
Ergonomics was the least concern in the design of the T34. All was sacrificed for supperior balistic shape and maximum firepower and speed.
In the case of reload speed it certainly is at a signifigant disadvantage for sustained speed. There were some ready rounds but 80% of the rounds are stored in lidded boxes that make up the floor of the fighting compartment. As the turrent traverses the loader shuffels arround on that floor and has to open a hatch pull out a round, then catch up with the breech to reload.
So
open breach and eject shell.
Shell is now on floor with other shells.(there is no way to have the casing leave the tank unless its through the roof hatches.
Open hatch on floor, Pick out right round.
Better close that hatch unless you want to step in that hole as you shuffle arround loading.
catch up to breach and reload the gun.
instead of .
Pz IV
Standing on the floor of the turrent wich rotates with the breach and always keeps you lined up with it.
open breach ejecting round. (if the turrent side hatches are open you can just throw the casing out)
Grab new round from racks arranged arround the wall of the tank
Load round.
close breach.
The germans sacrificed balistic protection for a more efficient and ergonomic vehicle. The russians did the oposite.
