Precautions to be Observed with Fixed Ammunition.
(a) Do not unnecessarily expose ammunition to the sun or load it into a warm gun before time for firing; if this is done, erratic shooting will result.
(b) Handle carefully, otherwise cartridges may become deformed and cause jams.
(c) Never use force or any implements on the base of the cartridge in loading.
(d) See that fuzes set at safety or are provided with waterproof brass cover for transport.
(e) Do not fire ammunition which has been under water with the waterproof brass cover removed.
(f) Both service and blank ammunition should never be carried in the battery at the same time. If conditions are such that both may be used in exercises, only one kind should be in the firing battery; the other should be under lock and key outside the firing position.
(g) Misfires and hangfires are of exceedingly rare occurrence. In case of a failure to fire, the firing handle should be pulled again in order to snap the trigger. If this fails to fire, the breech should not be opened until after the expiration of at least one minute, when the round or cartridge should be removed and placed to one side. Defective ammunition, cartridges and primers should be reported.