The vent of the cartridge is sealed with a thin coating of wax.
The Common Shell ([Fig. 17]) is of the cylindro-ogival pattern, with a copper band, and is fitted with a point percussion-fuze. It contains a bursting-charge of about 6.3 ounces (180 grammes) of fine-grain powder.
Fig. 17.
Fig. 18.
Fig. 19.
The Shrapnel ([Fig. 18]) is made of cast iron. It consists of a body to which the head is attached by three copper rivets. The bursting-charge of about 1¾ ounces of fine-grain powder is contained in a chamber in the base, which is brought into communication with the fuze by a central igniting-tube. The shrapnel is loaded with 160 hardened balls packed in sulphur. These projectiles are transported plugged, the combined time and percussion fuze being inserted at the moment of action.
The Canister ([Fig. 19]) consists of a thin brass envelope, which is lined with six wrought-iron segments. The head is of wood, and is fitted with a false point to bring it to the same length as the common shell. On the body is an annular stop to prevent inserting too far into the cartridge-case. The canister contains 125 hardened lead balls.