of the Old World. 515 



when pouring in the charge, so that the grains of 

 powder may not adhere to the sides of the barrel, 

 which would foul and impede the passage of the 

 bullet. 



The bullet should not fit too loosely, nor yet be so 

 large as to require hammering, in order to force it 

 down, as in the former case it is liable " to strip " 

 (or pass out of the barrel without taking the rifling, 

 and gaining the spiral motion), and in the latter 

 it will have ragged edges, which will cause it to 

 diverge from its true direction in its flight through 

 the air. 



In pressing down the bullet, although great care 

 shpuld be taken to drive it properly home, much 

 force should not be employed, as by ramming and 

 jamming with the ramrod the shape of the bullet is 

 altered and spoiled, which much affects its true flight, 

 and the powder is " mealed " and " caked," by which 

 the strength of the charge is much diminished, as a 

 certain amount of air is necessary to ensure thorough 

 combustion. 



The base of the bullet should rest evenly upon 

 the powder, and its axis be in line with that of the 

 barrel. 



For fine shooting, care should be taken that there 

 is no hidden defect in the bullet, for if any part be 

 hollow or imperfect the centre of gravity will not be 



2 L 2 



