370 THE STILL-HUNTER. 



the amount actually burned, although the proportion- 

 ate amount burned will of course be less; just as two 

 thirds of six drams is actually more than three fourths 

 of four drams, etc. 



More powder can be used with effect behind round 

 or short balls than behind very long ones. The effect 

 of an increase of charge is noticeable at once in the 

 straighter trajectory of the ball at short range, while 

 the increase of recoil amounts to little. The increase 

 of the charge of powder behind a long heavy ball is 

 noticeable at once at the shoulder, but is hardly no- 

 ticeable upon the ball's trajectory until it passes five 

 hundred or six hundred yards, when extra force be- 

 gins to show itself. The reason is that the increase 

 of velocity has been too slight to materially straighten 

 the curve of first two hundred yards or so. But this 

 very slight velocity, uniting with the great weight of 

 the long ball, has made a very material difference in 

 momentum, upon which a long flight depends. It 

 may, however, affect the trajectory by recoil, as we 

 have seen under that head. As the killing effect of 

 light balls depends materially upon velocity, one can 

 hardly use too much powder behind them. 



For shot-guns both coarse and fine-grained powders 

 have their champions. There is, however, now no 

 dispute as to the best for a rifle. Fine powder used 

 to be thought the best, and in a short barrel with a 

 round ball doubtless will give a higher velocity. But 

 coarse powder is generally quick enough, and for all 

 long bullets is far the best. But where the bullet is 

 not very long and you wish excessive force, as in an 

 express rifle, it is well to put half a charge of coarse 

 powder in the shell first with half a charge of fine 

 upon the top of it. This will give a steady start and 



