Manual

8. Tap the butt of the rifle lightly on the ground to ensure that all powder drops into the
breech area of the gun.
9. Holding the rifle parallel to the ground with the lock side down, slap side of barrel in front
of lock. This will help to insure that powder will fully enter the bolster and nipple area,
greatly improving ignition of the powder charge.
10. For Patched Round Ball:
a. Center a well lubricated patch over bore. (Figure 12-1)
b. Press round ball with sprue (or flat portion) facing upward. (Figure 12-1)
c. Using the short stud of a ball starter, firmly press patched ball just into muzzle. (Figure
12-2).
11. For Lubricated Conical Bullet:
a. Do not use a cloth patch.
b. Start the lubricated bullet into the bore with your fingers making sure it is centered.
c. Using the short stud of a ball starter, frimly press the bullet just into the muzzle.
12. Use longer end of ball starter to move patched ball or lubricated bullet about six inches
down the bore. (Figure 12-3)
13. With ramrod, push ball or bullet down on top of powder firmly, but without crushing the
powder. (Figure 12-4)
12
CAUTION: When using the ramrod, never grab it more than 8 inches above the muzzle.
To do so could cause a side stress; break the ramrod; and possibly puncture your
hand.
CAUTION: Do not pour a charge directly from horn or flask. If a smoldering ember is
present, it could ignite the powder in the container, as well as the powder charge, as it
is poured into the barrel. This excessive amount of powder could cause a dangerous
explosion. Therefore, be safety minded; use a powder measure or other small mea-
sured charging device.
Center lubed patch and ball (with sprue "up") over bore.
Figure 12-1
"Start" patched ball into muzzle.
Figure 12-2