Loading-tools and Instructions.

Tools for loading the ammunition are supplied in sets, enclosed in an oak chest. They are not to be carried into the field. The set consists of:

TO FILL COMMON SHELL.

Insert the funnel in fuze-hole and pour in bursting-charge, at the same time tapping side of shell with a wooden mallet. Clean the fuze-hole carefully with brush, and make sure that no powder remains in the thread. Screw the fuze tightly home. If the fuze requires more force than can be given with the key to screw it home, lay it aside. Never strike a fuze or attempt to force it.

TO FILL THE CARTRIDGE-CASE.

Weigh the charge (never measure it) and pour it in the case through a funnel. Shake the charge well down by tapping side of case with flat of the hand. Insert the wad.

TO ASSEMBLE CARTRIDGE (1′.65).

The common shell are inserted filled and fuzed, the shrapnel empty. Oil the base of the projectile lightly, and centre in the mouth of the cartridge case, the latter standing on the bench. Slip the sleeve vertically over projectile and cartridge-case. Turn the sleeve to a horizontal position, holding the head of the cartridge with the left hand, and lay the sleeve in the press. Insert the proper plunger, so that it bears on the head of the projectile. Screw the press home until the band of the projectile touches the mouth of the cartridge, or until the shoulder of the plunger bears against the front of the sleeve. Unscrew the press, remove the plunger, push out cartridge with the ejector. Never strike the ejector under any pretence. Pass the cartridge into the gauge and close slide.

TO FILL SHRAPNEL.

The shrapnel is assembled with the cartridge-case before filling. Pour in the bursting-charge very slowly, at the same time tapping the projectile lightly with a mallet. Clean the fuze-hole carefully, and screw the plug firmly home. Shrapnel should not be fuzed except in the field, at the moment of their employment.

The above rules find general application, the methods being modified to suit the case, viz., whether fixed ammunition, or charge and projectile separate.