ENFIELD CARTRIDGE. 



139 



The Enfield bullet is, 

 The Bullet. 



however, so constructed as 



to do away with these objections. 

 Although the circumference is much 

 less than that of the bore, so as to 

 enter the barrel easily in loading, all 

 windage is effectually prevented, as in 

 the base of the projectile is a hollow, 

 into which is fitted a small wooden 

 cup, or plug (vide Plate), which, 

 by the force of the explosion of the 

 charge, acts like a wedge,* and ex- 

 pands and enlarges the lower part 

 of the bullet, making it fit the barrel 



SECTION OF tisrhtly, and take the rifling, so that 

 THE ENFIELD v J ' * 



CARTEIDGE. j n j tg passa g e through the barrel it is 



constrained to turn with the grooves, and thus 

 receives the - spinning movement on its longer 

 axis, which not only insures accuracy of flight, 



* This theory, although adopted by the School of Musketry 

 at Hythe, is contradicted by several competent authorities ; and 

 I believe there is reason to doubt its accuracy. 



