of the Old World. 503 



The Enfield bullet is, 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, which, by the force of the explosion of the 

 charge, acts like a wedge,* and expands and enlarges 

 the lower part of the bullet, making it fit the barrel 

 tightly, and take the rifling, so that in its passage 

 through the barrel it is constrained to turn with the 

 grooves, and thus receives the spinning movement on 

 its longer axis, which not only ensures accuracy of 

 flight, but also always keeps its point forward. By 

 the bullet being thus expanded, and so much en- 

 larged as to fit the barrel and grooves tightly, none 

 of the explosive power of the gas engendered by the 

 ignition of the charge is allowed to escape, but the 

 whole propelling force acts upon the projectile. There 

 is also a much better chance of the whole of the 

 powder being burnt. 



The barrel is a tube of iron, of which the sides of 

 the interior, or bore, are parallel, but those of the 

 exterior converge, it being necessary that the inetal 



* 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. Vide Major John 

 Boucher's excellent work for the use of Volunteer Riflemen. 



