Spread: I assume you use at level gunners between 90-100. Having a shotgun spread isn't special. Spread will get tighter, the higher your gunners are. And no, putting on 300vets does NOT improve your spread, since the acc cap rises with each level (higher reachable cap => better spread), so all the true ability above the cap IS useless and won't be calculated in your spread. For the moment you have to accept how it is, or buy 110+ gunners.

I also assume you use reload classed gunners. They will reach acc cap at some point with enough vets and boost. If you use acc gunners, what i wrote above is your answer.

Range: Except L2 all UK bbs in the different tiers tend to have lower or the lowest ranges of all nations. The L1 91 x3 set has the lowest bb4 range i.e. To compensate this, it packs quite a punch plus the abillity to AW (which I for myself consider as the worst option offered in this game, but who cares).

L1 isn't a ship to drive line in GB - people will farm you with BB3 if played correct. L1 strength is to push in, shoot 1-2 salvos and retreat. For this it has great speed without AW, reaching 42, or even 44 if you skip most bulge.

If you want range as Uk BB4, you should choose the vanguard. Also fast (42), good damage output and way longer range, solid slingshot setup - much more viable for line usage, yet no rush in-out ship like L1.

Regards

If you want more range on L1 you could try fitting the vanguard 15'' Mk IV's on it. You lose quite a lot of firepower, but have more range, plus the vanguard guns are lighter so you can go faster as well. With the superior speed and the low 30 deg angle guns, it makes for a solid rushing ship. Personally I think the L1 is a very good ship once you get used to the playstyle. The 16'' triples have good damage and the spread will improve once your gunners level up. I have no problem scoring 100K plus games in the L1

If you're worried about the L1 spread you obviously haven't played US BBs... :P

But seriously, I understand because UK has good spread on most ships, and epic spread on some (à la... the blocking York, or blocking Hood...).

Don't strees too much about the spread, just focus on playing the ship the right way, which (as mentioned by others) is rush in and fire and get out before you get hit. Just make sure you don't slow it with armour - you want the most speed possible.

I suggest using only front guns to start with (until your engineers level a bit) otherwise it will be too slow.