42 SHOOTING. 



using it. When, however, sometliing like a general idea on the 

 point is once obtained, we should make a series_ of what may be 

 called small experiments, in the way of variations in the quantity of 

 loading-, that you may fairly test the tinith of the general notions 

 you may have been induced to form. It is an estabhshed practice 

 to use a little less powder in a detonating piece than in a flmt gun- 

 but the exact disproportion is not a matter that can be subjected 

 to any general rule ; from a fourth to a fifth less is often adopted. 

 Col. Hawker says, " to load a single gun of six, or double gun of 

 seven, eight, or nine pounds' weight, take a steel charger, which 

 holds precisely an ounce and a half of shot ; fill it brimful of 

 powder, from which first prime, and then put the remainder into 

 the barrel ; to this add the same measure bumperful of shot, and 

 then regulate the tops of your flasks and belts accordingly." This 

 is prescribed, be it remembered, for a flint gun. The same autho- 

 rity says that for a gun of twelve pounds these proportions may be 

 doubled ; for one of eighteen, trebled ; and for one of twenty-four, 

 quadi'upled. Although these proportions for powder_ be correct, 

 yet the experience of shooters shows that a certain diminution of 

 the quantity of shot should be made for each kind of gvai now 

 mentioned. _ The commonly received regulations _ are the follow- 

 ing : — The sixth part of an ounce of powder for a single percussion- 

 gun, and the seventh for a double. The weight of shot for an 

 ordinary piece of this kind may be one ounce and tlu'ee-quarters ; 

 a heavier gun will bear one ounce and seven-eighths. For a double 

 gun an ounce and three-eighths may be used for the left barrel, and 

 for the otheran ounce and five-eighths. Many sportsmen load the 

 left barrel vidth less shot than the right, which has to be fired at a 

 greater distance than the first. It is an excellent rule for a young 

 sportsman to make experiments on the gun he uses, beginning ^dtn 

 small quantities of powder and shot, and noticing the efi'ects pro- 

 duced by an increase, and to ascertain mth the most scrupulous 

 cai-e and nicety that exact quantity which seems to suit the piece 

 he has. AH mere written rules only serve as general landmarks or 

 finger-posts ; they cannot supply the place of well-regulated experi- 

 ments and accurate observations. It may be remarked, as a lead- 

 ing maxim in game-shooting, that heavy loading will not facilitate 

 his sporting success. If too much shot be put into a gun, the 

 expansive force by which the charge is throAvn out will be dis- 

 regarded, and in consequence both its range and propulsive power 

 will be diminished ; if, on the other hand, too much powder be 

 used, it may be ejected, or at least disturbed, before it acts on the 

 mass of shot. These are the results of experience. 



It is proper to give a M^ord of caution relative to loading a gun. 

 If it be a double one, the ramrod should not be put down one i 

 barrel whilst the other is loading, because if a stray grain of shot 

 gets down it, it may be so fixed y<\\\\ the ramrod in the barrel as to 

 be got out with difficulty, and it may even injm-e the internal coat- 

 ing of the ban-el. It is also a prudent rule that after the fired 



