Zack
First Sergeant
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2017
- Location
- Los Angeles, California
When live firing a rifle according to the manual, how is the minie ball properly inserted into the rifle?
Casey's Manual Reads:
Empty the powder into the barrel: disengage the ball from the paper with the right hand and the thumb and first two fingers of the left; insert it into the bore, the pointed end uppermost, and press it down with the right thumb
Which seems to suggest simply pulling the bullet out of the paper cartridge and sticking it in. This is seen here (approximately 30 seconds):
However, I was watching a YouTube video where the narrator suggests that the soldier should "break the cartridge" against the muzzle to free the bullet (approximately 45 seconds)
So which one is correct? If it is the former, does anyone know where the concept of "breaking the cartridge" comes from? It seems to be a part of the British style.....
Casey's Manual Reads:
Empty the powder into the barrel: disengage the ball from the paper with the right hand and the thumb and first two fingers of the left; insert it into the bore, the pointed end uppermost, and press it down with the right thumb
Which seems to suggest simply pulling the bullet out of the paper cartridge and sticking it in. This is seen here (approximately 30 seconds):
However, I was watching a YouTube video where the narrator suggests that the soldier should "break the cartridge" against the muzzle to free the bullet (approximately 45 seconds)
So which one is correct? If it is the former, does anyone know where the concept of "breaking the cartridge" comes from? It seems to be a part of the British style.....