Guns rejected for such defects as render_Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy. 1866. Fourth edition.

fire them, should be irreparably mutilated, with the consent of the

founder.

EXTREME PROOF OF TRIAL-GUNS.

34. The extreme proof of guns intended for trial of metal, subject to

such modifications by the Bureau as future experience may dictate,

will be conducted as follows:

A suitable 'butt' shall be erected to arrest the flight of the

projectiles used in proof, and to admit of their easy recovery, and a

bomb-proof, readily accessible, for the protection of the firing

party.

When practicable, the 'butt' should be made thick enough to allow the

shot to just pass through, and be stopped by another beyond it,

without penetrating the latter; this is, for XI-inch, about 12 feet.

With care, it is estimated that 130 shells may be fired 1,000 times,

at the rate of one hundred rounds, per day.

After undergoing the ordinary proof established for its calibre and

class, the gun selected for extreme proof shall be subjected to at

least 1,000 rounds with service charges.

It may be fired from the skids, or suspended, as the Bureau may

direct.

During the trial the gun shall be frequently and critically examined,

inside and out, for cracks or defects, especially about the interior

orifice of the vent, of which impressions are to be taken in wax at

regular intervals, in the manner prescribed on page 16, or in such

other manner as the Bureau may direct. If they show that the vent is

corroded in furrows, and enlarged considerably in diameter at its

junction with the bore, a permanent impression is to be taken in lead,

to show the conical enlargement. The following manner, practised at

the Experimental Battery at Washington, is recommended:

IMPLEMENTS REQUIRED.

35. 1. A soft wire about 0.07 in. in diameter, and 3 or 4 fathoms

long.

2. A lever about twice the length of the bore, and about 3 inches in

diameter, and shod to suit the curve of the bore nearly.

3. A small button of soft lead, judged to be of sufficient size to

fill the vent at least one inch from the bore. This is to be pierced

lengthwise to receive the wire.

TO TAKE THE IMPRESSION.

36. Shove the wire through the vent; let it pass along the bore and

out at the muzzle; put it through the leaden button and tie a knot at

the end. Draw the wire back through the vent until the leaden button

is introduced firmly into the inner orifice.

[Illustration: TYPES OF VENTS. Lith. by J.F. Gedney, Washn.]

Apply the lever, making its shoe bear on the button, and force it well

in by repeated blows, the muzzle being the fulcrum. This done,

disengage the button by pushing in the priming-wire.

In taking impressions of the vent and cracks, each button in turn is

used as a pattern for moulding its successor, allowing for the

progressive enlargement of the vent, or the cracks emanating from it.

When the crack shows itself, the head of the button should be so

enlarged as to include it.

These examinations should take place after every twenty fires, at

least, and more frequently when any unusual enlargement of the vent or

extension of cracks shall be developed, and indicate its speedy

destruction.

Before each examination the bore of the gun is to be carefully washed

and dried.

In recording the measurements of the bore in extreme proof and after

service, distinguish between "indentation," which is the depression at

the "seat of the shot," which is always below, and the "wear of the

bore," which is generally above, and increase of bore, or

"enlargement" from any other cause.

When from the appearance of the bore at the interior orifice of the

vent, and especially when a crack or cracks appear to be extending

rapidly, the vent so enlarged may be filled with melted tin, zinc, or

Babbitt metal,--a tight-fitting sponge-head being pushed to the bottom

of the chamber to close the interior orifice,--and the other vent be

drilled through for the purpose of continuing the firing.

The precise time at which this is to be done will vary, according to

circumstances; such as quality of metal, charge, and elevation.

The endurance of a smooth-bored gun with service charges may be surely

predicted by observation of the progressive wear of the interior

orifice of the vent.

There are certain general forms in which this enlargement takes place.

They may be classed as triangular, lozenge, quadrilateral, star,

circular, and elliptic. (See Plate.)

With the ordinary central vent, when subjected to a rapid, continuous

fire, the enlargement usually takes the form of an isosceles triangle,

the apex of one of the angles towards the muzzle, and the other two

perpendicular to it.

With the lateral vent of the Dahlgren system it usually takes the

lozenge form, the cracks extending from the opposite angles lengthwise

of the bore.

With those rifled cannon in which the vent is bouched, the cracks

appear around the bouching; and although the bouching preserves the

vent, yet the formation of fissures around the enlarged orifice, when

once commenced, causes a greater tendency to rupture. With the vent

not bouched, the wear in rifled cannon is about double that of the

smooth-bore.

So long as the wear of the vent is regular and without cracks, a mere

enlargement is not indicative of danger; but when it reaches a

diameter of four-tenths (.4) of an inch the vent should be closed and

a new one opened.

A gun of large calibre should not in service be expected to endure

more than 400 or 500 rounds before it will be necessary to open the

new vent, which, however, will be of no advantage, unless the old one

be closed at its interior orifice, on which the gases would otherwise

continue to act as a wedge.

The first distinct appearance of the cracks, as shown by the button,

is the proper limit.

After the gun bursts, make a sketch or draft showing lines of

fracture, and reserve specimens to be sent to the Ordnance Yard at

Washington for trial of density and tensile strength; and, if

practicable, a photograph should be taken.

[Illustration: XI IN. GUN No. 897. Lith. by J.F. Gedney, Washn.]

PREPARATION OF GUNS FOR SERVICE.

37. After the guns have been received at the Navy Yards it is

necessary to adjust the sights, and, in the guns of the Dahlgren

pattern, cut the screw hole in the cascabel.

CUTTING THE SCREW-HOLE.

38. The boring and screw-cutting machine is a convenient portable hand

drill-press, the use of which is readily understood by any machinist.

The gun being carefully levelled, and the trunnions placed horizontal,

the position of the centre of the screw-hole, which in the guns of the

Dahlgren pattern is tangent to the radius of the breech, is marked on

the neck of the cascabel with a centre punch.

The machine is placed on the cascabel, the boring shaft inserted in

the hollow leading bar, and its movable centre placed on the mark. The

instrument is then set vertical, by a spirit-level on the cogged

driving-wheel, and the four pairs of set screws on the clamp-head

embracing the cascabel.

The centre is then removed, and a drill inserted in the lower

extremity of the boring-shaft, which, being held firmly by a shoulder

and turned by a four-armed wrench, while pressed up to the metal by

slowly turning the cogged driving-wheel, cuts the hole. This is

successively enlarged, by two or more counterbits, to the size of the

body of the screw.

The cutter is then inserted in the leading bar, and the thread cut.

ADJUSTMENT OF THE SIGHTS.

39. The bore having been thoroughly cleaned, the axis is levelled by a

spirit-level; this may be very conveniently done by the aid of the

levelling-bar. The axis of the trunnions is to be laid horizontal,

either by placing a small level on the trunnions, or, as more exact,

by using the trunnion-square. If the trunnion-square is used it will

be proper to verify the position of the line of sight, which is

frequently incorrectly placed at the foundries.

The breech-sight is then to be adjusted.

A brass head or tompion, fitted with a vertical arm, on which there is

a ledge for a spirit-level, is then introduced into the bore, and the

arm placed vertical by the spirit-level and a tangent screw.

The arm is pierced on its centre line with two holes--one at the

height of the prescribed diameter of the muzzle, the other at a height

equal to the proper distance of the bottom of the sight-notch from the

axis of the bore. A waxed thread or fine wire, being stretched from

the upper hole to the centre of the sight-notch, will coincide with

the line of sight traced on the swell of the muzzle, the top of the

reinforce sight-mass, and the base-line, if they are correctly placed.

It will also be parallel to the axis of the bore if the adjustment of

the breech-sight is exact, and the top of the reinforce-sight is made

to coincide with it.

This is, however, seldom the case, and after the adjustment of the

reinforce-sight it is necessary to verify it.

This is done by the levelling-bar--a square steel bar with parallel

faces, somewhat longer than the distance between the sights, the rear

end of which is bevelled at 60 deg. (the angle at which the sight is

placed).

The outer end of this bar is placed on the reinforce-sight, which has

been previously adjusted to the proper height, and the bevelled end in

contact with the outer face of the sight-bar. The bar is then levelled

by two screws placed near the inner end, and a spirit-level on its

upper surface.

If then the bottom of the sight-notch coincides with the bottom of the

bar, the line of sight is parallel to the axis; otherwise, the

reinforce-sight or the sight-bar must be lowered until coincidence is

obtained.

A centre line on the bar verifies the coincidence of the line of

sight, and also the motion of the sight-bar in the vertical plane. The

bevel verifies the angle of the bar; and the distance between the

outer faces of the sight-notch and of the reinforce-sight, being also

marked on the levelling-bar, verifies this adjustment.

Another method is sometimes and more advantageously used in adjusting

the sights of guns which have not been turned.

Two iron or wooden disks are turned to the exact diameter of the bore,

and placed on a rod two or three feet longer than the bore. One of the

disks is placed near the bottom of the bore, the other just within the

muzzle. On the part projecting beyond the muzzle there is a double

square, each arm of which is divided into equal parts and traversed by

a fine slit.

The square being set vertical by a spirit-level or plumb-line, and a

waxed thread or wire stretched taut from the outer arm through the

slit, cutting equal divisions on each, and passing through the centre

of the slit, it is evident that a line of sight is obtained through

the centre of metal and parallel to the axis of the bore.

This method has the advantage of adjusting the sights in any plane

parallel to the axis, as in the case of the side-sights of rifled and

other cannon.

ADJUSTMENT OF THE SIDE-SIGHTS.

40. The gun having been levelled, and the trunnions placed horizontal,

a centre line is to be drawn on the top of the left (or right)

rimbase.

The support for the sight is then to be fitted to the breech, at the

distance from this line marked on the pattern-sight for its calibre,

with the bottom of the sight-notch in the bar, exactly the height of

the front sight (one inch) above the upper surface of the rimbase; the

sight-bar perpendicular.

It is advisable to place a very thin sheet of rubber under the

support, to prevent the heads of the screws from being jumped off by

the vibration. The screws have the same thread as those for the

present reinforce-sight.

After the breech-sight is adjusted, a parallel to the axis of the bore

is to be drawn in the usual manner, and the front sight screwed in on

the rimbase.

Some trifling adjustment may then be required, to bring the height of

the top of the front sight and the bottom of the sight-notch parallel

to the axis of the bore in both the horizontal and vertical planes.

PRESERVATION OF GUNS.

41. Guns received at Navy Yards are to be carefully placed on the

ranges of masonry, capped with iron skids or bars. It is intended that

these shall be so high that the guns may be rolled upon them without

their trunnions touching the ground, and that the earth will not be

beaten up against their muzzles by heavy rains.

42. The surface over which guns are to be stowed should be kept firm

and clear of all vegetation, and for this purpose should be covered

with cinders from the smiths' forges, or other substance unfavorable

to or destructive of the growth of plants and grasses.

43. In stowing the guns they should be made to rest on one of the

skids or bars, a little forward of the base-ring, the muzzle

depressed, but not so much as to prevent the use of the sponge to

clean out the gun; the axis of the trunnion of each to be inclined the

same way, and just enough not to touch the adjoining gun; the vents to

be upwards.

44. Before the stowage is finally made they should be carefully and

thoroughly cleaned from rust and all improper coatings, and be

lacquered internally and externally with such composition as may be

directed by the Bureau. This should be applied, when practicable, when

the guns are well warmed by the rays of the sun. The vents and all

screw-holes are to be stopped with plugs made of soft wood or oakum

dipped in tallow, after they have been protected by an application of

beeswax dissolved in spirits of turpentine, or other composition that

may be directed by the Bureau.

45. No tompions are to be put into the guns when they are stowed

unless expressly directed by the Bureau; if so ordered, a score must

be cut out from them on the lower side, half an inch wide and equally

deep.

46. In lacquering guns care is to be taken to leave the distinguishing

marks and numbers distinctly visible.

47. Shell-guns are always to be denominated by the diameter of the

bore; shot-guns by the weight of their shot.

48. Guns of the same calibre and class, when it can be conveniently

done, are to be stowed in the same tier or range, and those of each

class belonging to or selected for any particular vessel kept

together. Each tier or range of guns of a particular calibre or class

is to be marked accordingly with paint on a sign-board, and the first

gun of each class belonging to a vessel is to be marked with the name

of the vessel.

49. The Officer on Ordnance duty will examine all the guns in the yard

and on board vessels in ordinary, at least once in every two weeks,

and take care that they are kept protected from rust or any other

injury, and will report to the Bureau whenever any additional

precautions or arrangements are required for their proper

preservation, and which may not be furnished by the order of the

Commandant of the Yard.

50. No cutting, boring, or chiselling of guns is to be done at any

time without express authority from the Bureau.

51. No condemnation of guns or small arms belonging to the Navy is to

be made, except upon surveys specially ordered, and confirmed by the

Chief of the Bureau; nor of other articles which have been furnished

under his authority, or by his direction, unless by surveys ordered or

sanctioned by him.

52. When guns and their equipments are to be put on board vessels for

their armament, the guns are to be carefully and thoroughly cleaned

and examined, to see that they are in all respects in proper

serviceable condition.

The vents should be examined with the vent-gauges and searchers, to

see that they are clear from any substance which may obstruct the use

of priming-wires and primers.

53. The carriages are also to be carefully examined, the

trunnion-holes and arms of the axletrees cleaned, and saturated with

boiled linseed oil, the cracks filled with putty, and rubbed smooth,

and the trunnion-holes black-leaded. The iron work should be freed

from rust, all screws be made to work easily, and be well cleaned and

coated with proper composition.

54. The Ordnance Officers will see that the sights are properly fitted

and marked for their proper guns. The greatest care should be taken

that they are properly adjusted, as the efficiency of the ship depends

on it, and it is difficult to detect or remedy any error after they

are placed on board; that the beds and quoins are fitted and adjusted,

and the quoins graduated to degrees or distances to correspond with

those marked on the sight-bars. Porter's quoin is adopted for all

carriages requiring quoins.

55. New guns are to have locks fitted to them before being put on

board ship. Those having two lugs will have the one on the right

fitted; the other is to be left solid.

56. When the guns are to be shipped for transportation merely, the

same precautions are to be taken to guard them from injury as on

shore, with the addition of a wad dipped into the composition which

covers the bore, thrust into the muzzle, and connected with the

tompion by a lanyard.

In the transportation of guns by rail--unboxed--the vents are to be

plugged with soft wood, puttied over, and turned vent downwards on the

trucks. All bronze howitzers transported by rail shall be boxed.

57. At the termination of a cruise the guns composing the battery of

every vessel-of-war of the United States, shall be carefully examined

by the Ordnance Officer of the Yard, and such others as may be

directed, with the view to discover and report any injuries which they

may have sustained in service, or any defects which may not have been

developed in the original proof. In this examination the attention of

the Inspecting Officers is to be directed to the following points,

viz.:

Enlargement of the interior or exterior orifice of the vent.

Indentations or hollows produced by the shot balloting against the

surface of the bore, or by the action of the gases.

Cuts or scratches in the bore, produced by fragments of broken or the

roughness of imperfect shot.

Roughness or corrosion of the metal on the exterior, produced by

neglect or exposure.

Similar injuries in the bore, or any enlargement of the bore, which is

to be ascertained by measuring with the star-gauge, at every

one-fourth (1/4) of an inch from the bottom of the cylindrical part to

the seat of the shot, every inch from that point to the trunnion,

thence every 5 inches to the muzzle, and the results recorded in the

usual form, and reported to the Bureau, that they may be compared with

those noted at the original inspection.

In rifled cannon, cracks or injuries produced by firing, or the

rupture of shells, are to be sought for:--

Around and in rear of the vent bouching;

On the top of the bore, between the trunnions and reinforce band.

On the lower side of the bore, near the seat of the shot, at the

junction of the lands and grooves.

Near the inside of the muzzle, caused by explosion of shells.

Care is to be taken that the distinguishing marks and numbers are

always accurately noted, that the correct history of each gun may be

preserved.

58. Before sailing, the Inspector of Ordnance will furnish the

commander with a descriptive list of his battery, together with a

statement of the number of times each gun on board has been fired, in

the following form; a copy of which the commander shall transmit to

the Bureau before sailing: this list shall be returned to the

Inspector of the Yard to which she may return, with all additional

firing noted opposite the number of each gun, certified "correct" by

the commander.

In the list furnished by the Inspector, if the "number of fires" is

_estimated_, it is to be entered in red ink (_See_ Arts. 62-64), and

so carried forward in the subsequent returns.

NAME OF VESSEL. STATION.

( ) ( )

-----+-------------------------+------------+----------+---------+--------+

OF +-------------------------+------------+BROADSIDE.|RECEIVED.|FIRES OF|

-----+--------+-------+--------+------+-----+----------+---------+--------+

| | | | | | | | |

-----+--------+-------+--------+------+-----+----------+---------+--------+

_________________________________

Forwarded by _Commanding._

59. The Bureau directs that, whenever a gun is taken on board a

vessel, the number of rounds which have been fired from it be

ascertained by the Commander, a record made thereof, and forwarded

with the descriptive list, in the above form, to the Bureau; and

whenever a gun is landed or transferred to another vessel, a similar

record is to be furnished the officer receiving it, which must be

stated in the receipt for the gun, and a copy forwarded to the Bureau

of Ordnance by the officer delivering the gun.

The Commander shall also transmit to the Bureau a quarterly return,

according to the prescribed form (_See_ Appendix B, No. X.) of all

firing whether with or without projectiles, in action or otherwise;

noting particularly the kind of shell, species of fuze, kind, charge,

and name of maker of the powder used in the gun and shell. He shall

take care to note also the number of premature explosions of shells,

and the point at which they take place, with the supposed causes

thereof.

60. The Inspector will also furnish the commander with a set of leaden

impressions of the interior orifice of the vents of the guns, secured

in a suitable box, that he may be able to compare the wear and gradual

enlargement. These will be transferred with the guns to other ships or

when landed.

61. The protracted firing to which the Navy cannon have been

subjected, and to which they will continue to be liable, renders it

necessary not to exceed the number of fires designated for each vent.

These must never exceed five hundred (500) fires for each vent.

In the IX-in., XI-in., and guns of similar form, the right vent is

always bored through, and the left initiated sufficiently to give it

direction.

When five hundred (500) rounds have been fired from the right vent,

it is to be closed by filling it with molten zinc or lead, and the

left vent is to be bored, which will require a skilful mechanic.

When the left vent has been fired five hundred (500) rounds, the gun

is to be disused, as it will then have been fired one thousand (1,000)

times.

It may happen, from some peculiarity in the nature of the iron, that

the vent may be worn to its full extent before five hundred (500)

rounds have been fired, in which case the vent is then to be closed,

and the other vent opened.

The gun should be frequently and critically examined inside and out

for cracks or defects, especially about the interior orifice of the

vent, of which impressions should be taken after every ten shotted

rounds in practice, and at the close of an action.

The instrument described on p. 16 is convenient, but by no means

indispensable--any small spar, such as a boat's mast, or even the

rammer handle with a curved piece of wood seized to the end, will, in

expert hands, take an impression of the vent or crack equally well.

62. As the best indication of the amount of firing to which any

smooth-bored gun has been exposed, when it is not otherwise known, is

given by the enlargement of the vent, particular attention will be

paid, in the reinspection of the guns, to this point. The standard

gauge will be used to ascertain the general enlargement, and the

searcher to detect defects which may have been developed in firing.

Impressions are to be taken of the lower orifice of the vent with

softened wax, and if they show that the vent is corroded in furrows

and enlarged considerably in diameter at its junction with the bore, a

permanent impression is to be taken in lead to show the conical

enlargement. (See mode of taking impressions, Arts. 35 and 36.)

63. When the number of rounds fired is not known, an estimate may be

made from an examination of the vent by cylindrical gauges differing

from each other by .01 of an inch passed through it. If the number is

estimated, it is to be entered in red ink.

64. In all the guns of the Dahlgren pattern the vents are (.2)

two-tenths of an inch in diameter. In all other guns .22 of an inch

exterior, .2 of an inch on the interior.

Observation of the wear of the vent in proof firing of smooth-bored

guns gives the following as the average diameter of the vent, after

the undermentioned number of fires:

No. of rounds 100 200 300 400 500

Diameter of vent .24 .26 .30 .35 .40

These, combined with examination of the interior orifice, will enable

a very correct judgment to be formed of the probable number of fires

sustained and duration of the gun.

The larger the calibre and the heavier the charge the more promptly

the wear is manifested on the interior and exterior.

This enlargement does not extend very far from the lower orifice until

the enlargement on the exterior has reached a diameter of .3 of an

inch.

65. So long as the wear is regular, and the cracks, although numerous,

do not exceed .5 of an inch in length, the indications are good. If

the cracks are but few or diminish in number, running into each other

and extending rapidly, it is a very unfavorable sign. In the rifle

cannon (Parrott's) cracks athwart the bore either running into the

bouching or in the rear of it are very unfavorable to the gun's

endurance.

66. Whenever any premature explosions of shells take place within the

gun or near the muzzle, a careful examination of the gun shall be

made; and all the circumstances of the case, together with the

opinions of the commander and officers in immediate charge as to the

cause thereof, reported to the Bureau; taking care to state the kind

of shell and species of fuze used; the mode of loading; whether the

shell was lined or coated on the interior; kind, charge, and name of

maker of the powder which was used in the gun and shell.

There is reason to believe that few failures of the Parrott rifles

have occurred where the guns have not been previously, or at the time,

injuriously strained by the explosion of shells within the bore.

67 Whenever a gun shall give away under fire, or an accident of any

kind happen to one, the Bureau desires to be immediately informed of

all the facts in relation thereto.

Particular attention should be paid to the following points:

1. The manner in which the gun was loaded, stating the charge and kind

of powder used, and character and weight of projectiles.

2. The condition and appearance of the gun after it gave way, and what

effect was produced on the carriage by the explosion.

3. What injuries, if any, occurred to the crew of the gun or vessel.

Sketches of the gun and fragments which remain should also be sent to

the Ordnance Yard at Washington for trial of density and tensile

strength, accompanied by the written statement in detail of the

officers in immediate charge of the gun, and if practicable a

photograph should be taken.

INSPECTION OF SHOT AND SHELLS.

RULES AND MEMORANDA FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF INSPECTORS.

68. All shot and shells for the naval service must be--

1st. Made from gray or mottled charcoal pig-iron.

2d. This iron most not be blasted with anthracite coal.

3d. It must be poured into sand moulds.

69. After being cast in this manner, the shot and shells must be--

1st. Spherical.

2d. Smooth on the surface.

3d. Free from the defects named in the following rules for the use of

the inspecting instruments:

FOR SHOT.

70. INSPECTING INSTRUMENTS.--One large, small, and one medium ring

gauge, and one cylinder-gauge for each calibre. The cylinder-gauge

shall have the same diameter as the large gauge, made of cast iron,

and three calibres in length. One hammer weighing two pounds, and

having a flat face and a conical point; one searcher, of steel wire,

with a handle; one pair of calipers and standard scale; one cold

chisel; steel punches.

71. After having been well cleaned, each shot is placed upon a table,

and examined to see that its surface is smooth, and that the metal is

sound and free from seams, flaws, and blisters. If clusters of

cavities or small holes appear on the surface, strike the point of the

hammer into them, and ascertain their depth with the searcher. If the

depth of the cavity exceeds 0.2 inch, the shot shall be rejected; it

shall also be rejected if any attempt is made to conceal defects by

plugging or filling holes in any mode whatever.

72. The shot must pass in every direction through the large gauge, and

not at all through the small one; the calipers and scale will

determine exactly the difference of diameters of the same projectile.

73. The ring and cylinder gauges shall be examined before each

inspection, and when found to have enlarged 0.01 of an inch, must be

laid aside and marked as unserviceable.

74. The shot are next to be passed through the cylinder-gauge, placed

at an inclination of about two inches between the ends, and supported

in such a manner as to be easily turned from time to time, to prevent

its being worn in furrows. Shot which slide or stick in the cylinder

shall be rejected; the latter must be pushed out from the lower end of

the cylinder with a wooden rammer.

[Illustration: PRINCIPAL INSPECTING INSTRUMENTS FOR SHELLS D. Van

Nostrand Publisher. Julius Bien, pr.]

75. The next proof of shot is to drop a few taken indiscriminately

from the lot under inspection from a height of twenty feet on a solid

platform of iron, or roll them down an inclined plane of the same

height against a mass of iron; after which they are again examined for

defects of metal.

76. The average weight of shot shall be determined by weighing at

least three parcels, of from 20 to 50 each, taken indiscriminately

from the lot. As many of the lightest shall be weighed separately as

the inspecting officer may deem necessary, and all found to fall below

the least weight allowed in the annexed table of the dimensions of

shot and shells shall be rejected. Shot made of charcoal iron will be

stamped with a * or "burr" near the gate.

SHELLS.

77. Shells should be cast on a half-inch hollow spindle, to allow the

gas to pass freely from the core; the fuze-hole would then be

sufficiently large to admit the gauge for thickness before the shells

leave the foundry.

78. INSPECTING INSTRUMENTS.--In addition to the instruments for shot,

there will be required calipers with steel points for measuring the

thickness of the shell at points on the great circle at right angles

with the axis of the fuze-hole; gauges for the thickness at and

opposite the fuze-hole; a conical flat steel gauge for the fuze-hole,

marked at the point to which it should enter; a pair of strong

hand-bellows, with a wooden plug to fit the fuze-hole and the nozzle

air-tight. (See Plate.)

INSPECTION.

79. The surface of the shell and its exterior dimensions, form,

weight, and strength, are to be examined and tested as in the case of

shot, and subject to all the conditions there specified.

80. The greatest care is to be taken to remove every particle of sand

or fragment of iron from the interior when they are about to be loaded

for service. And the Inspectors of Ordnance at foundries or Navy Yards

will satisfy themselves that this has been done before accepting or

preparing them for service.

81. The shell is next struck with a hammer, to judge by the ring or

sound whether it is free from cracks; and the exterior and interior

diameters of the fuze-hole (which should be accurately reamed) are to

be verified, and the soundness of the metal about the inside of the

fuze-hole ascertained. To determine the thickness of the metal, three

points, at least, on the great circle at right angles to the axis of

the fuze-hole are to be measured; also one at the fuze-hole and one at

the bottom. No shell shall be received which deviates more than

one-tenth of an inch from the proper thickness in any part.

82. The shell is next placed in a tub of water, which should be deep

enough to completely cover the shell. Air is then forced by the

bellows into the shell. If there are any holes in it, air-bubbles will

rise on the surface of the water, and the shell shall be rejected.

83. This occasionally occurs from the escape of air from porous spots

which do not extend to the interior of the shells. In this case the

action of the bellows produces no increase of bubbles, which cease

rising as soon as the spots or cavities are filled with water. Porous

spots are also detected by their absorbing water and drying slowly

when exposed to the air, and shall likewise cause the rejection of the

shell.

84. The Inspecting Officers will stamp the shell at one inch from the

fuze-hole with their initials, also those of the foundry at which they

are cast.

The Inspector or one of his assistants must be present when shot or

shell are inspected; and the stamps and marks are always to be

retained in the possession of the Inspector.

85. Rejected shells are to be mutilated by chipping a piece out at the

fuze-hole.

86. If, upon the inspection of shot or shells, any of them should be

found not to conform strictly to these instructions or to the

requirements of the contract under which they are offered for

reception, the Inspecting Officer is not to receive them; but if, in

his opinion, the defects, taken in connection with the general

character of the articles, will not impair their efficacy or render

them unsafe or hazardous, he may refer to the Chief of the Bureau of

Ordnance for his decision, forwarding to him minute and full

information on the subject.

87. Shot and shells shall be delivered for inspection at the places

specified in the contract, at the expense of the contractor; and those

which are rejected shall be immediately removed, also at his expense.

TABLE OF SHOT AND SHELL GAUGES.

88. SHOT.

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT. | XV. |XIII. | XI. | X. | IX. | 8. | 32. |

--------------------------+--------+------+------+------+-----+-----+-----+

for foundries. | 14.83 | 12.83| 10.83| 9.83| 8.83| 7.88| 6.28|

for foundries. | 14.77 | 12.77| 10.77| 9.77| 8.77| 7.82| 6.22|

foundries. in.| 14.80 | 12.80| 10.80| 9.80| 8.80| 7.85| 6.25|

of foundries. lbs.| 400. |276. |166. |124. |90. |65. |32.5 |

foundries. lbs.| -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |64.5 |32. |

{1st class in.| -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 7.82| 6.22|

{2d class in.| -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 7.80| 6.20|

--------------------------+--------+------+------+------+-----+-----+-----+

89. SHELL.

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT. | XV. |XIII. | XI. | X. | IX. | 8. | 32. |

---------------------------+-------+------+------+------+-----+-----+-----+

for foundries. | 14.83| 12.83| 10.87| 9.87| 8.87| 7.88| 6.28|

for foundries. | 14.77| 12.77| 10.83| 9.83| 8.83| 7.82| 6.22|

foundries. in.| 14.80| 12.80| 10.85| 9.85| 8.85| 7.85| 6.25|

{Proper in.| 2.85| 2.37| 2. | 1.80| 1.60| 1.50| 1.25|

Thickness. {Greatest in.| 2.95| 2.47| 2.10| 1.90| 1.70| 1.60| 1.35|

{Least in.| 2.75| 2.27| 1.90| 1.70| 1.50| 1.40| 1.15|

{Proper and least | .65| .65| .65| .65| .65| .65| .65|

{Greatest | .75| .75| .75| .75| .75| .75| .75|

for strapped. | 14.93| 12.93| 10.93| 9.93| 8.98| 7.93| 6.33|

for foundries. lbs.| 330. |208. |127. | 95. |68.50|50. |25. |

any one. lbs.| -- | -- |126. | 94. |67.50|49. |24.5 |

sabotted. lbs.| 352. |216.5 |135.5 |101.50|73.50|52.75|26.5 |

---------------------------+-------+------+------+------+-----+-----+-----+

For gauges of boat-gun fixed ammunition, see Boat Armament of United

States Navy, by Admiral Dahlgren, 2d edition, 1856.

90. SHRAPNEL.

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT. | XV. | XI. | X. | IX. |

--------------------------+-------+------+------+------+

{ Gauge in.| 14.8 | 10.85| 9.85| 8.85|

{ Thickness in.| 1.25| 1. | .87| .75|

{ Weight lbs.| 178. | 76. | 57. | 38. |

Balls { Number |1000. |625. |435. |350. |

{ Diameter lbs.| 1. | .85| .85| .85|

{ Weight lbs.| 140. | 51. | 33.5 | 27. |

Sulphur. lbs.| 30. | 10. | 8.5 | 7. |

Bursting charge. oz.| 10. | 6. | 4. | 3. |

| | | | |

Weight complete. } | | | | |

Weight sabotted. } lbs.| 358. |141. |101. | 75. |

--------------------------+-------+------+------+------+

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT. | 8. | 32. | 24 | 12 |

--------------------------+-------+---------+---------+---------+

{ Gauge in.| 7.85| 6.25 | 5.67 | 4.52 |

{ Thickness in.| .69| .60 | .55 | .45 |

{ Weight lbs.| 29. | 15. | 11. | 6.5 |

Balls { Number | 220. |235. lead|175. lead| 80. lead|

{ Diameter lbs.| .85| .65 | .65 | .65 |

{ Weight lbs.| 17. | 14. | 10.5 | 4.75 |

Sulphur. lbs.| 5. | 2.25 | 1.5 | .75 |

Bursting charge. oz.| 2.5 | 1.25 |450. |350. |

| | | grs. | grs. |

Weight complete. } | | | | |

Weight sabotted. } lbs.| 52. | 32. | 24. | 12. |

--------------------------+-------+---------+---------+---------+

91. DIMENSIONS OF SABOTS AND STRAPS FOR SHELL AND SHRAPNEL.

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT. | XV. |XIII.| XI. | X. | IX. | 8. | 32. | 24. | 12. |

--------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+------+-----+-----+

Thickness in.| 5. | 4.50| 2.75| 2.75| 2.40| 2. | 1.50 |1.90 |1.50 |

{greatest in.|14.25|12.25|10.50| 9.50| 8.60| 6.90| 6. |5.7 |4.60 |

{least in.|14.25|12.25|10.50| 9.50| 8.60| 6.80| 5.50 |5.55 |4.40 |

Depth of saucers in.| 2.50| 2.25| 1.80| 1.60| 1.40| 1.20| 1. |1.50 |1.30 |

Weights lbs.| 8.90| 5.50| 2.70| 2.40| 1.85| .90| .50 | .46 | .22 |

{Length in.|25.75|22.5 |17.25|17.25|14.75|13.25|10.25 |7.625|6.375|

{Width in.| 1.25| 1. | .75| .75| .75| .75| .625| .50 | .375|

{Tin No.| XXD | XXD | XXD | XXD | IX | IX | IC | IC | IC |

Tacks No.| 20 | 16 | 12 | 12 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 4 |

--------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+------+-----+-----+

92. GRAPE.

| | | | | | | | +-------+

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT. | XV.|XI. |X. |IX. | 8. |32. |24.|12.|20.|12.|

----------------------+----+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+---+---+---+---+

Weight of stand lbs.| -- | 34.75|26.10|20.4 |15.7 | 8.75| | | | |

Weight of balls lbs.| -- | 89.10|71.70|25.20|37.12|24.80| | | | |

Number of balls | -- | 15. |15. |18. |18. |12. | | | | |

Diameter of balls in.| -- | 3.55| 3.34| 2.80| 2.50| 2.50| | | | |

Weight complete lbs.| -- |125.08|98.62|74.10|58.25|33.50| | | | |

----------------------+----+------+-----+-----+-----+-----+---+---+---+---+

93. CANISTER.

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT. |XV. |XI. |X. |IX. |

----------------------+------+------+------+-------+

Windage in.| .25| .25| .25| .25 |

{Empty case in.| 15.50| 13.50| 11.75|10.5 |

{Finished in.| 14. | 12. | 10.5 | 9.5 |

turned over in.| .75| .75| .65| .50 |

{Top in.| 1. | 5/8 | 5/8 | 5/8 |

{Middle in.| 1. | 5/8 | | |

{Bottom in.| 2. | 1. | 1. | 1. |

{Rod in.|13/16 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1/2 |

{Nut {diameter in.| 2.75| 1.75| 1.75| 1.75 |

{thickness in.| 1.50| 1. | 1. | 1. |

{Bale in.| 1/2 | 3/5 | 5/8 | 3/5 |

{Iron No.| 20. | 25. | 25. | 25. |

{Tin No.| -- | -- | -- | -- |

{Number |600. |315. |290. |230. |

{Diameter in.| 1.30| 1.30| 1.30| 1.30 |

{Weight lbs.|150. | 85. | 70. | 65. |

Weight finished lbs.|207. |120. | 98. | 70. |

----------------------+------+------+------+-------+

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT. |8. |32. |24. |12. |

----------------------+------+------+-----+-----+

Windage in.| .25| .25| .15| .15|

{Empty case in.| 9.75| 8.65| 5. | 3.85|

{Finished in.| 8.75| 7.75| 6. | 5. |

turned over in.| .50| .45| 4.65| 3.52|

{Top in.| .75| .50| .35| .3 |

{Middle in.| | | | |

{Bottom in.| .75| .50| 1.90| 1.90|

{Rod in.| | | | |

{Nut { diameter in.| | | | |

{thickness in.| | | | |

{Bale in.| | | | |

{Iron No.| | | | |

{Tin No.| XXD | XXD | IC | IC |

{Number |162. |100. |39. |39. |

{Diameter in.| 1.30| 1.30| 1.30| 1. |

{Weight lbs.| 45. | 28. |12.5 | 5.85|

Weight finished lbs.| 50. | 30. |14.55| 7.75|

----------------------+------+------+-----+-----+

NOTE.--Bottom of XV-inch canister, of two thicknesses of oak, ash,

or beech, crossing each other; put together with wrought-iron

nails, clinched; spindle riveting on the bottom through a 3 inches

square plate, 1/4 thick; cast-iron hexagonal nut, with

wrought-iron bale.

For XI, X, and IX-inch, bottom-head one thickness of one-inch oak,

ash, or beech; spindle riveting on a plate 1-1/4 inches wide, by

1/4 thick, running across the grain the whole width of bottom,

with a rivet at each end of plate.

Top and centre heads of all made of white pine.

Iron cases to be well painted inside with red before filling.

94. Shot of the first class, or which do not exceed 0.18 of an inch

windage, are to be entirely black, and those of the second class,

having from 0.18 to 0.20 of an inch windage, to be marked partly

white. Each class is to be piled and kept separate from every other.

Both classes are to be considered and supplied as "serviceable shot;"

but are to be stowed separately on board ship, and the returns to the

Bureau are to show the number of each, respectively. The number of

those having more than 0.20 of an inch windage are to be reported and

retained until special orders may be given for their disposition. In

case any should be taken as the foundation for piling serviceable

shot, they are to be painted entirely white and their number returned

as unserviceable.

PILING OF BALLS.

95. To find the number of balls in a pile--Multiply the sum of the

three parallel edges by one-third of the number of balls in a

triangular face.

In a square pile one of the parallel edges contains but one ball; in a

triangular pile two of the edges have but one ball in each. The number

of balls in a triangular face is x(x+1)/2; x being the number in the

bottom row. The sum of the three parallel edges in a triangular pile

is x+2; in a square pile, 2x+1; in an oblong pile, 3X + 2x-2; X being

the length of the top row, and x the width of the bottom tier; or

3m-x+1; m being the length, x the width of the bottom tier.

If a pile consists of two piles joined at a right angle, calculate the

contents of one as a common oblong pile, and of the other as a pile of

which the three parallel edges are equal.

96. TABLE GIVING THE NUMBER OF BALLS IN A TRIANGULAR PILE, THE BASE OF

WHICH IS X.

-----+------+-----+------+-----+------+-----+------+-----+------+

X. | S. | X. | S. | X. | S. | X. | S. | X. | S. |

-----+------+-----+------+-----+------+-----+------+-----+------+

1 | 1 | 6 | 56 | 11 | 286 | 16 | 816 | 21 | 1771 |

2 | 4 | 7 | 84 | 12 | 364 | 17 | 969 | 22 | 2024 |

3 | 10 | 8 | 120 | 13 | 455 | 18 | 1140 | 23 | 2300 |

4 | 20 | 9 | 165 | 14 | 560 | 19 | 1330 | 24 | 2600 |

5 | 35 | 10 | 220 | 15 | 680 | 20 | 1540 | 25 | 2925 |

-----+------+-----+------+-----+------+-----+------+-----+------+

97. TABLE GIVING THE NUMBER OF BALLS CONTAINED IN A SQUARE PILE, THE

BASE OF WHICH IS X, AND IN A RECTANGULAR PILE, THE SIDES OF WHICH ARE

X AND X + N.

VALUE | DIFFERENCES | VALUE OF N.

OF +-------------+-----------------------------------

X. | 2d. | 1st. | 0. | 1. | 2. | 3. | 4. |

------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+

2 | 7 | 9 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 17 |

3 | 9 | 16 | 14 | 20 | 26 | 32 | 38 |

4 | 11 | 25 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 70 |

5 | 13 | 36 | 53 | 30 | 85 | 100 | 115 |

------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+

6 | 15 | 49 | 91 | 112 | 133 | 154 | 175 |

7 | 17 | 64 | 140 | 168 | 196 | 224 | 552 |

8 | 19 | 81 | 204 | 240 | 276 | 312 | 348 |

9 | 21 | 100 | 285 | 330 | 375 | 420 | 465 |

10 | 23 | 121 | 385 | 440 | 495 | 550 | 605 |

------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+

11 | 23 | 144 | 506 | 572 | 638 | 704 | 770 |

12 | 27 | 159 | 650 | 728 | 805 | 884 | 962 |

13 | 29 | 196 | 819 | 910 | 1001 | 1092 | 1183 |

14 | 31 | 225 | 1015 | 1120 | 1225 | 1330 | 1435 |

15 | 33 | 255 | 1240 | 1360 | 1480 | 1600 | 1720 |

------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+

16 | 35 | 286 | 1496 | 1632 | 1768 | 1904 | 2040 |

17 | 37 | 324 | 1785 | 1988 | 2091 | 2244 | 2397 |

18 | 39 | 361 | 2109 | 2280 | 2451 | 2622 | 2793 |

19 | 41 | 400 | 2470 | 2660 | 2850 | 3040 | 3239 |

20 | 43 | 441 | 2870 | 3080 | 3290 | 3500 | 3710 |

------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+

21 | 45 | 484 | 3311 | 3542 | 3773 | 4004 | 4235 |

22 | 47 | 529 | 3795 | 4048 | 4301 | 4554 | 4807 |

23 | 49 | 576 | 4325 | 4600 | 4876 | 5152 | 5428 |

24 | 51 | 625 | 4900 | 5200 | 5500 | 5800 | 6100 |

25 | 53 | 676 | 8525 | 5850 | 6175 | 6500 | 6825 |

------+------+------+------+------+------+------+------+

VALUE OF N. | DIFFERENCES|

-----------------------------------------+------------+

5. | 6. | 7. | 8. | 9. | 10. | 1st. | 2d. |

------+------+------+------+------+------+------+-----+

20 | 23 | 26 | 29 | 32 | 35 | 3 | 3 |

44 | 50 | 56 | 62 | 68 | 74 | 6 | 4 |

80 | 90 | 100 | 110 | 120 | 130 | 10 | 5 |

130 | 145 | 160 | 175 | 190 | 205 | 15 | 6 |

------+------+------+------+------+------+------+-----+

196 | 217 | 238 | 259 | 280 | 301 | 21 | 7 |

280 | 308 | 336 | 364 | 392 | 420 | 28 | 8 |

384 | 420 | 456 | 492 | 528 | 564 | 36 | 9 |

510 | 555 | 100 | 645 | 690 | 735 | 45 | 10 |

660 | 715 | 770 | 825 | 880 | 935 | 55 | 11 |

------+------+------+------+------+------+------+-----+

838 | 902 | 968 | 1034 | 1100 | 1166 | 66 | 12 |

1040 | 1118 | 1196 | 1274 | 1352 | 1430 | 78 | 13 |

1274 | 1365 | 1456 | 1547 | 1638 | 1729 | 91 | 14 |

1540 | 1645 | 1750 | 1855 | 1960 | 2065 | 105 | 15 |

1840 | 1960 | 2080 | 2200 | 2320 | 2440 | 120 | 16 |

------+------+------+------+------+------+------+-----+

2126 | 2312 | 2448 | 2584 | 2720 | 2856 | 136 | 17 |

2550 | 2703 | 2556 | 3009 | 3162 | 3315 | 154 | 18 |

2964 | 3135 | 3806 | 3477 | 3648 | 3819 | 111 | 19 |

3420 | 3610 | 3800 | 3990 | 4180 | 4370 | 190 | 20 |

3920 | 4130 | 4340 | 4550 | 4760 | 4970 | 210 | 21 |

------+------+------+------+------+------+------+-----+

4466 | 4697 | 4928 | 5159 | 5390 | 5621 | 231 | 22 |

5060 | 5313 | 5566 | 5819 | 6072 | 6325 | 253 | 23 |

5704 | 3980 | 6256 | 6532 | 6803 | 7084 | 276 | 24 |

6400 | 6700 | 7000 | 7300 | 7600 | 7900 | 300 | 25 |

7150 | 7475 | 7800 | 8125 | 8450 | 8775 | 325 | 26 |

------+------+------+------+------+------+------+-----+

The number contained in a square pile is found in the column opposite

the number X.

In a rectangular pile let the smaller side be 19 = X, the longer side

be 26 = X + N. Then N = 7. Under 7 and opposite 19 we have 3,800. This

table may be indefinitely extended by the aid of the columns of

differences.

PRESERVATION OF SHOT AND EMPTY SHELL.

98. All round shot and shell are to be cleaned from rust and covered

with a thin lacquer of such composition as may be directed by the

Bureau when they are first received and when they are restowed.

99. For the present the following colors are established when put on

board ship: All shot, black; shell, red; shrapnel, white; length of

fuze stencilled on the shell. Special kinds of shell, as may be

directed by Bureau. (Crane's shell, yellow; Pevey, blue.)

100. Empty shell, whether in store or in transportation, shall be most

carefully protected from damp, and are to have the fuze-bouching

coated with such composition as may be directed, and be stopped by a

plug of very soft wood, well coated with a mixture of oil and tallow,

screwed into them. The ends of the plugs should not be sawed off even

with the shell, but left square and project sufficiently to allow them

to be unscrewed by means of a wrench, and whenever these plugs are

removed for the purpose of fitting the shells for service, they are

not to be thrown away but preserved for future use.

They are to be piled with the fuze-holes down, and free from contact;

under cover when practicable, but with free ventilation.

101. Platforms of masonry, or of condemned shot, are to be prepared to

pile shot and shell upon, and are not to be wider, if space can be

found than to stow fourteen 32-pdr. shot, or not exceeding eight feet

in width. Square piles are to be preferred where there is room, but

where this may be deficient, the piles may be extended in length.

102. Shot and shell, after having been piled, are to be so far

examined in the first week of June in each year as to ascertain if

they require to be cleaned, relacquered, and repiled to secure their

proper preservation; and their condition reported to the Bureau, that

if any work upon them is necessary it may be finished during the warm

months of the year, when the lacquer can be best applied.

103. Whenever shot or shell are to receive lacquer care must be taken

that the quantity applied does not increase the diameter more than is

indispensably necessary, and in no case above the established high

gauge. Old lacquer and rust should be removed by scraping, as far as

can be conveniently done before a new coating is applied. For use at

the Navy Yards, a milling machine performs this very expeditiously.

Neither hammering nor heating is to be resorted to for this purpose.

NOTE.--After numerous experiments upon different lacquers employed

for the preservation of shot and shell from rust, the French have

abandoned all of them.

The shot and shell are simply piled, under sheds when practicable,

or in the open air, and when put on board ship cleaned of rust and

rubbed over with whale oil--the same means adopted every three

months during the cruise.

PREPARATION OF SHELL FOR SERVICE.

104. The fuzes for shell will be prepared at the Laboratory in the

Ordnance Yard at Washington, and distributed to other Navy Yards as

they may be required. All fuzes taken from shell, or returned from

ships which have been more than one year in service, are to be sent to

the laboratory to be refitted. Fuzes of over two years date of

manufacture, are not to be issued for service, but returned to the

laboratory.

105. The charges of powder for spherical shell are to be as follows:

|XV- |XI- |X- |IX- |8- |32- |BOAT AND FIELD

| | | | | | +----------------

| | | | | | |24-pdr.|12-pdr.

---------------------------+----+----+----+----+----+----+-------+--------

|Lbs.|Lbs.|Lbs.|Lbs.|Lbs.|Lbs.| Lbs. | Lbs.

Bursting or Service Charge |13 |6.00|4.00|3.00|1.85|0.90| 1.0 | 0.5

Blowing Charge | 1.0|0.25|0.25|0.25|0.25|0.25| |

---------------------------+----+----+----+----+----+----+-------+--------

NOTE.--The weight of charges for shells will vary slightly from

those given in the table according to the size of the grain and

density of the powder.

106. All empty shell, whether in store or in transportation, shall be

most carefully protected from dampness, and their fuze-holes

invariably closed with wooden plugs. Whenever these plugs are removed

for the purpose of fitting the shells for service, they are not to be

thrown away, but preserved for future use. If by any accident the

shell should be damp in the interior, they are to be heated and dried,

on the grillage prepared for that purpose.

107. The number of shell to be kept fitted at the Navy Yards will be

determined by special directions from the Bureau.

In fitting shell to receive the bouching, great carelessness has been

observed. The hole should be tapped with a full thread, and the proper

shoulder left at the bottom to prevent the bouching from being driven

in by the shock of firing and causing premature explosion.

108. All shell shall be filled with musket-powder of the highest

initial velocity. The shell must be filled, and the powder well shaken

down, leaving only room for the insertion of the fuze. A wooden plug

the size of the lower part of the fuze will always determine this. The

very common, but slovenly, practice of filling the shell, and then

pouring out a quantity sufficient to allow the fuze to be inserted, is

expressly prohibited. Shell have also been returned with the powder in

the vicinity of the fuze compressed into a solid mass, owing to the

fact that sufficient room had not been left for its insertion. No

shell shall be fuzed unless it has been filled.

109. The date when shell are fuzed or filled, as well as that on which

any of these arrangements are changed, or the shell are examined

before issue to vessels, together with the initials of the officer

superintending these operations, should be legibly written and pasted

on the shell, or stencilled on the box.

110. The Ordnance Officer, or the Gunner of the Yard, is to see the

shell supplied to all vessels properly conveyed on board, superintend

the stowage, and furnish the Commanding Officer with a statement

showing the number of each description of shell and fuze, and a plan

of their stowage.

111. The condition of the shell, and especially of their fuzes, is to

be frequently and carefully examined into, taking out a fuze

occasionally so as to detect any injury which may arise from moisture,

and to have such as may be found damaged replaced by the spare fuzes.

Boat shell and their spare fuzes are also to undergo a similar

examination.

Shell have been sometimes returned with their fuzes entirely destroyed

by moisture!!

112. It has been found recently, on drawing the charge of a 12-pounder

howitzer in one of the small gunboats, that in cutting its fuze

(Bormann) the incision had been made directly into the magazine.

Had the gun been fired, the explosion of the shrapnell must have

occurred at the muzzle of the gun.

There is no doubt such errors will often account for the supposed

defects of the fuze.

The attention of officers is therefore required to this subject; and,

in making reports of defective ammunition, samples should be forwarded

to Washington for examination.

It is of the gravest importance, not only because it involves the

failure of the shell to act properly upon the object of fire, but may

also endanger the lives of our own men.

113. Whenever it is expedient or necessary to examine the fuzes and

loading of shell which have been already prepared, great care must be

observed in removing the fuze. It should never be done in the

shell-room.

114. The fuze-stock may generally be safely unscrewed with the

fuze-wrench, taking care, in the first place, to strike the side of

the shell gently with a wooden mallet, to detach the powder from the

fuze, to work very slowly, and not to endeavor to overcome any unusual

resistance.

115. Whenever it shall be necessary to load and fuze shell on board

ship--a properly secured place being first prepared, as directed by

the Captain, not in the shell-room and as far from the magazine as

convenient--the shell, being strapped and sabotted, are to be examined

to see that they are clean, both inside and out, and thoroughly dry.

The greatest care is to be taken to remove every particle of sand or

fragment of iron from the interior. The prescribed charge of powder is

next to be poured into them through a proper funnel; care is to be

taken that the end of the funnel passes below the screw-thread in the

tap or bouching, to prevent any grains of powder entering it; any

grains of it which may remain sticking to the thread of the bouching

are to be brushed away carefully, and then, after putting a light coat

of lacquer for small arms, or sperm oil, on this thread and on that of

the fuze, the latter is to be screwed in carefully with the

fuze-wrench. The lacquer should be of the consistency of cream, and

when from evaporation, it becomes too stiff, should be thinned by

adding more spirits of turpentine.

116. In emptying shell they are to be handled carefully and placed on

a bench with a hole in it to receive and support the inverted shell. A

wooden vessel placed below will receive the powder. _The powder which

has been removed from shell shall only be used for filling shell, as

it always contains a small quantity of grit, which renders it unfit

for general service._ Should the powder have become caked, so as not

to be easily removed from the shell, it is to be drowned and removed

by washing out the shell. A handful of small iron shot put in the

shell will facilitate this operation.

117. Loaded shell are to be painted red and placed in boxes or bags

marked with a red cross, which boxes are to have the lengths of fuze

painted on them in black. Shrapnel shell and the tops of their boxes

shall be painted white, with the length of fuze stencilled on them in

black. They are to be stowed in shell-houses prepared for that

purpose. Loaded shell, whether in or out of their boxes, must be

handled carefully. Shell-bags will be preserved, accounted for by the

Gunner, and returned.

118. The greatest precaution must be taken in handling loaded shells

fitted with percussion-fuzes. When returned from ships they must not

be taken into the shell-houses until after the fuzes shall have been

removed and the shell plugged.

119. Shell-houses, and the general condition of the shell they

contain, are to be examined as often as once a fortnight by the

Ordnance Officer, and every precaution taken to keep them as dry as

possible.

120. The shell for boat guns are to be stowed in "the shell-houses" on

shore, and "shell-rooms" on board of vessels, in their proper boxes.

121. One-fourth of the whole number of spare fuzes allowed for the

great guns is to be for 5 seconds of time; one-fourth for 10 seconds;

one-fourth for 15 seconds; one-fourth assorted of 3, 5, 7, and 20

seconds.

122. All the spherical shell, however, put on board ship, filled and

fitted for immediate use, are to be provided with none other than the

5-second fuze. No fuze is, under any circumstances, to be put in shell

which are not filled.

123. For rifled cannon the shell shall be fitted with one-half

percussion, one-half time fuze. Parrott's shell will have bouching, or

"adapting" rings for the naval time fuze. The new form of adapter,

with a shoulder and washer beneath it, shall alone be used.

124. At ranges exceeding 1,400 yards the 10 or 15-second fuzes,

according to such excess, are to be substituted for the 5-second fuze,

by removing one and putting in the other; or, if preferred, those

fuzes may be applied to shell which are not already fitted. The

5-second fuze is to be regarded as the general working fuze, and hence

the reason the filled shell are to be fitted with it, as mentioned

above. (See TABLE OF RANGES for proper lengths of fuze for all

distances.)

125. The different kinds of fuzes shall be made up in separate

packages, distinctly marked with the kind and length of fuze, and

their use carefully explained to the Executive Officer and Gunner by

the Inspector of Ordnance.

126. In consequence of numerous reports received from vessels in

service of the inefficiency of certain fuzes, commanders of vessels

are required to observe carefully the action and result of all fuzes,

and report in detail to the Bureau of Ordnance whenever opportunities

may occur, particularly specifying the number and kind fired,

elevation of gun, range, premature explosions, failures to explode,

and satisfactory action. Also, whether the fire was direct or

ricochet.

127. EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS, IN INCHES, FOR SHELL-BOXES.

For XV-inch shell, 18 x 18 by 20 high.

For XI-inch shell, 12.75 x 12.75 by 14.5 high.

For X-inch shell, 11.65 x 11.65 by 13.9 high.

For IX-inch shell, 10.63 x 10.63 by 12.9 high.

For 8-inch shell, 10.20 x 10.10 by 12.2 high.

For 32-pounder shell, 8.60 x 8.50 by 10.2 high.

128. AREAS OCCUPIED BY ONE TIER OF SHELL-BOXES.

XI-INCH. | X-INCH. | IX-INCH. | 8-INCH. | 32-POUNDER.

---+------------+---+-----------+---+------------+---+--------+---+--------

No.|Ft. In.|No.|Ft. In.|No.|Ft. In.|No.|Ft. In.|No.|Ft. In.

---+------------+---+-----------+---+------------+---+--------+---+--------

72 | 15.5-1/2 x | 75| 15.2 x |102| 15.8-1/4 x |108| 16 x 6 |176| 16 x 6

| 5.8-1/2 | | 5.3-1/2 | | 5.9-1/4 | | | |

52 | 14.4 x | 56| 14.2 x | 80| 14.9-1/4 x | 85| 15 x 5 |140| 15 x 5

| 4.6-1/2 | | 4.1-1/2 | | 4.9-1/2 | | | |

---+------------+---+-----------+---+------------+---+--------+---+--------

GUNPOWDER.

STOWAGE, PRESERVATION, HANDLING, AND CHARGES.

129. The Bureau having adopted a new system of granulating Navy

powder, the different classes will in future be known and designated

as RIFLE, CANNON, and MUSKET.

Gunpowder intended for ordinary use in cannon is to have sufficient

strength to give a 6-pounder shot the under-mentioned Initial

Velocities, determinable by the gun-pendulum of the Ordnance Yard at

Washington.

130. The size of the grains is determined by sieves, made by piercing

round holes in thin plates of brass. These sieves are five in number,

the holes being of the following diameters, viz.:

No. 1, .3 of an inch } Initial Velocity required,

No. 2, .15 do. } 1450 feet + 50 - 50, for Rifle.

No. 2, .15 do. } Initial Velocity required,

No. 3, .10 do. } 1500 feet + 50 - 50, for Cannon.

No. 4, .06 do. } Initial Velocity required,

No. 5, .02 do. } 1550 feet + 50 - 50, for Musket.

Rifle powder is used in the Parrott rifles of 8-inch, 100-pounder, and

60-pounder. Navy cannon powder in all other rifles and all

smooth-bores.

131. Size of the grain is required to conform to the following:

Pass through No. 1 }

Remain on No. 2 } all Rifle.

Pass through No. 2 }

Remain on No. 3 } all Cannon.

Pass through No. 4 }

Remain on No. 5 } all Musket.

Ten per cent. variation tolerated.

132. GRAVIMETRIC DENSITY, is the weight of a given measured quantity:

it is usually expressed by the weight of a cubic foot in ounces.

This cannot be relied on for the true density, as the size and shape

of the grain may make the denser powder seem the lighter.

Cannon powder should have a gravimetric density of about 875 oz., and

not exceeding 900 oz., to the cubic foot. (It actually varies with

different makers from 875 to 975.)

133. SPECIFIC GRAVITY.--The specific gravity of gunpowder is between

1.70 and 1.75.

All the powder of any lot being made of the same mill-cake, the

specific gravities are equal although the gravimetric densities may

vary.

134. Powder for small arms, or musket powder, should all pass through

No. 4, none through No. 5, and average from 2,000 to 2,500 kernels in

tea grains Troy.

All powder should be well glazed; for small arms more highly than for

cannon.

135. The system of granulation adopted by the Army differs from that

of the Navy, as follows:

ALL THROUGH-- ALL ON--

Mammoth 0.9 in. 0.6 in.

Cannon 0.35 0.25

Mortar 0.10 0.06

Musket 0.06 0.03

It will be seen by this Table that under the Army nomenclature, Navy

Rifle nearly corresponds to Army Cannon; that the Army Mortar is the

nearest equivalent to Navy Cannon, but with much more fine grain, as

it is what passes through the cannon-sieve, but remains on the

musket-sieve; and that the Navy Musket has the same size for the

larger grain, but contains more small grain than the Army.

In exchanging powder with the Army, it is necessary to attend to these

distinctions.

136. Powder-houses or magazines on shore are to be inspected by the

Ordnance Officers at least once in every week, and every precaution

taken to guard them against danger of explosion, and to preserve the

powder dry and in good condition.

137. Powder-barrels in magazines, where there are no racks, should be

placed on their sides, with their marked ends towards the alleys,

three tiers high, or four tiers, if necessary, with small skids on the

floor and between the several tiers of barrels, using chocks at

intervals on the lower skids to prevent the barrels from rolling. If

it can be avoided, fixed ammunition should not be put in the same

magazine with powder in barrels.

138. If it is necessary to pile the barrels more than four tiers high,

the upper tiers should be supported by a frame resting on the floor;

or the barrels may be placed on their heads, with boards between the

tiers.

There should be an unencumbered space of 6 or 8 feet square at the

doors of the magazine.

139. Whenever practicable, the barrels should be arranged in double

rows, with a passage-way between the rows, so that the marks on each

barrel may be seen at a glance, and any barrel easily reached.

140. Besides being recorded in the magazine-book, each lot of powder

should be inscribed on a ticket attached to the lot showing the

entries and the issues.

141. Magazines should be opened and aired in clear, dry weather, the

ventilators kept free, and no shrubbery or trees allowed to grow so

near as to shade the building from the sun.

142. The moisture of a magazine may be absorbed by chloride of lime,

or charcoal, suspended in an open box under the arch, and renewed from

time to time. The use of quicklime is dangerous, and forbidden.

143. When powder is handled in powder-houses on shore, either for the

purpose of inspection or preparation for delivery to ships, the

baize-cloth is to be spread, and the people, before entering the

magazine, must divest themselves of every metal implement, empty their

pockets, that nothing likely to produce fire may escape detection, and

put on the magazine dresses and slippers. The barrels must be opened

only on the floor-cloth, and no metallic setter used in driving either

copper or wooden hoops.

Powder-barrels should never be opened except when required for use, as

grains of powder falling between the staves would prevent their being

tightened. Samples must be taken from the bung.

144. The attention of the Inspectors of Ordnance and Commanders of

vessels is called to the Regulations regarding the stowage and service

of powder and loaded shells in Magazines and Shell-rooms, ashore and

afloat, and to the precautions which must be observed by every one who

enters, or approaches for the purpose of entering, any Magazine or

Shell-room.

The former Regulations are modified so far as to dispense entirely

with the use of slippers made of either India-rubber or woollen; and

in lieu thereof, slippers made wholly of buckskin or cotton canvas

will be used in future. In hot climates, or in warm weather generally,

the naked feet are preferred.

The terrible effect of the explosion of a Magazine or Shell-room,

ashore or on board ship, can only be imagined. To avert it, by every

human precaution, is an imperative duty with every one. The Bureau

therefore directs that the Inspectors of Ordnance on shore and the

Commanders of all vessels afloat will cause the existing Powder

Regulations to be read, and copies placed within the reach of every

officer and man connected in the remotest degree with the service of

the Magazine and Shell-rooms; and no officer or other person is to be

continued in such service who cannot within a reasonable time answer

clearly and fully any questions relating to the requirements of

existing Powder Regulations as contained in these "Ordnance

Instructions."

145. The powder in barrels should be turned from time to time, at

least as often as every three months, and, being arranged as mentioned

above, the oldest powder will be at all times accessible for first

delivery without disturbing that of more recent manufacture.

146. When powder is sent on board any vessel at the Yard, an Ordnance

Officer or the Gunner is to see it properly stowed, and the Ordnance

Officer is to hand to the Captain of the vessel a statement showing

the quantity of powder, number and capacity of tanks, kind of charges

contained in each, with the initial velocity, maker, and date of

reception, with a list of small-arm and boat ammunition, fireworks,

filled and other shells and projectiles, together with all the

information directed by the three articles immediately following, with

such remarks as he may deem proper to secure better precaution or more

convenient arrangement, with a request that the memorandum, or a copy

of it, may be delivered to the Ordnance Officer at the Yard where the

vessel is refitted or laid up at the end of the cruise.

147. When cartridges are filled for issue to any vessel, the powder

should be selected, as far as practicable, from deliveries made by the

same person, and at the same time or date; and the tanks in which they

are stowed must be marked with white paint on the upper sides, with

the same marks as the barrels from which the powder was taken, giving

the date of manufacture and the maker's name.

148. Great irregularities having been observed in the weights of

cartridges supplied from different stations, it is ordered that at

least ten measures shall be weighed at each filling, and allowance

made for different densities. (See Art. 171.)

149. Whenever powder is returned into the powder-houses from vessels,

and the powder emptied from the cartridges, care must be taken to have

the barrels or other vessels in which the powder may be placed marked

in the same manner and registered in the Magazine Ledger, so that the

maker's name and date of manufacture of all powder may be correctly

known and carefully preserved for reference.

150. The names of vessels from which powder is received, the length of

time which the powder has been on board, and the station on which the

vessel has been employed, should also be noted and reported by the

Ordnance Officer, that reference may be had to the notes in case it

should be desired in subsequent examinations of the powder.

151. In some instances where powder has been condemned by survey, it

has been directed to be thrown overboard. This should never be done;

the nitre contained, which forms three-fourths (3/4) of the powder, is

still perfectly good, and can be made serviceable. In future,

condemned powder is always to be returned to the United States.

152. The Ordnance Officers, when they supply vessels with powder, or

remove any from them, must report to the Bureau by the earliest

opportunity all the information which is required to be noted by

Articles 147, 149, 150, immediately preceding; and when powder is

received from vessels returning from cruises, or after it has been

long embarked, they are to forward to the Ordnance Yard, Washington, a

sample of two pounds and one-fourth, properly labelled, for every five

hundred pounds landed, selected so as to show fair average samples of

the whole, in order that its strength may be ascertained by the

pendulum.

153. In case of necessity, powder for saluting may be purchased abroad

in order to preserve a supply of our own proof powder for battle.

154. When a vessel is about to leave a foreign station and return

directly to the United States, and other vessels belonging to the Navy

are left on the station without a full supply of powder, the vessel

which is about to leave may be directed to transfer to those remaining

on the station any excess of powder that may be on board beyond fifty

rounds.

155. Should it become necessary to use powder for service charges

which has not been regularly inspected and proved in the manner

required by regulations, such tests of it must be made as

circumstances will admit.

The ranges given by it may be compared with those of service powder of

known good quality under the same circumstances. If deficient in

strength, the quantity of the charges should be increased until the

ranges are equalized, in order that the sight-bars may still indicate

the proper elevations for each charge and distance.

156. It is directed that vessels of war shall always receive their

powder and loaded shells in the stream; unless, upon some great

emergency, the nature of which shall be reported to the Bureau, it is

deemed essential to put them on board at the Navy Yard.

157. When receiving or landing powder, the red flag is to be always

hoisted at the fore, and all proper precautions taken to guard against

accidents from fires and lights. The tanks should be passed through

the ports most convenient to the magazines, and landed on mats, to

prevent injury.

The red flag is always to be hoisted at the powder-houses when they

are opened, and kept flying until they are closed.

158. When avoidable, gunpowder is not to be sent from vessels to

powder-houses, nor from powder-houses to vessels, in wet weather, nor

when there is a probability of wetting the barrels or cases; and the

packages must be conveyed in covered boats or wagons showing a red

flag.

159. The wharf or landing-place must be spread with old canvas, so

that the barrels or cases may not come in contact with and convey sand

or gravel to the powder-house. The barrels must not be rolled, but

carried in slings to the trucks running on tramways of either wood or

bronze, into the magazine.

160. The service charges for the different calibres and classes of

naval smooth-bore guns now used in the Navy are as follows, and the

cartridges are to be filled accordingly, viz.:

SERVICE CHARGES FOR NAVAL GUNS.

KEY:

A: For distant firing, 0.1

B: For ordinary firing, 0.6

C: For near firing or two projectiles, 0.3

D: DIAMETER OF CARTRIDGE-GAUGE.

E: SALUTING CHARGES, NO. 50.

| CHARGES OF NAVY | |

ORDNANCE. | POWDER. | |

-----------------------------------+-----+-----+-------+ D | E

Calibre. | Weight. | A | B | C | |

----------------------+------------+-----+-----+-------+--------------+-----

| lbs. | lbs.| lbs.| lbs. | Cylindrical. |lbs.

X-inch or 130-pounder | 16,000 lbs.| 30. | 18. | 15. | 9.00 inches. | 6.

64-pounder | 106 cwt. | 16. | 12. | 8. | 7.00 inches. | 4.

32-pounder | 61 cwt. | 10. | 8. | 6. | 5.50 inches. | 4.

32 do. | 57 cwt. | 9. | 8. | 6. | 5.50 inches. | 4.

32 do. | 51 cwt. | 8. | 7. | 5. | 5.50 inches. | 4.

32 do. | 46 cwt. | 7 | 7. | 5. | 5.50 inches. | 4.

32 do. | 42 cwt. | 6. | 6. | 4. | 5.50 inches. | 4.

32 do. | 33 cwt. | 4.5| 4.5| 4. | 5.50 inches. | 4.

32 do. | 27 cwt. | 4. | 4. | 3. | 5.50 inches. | 3.

| | | | | |

XV-inch | 42,000 lbs.| 50. | 35. | 35. | |

XI-inch | 15,700 lbs.| 20. | 15. | 15. |11 x 5.5 x 11 | 7.

X-inch | 12,000 lbs.| 15. | 12.5| 12.5 |10 x 5. x 10 | 6.

IX-inch | 9,000 lbs.| 13. | 10. | 10. | 9 x 4.5 x 9 | 5.

8-inch | 6,500 lbs.| 7. | 7. | 7. | 8 x 5. x 8 | 4.

32-pounder | 4,500 lbs.| 6. | 6. | 6. | |

| | | | | |

8-inch | 63 cwt. | 9. | 8. | 6. | 5.50 | 4.

8-inch | 55 cwt. | 7. | 7. | 6. | 5.50 | 4.

----------------------+------------+-----+-----+-------+--------------+-----

N.B.--Two projectiles are not to be fired from any gun at the same

time, except at objects within 200 yards' distance, and only when

the advantages at the moment may be deemed by the Captain

sufficient to justify the risk of injuring the guns and their

equipments by the extra strain to which they will be exposed.

With the 15-inch guns at close quarters against iron-clads, 60 lbs.

and a solid shot _may_ be used for 20 rounds. So also with the

11-inch, 30 lbs. and a solid shot. With all the other guns, under

like circumstances, and where penetration is desired, the _distant_

firing charges should be substituted for the _near_ firing.

Of the service charges, one-tenth shall be for distant firing,

six-tenths for ordinary firing, three-tenths for near firing, or for

two projectiles. Saluting charges to be of under-proof powder.

The calibre and class of guns for which the cartridges are intended

must be distinctly marked near the top of the lid end of the tanks.

161. TABLE OF CHARGES FOR NAVY RIFLE GUNS.

----------+------------------------------+--------------------------------

| ORDNANCE. | CHARGE OF POWDER.

+------------------------------+--------------------------------

GUN. | | | | | |Diameter of

----------+---------+----------+---------+---------+---------+------------

Parrott | 100 | 6.40 | 9,700 | 8. | Rifle. | 5.50

Do. | 60 | 5.30 | 5,400 | 6. | Rifle. | 4.60

Do. | 30 | 4.20 | 3,550 | 3.25 | Cannon. | 3.70

Do. | 20 | 3.67 | 1,750 | 2. | Cannon. | 3.25

Dahlgren | 20 | 4.00 | 1,340 | 2. | Cannon. |

Do. | 12 | 3.40 | 880 | 1. | Cannon. |

----------+---------+----------+---------+---------+---------+------------

162. POWDER-TANKS.

------------+---------------------------+----------------+---------------

| EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS. | |

+---------------------------+ |

CAPACITY OF| Height | | | APPROXIMATE

TANK FOR |in inches| | WEIGHT, WHEN | WEIGHT, WHEN

POWDER IN |including| | EMPTY. | FILLED WITH

GRAIN. | Lid and | Sides in inches.| | CYLINDERS.

| Handle. | | |

------------+---------+-----------------+----------------+---------------

200 pounds | 22-1/4 | 16-1/2 x 16-1/2 | 67-1/2 pounds. |218 Pounds.

150 pounds | 22-1/8 | 15 x 15 | 59-1/2 pounds. |170 to 180 lbs.

100 pounds | 20-1/2 | 13 x 13 | |

50 pounds | 16-3/4 | 10-1/4 x 10-1/4 | |

------------+---------+-----------------+----------------+---------------

163. ACCOMMODATION AFFORDED BY POWDER-TANKS OF DIFFERENT SIZES FOR

CARTRIDGES OF VARIOUS KINDS WHEN CLOSELY PACKED.

-----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+

CAPACITY OF | |

TANK FOR POWDER | WILL STOW CARTRIDGES AS FOLLOWS: |

IN GRAIN. | |

-----------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+

DENOMINATION. | lbs.| lbs.| lbs.| lbs.| lbs.| lbs.| lbs.| lbs.| lbs.|

| 20 | 16 | 15 | 12.5| 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 |

-----------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+

200 pounds. | 9 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 25 | 30 |

150 pounds. | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 20 | 24 |

100 pounds. | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 16 |

50 pounds. | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |

Powder-barrel. | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 |

-----------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+

-----------------+-----------------------------------------------+

CAPACITY OF | |

TANK FOR POWDER | WILL STOW CARTRIDGES AS FOLLOWS: |

IN GRAIN. | |

-----------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+

DENOMINATION. | lbs.| lbs.| lbs.| lbs.| lbs.| lbs.| lbs.| lbs.|

| 5 | 4.5 | 4 | 3.25| 3 | 2 | 1.85| 1 |

-----------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+

200 pounds. | 36 | 40 | 45 | 52 | 60 | 95 | 100 | 190 |

150 pounds. | 27 | 30 | 36 | 40 | 45 | 71 | 72 | 145 |

100 pounds. | 18 | 20 | 24 | 27 | 31 | 46 | 48 | 95 |

50 pounds. | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 21 | 23 | 46 |

Powder-barrel. | -- | -- | 26 | -- | 35 | 52 | 55 | 108 |

-----------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+

FIXED AMMUNITION FOR BOAT GUNS AND SMALL ARMS.

164. The charges for "boat and field howitzers" are--

lbs.

For the 24-pounder of 1,310 lbs. 2.00

For the medium 12-pounder of 760 lbs. 1.00

For the light 12-pounder of 430 lbs. 0.625

165. DIMENSIONS OF BOXES FOR BOAT AMMUNITION.

PROJECTILES WITH CHARGE OF POWDER FOR HOWITZER ATTACHED, NOT TO BE

STOWED IN THE MAGAZINE.

-------------+-----------+-----------+-----------------+--------------+

HOWITZER. | | BOX | INCHES. |--------------|

-------------+-----------+-----------+-----------------+------+-------+

24-Pdr. | Shrapnel | 9 |22 x 20.75 | | |

| | | by 13.75 high |35-1/3|270-1/2|

24-Pdr. | Canister | 9 |22 x 20.75 | | |

| | | by 13.50 high |36-1/3|217-5/6|

12-pdr. heavy| Shrapnel | 9 |18.75 x 17.75 | | |

| | | by 11.13 high |22-7/8|140-1/2|

12-pdr. heavy| Canister | 9 |18.75 x 17.75 | | |

| | | by 12.25 high |25-1/2|114-3/4|

-------------+-----------+-----------+-----------------+------+-------+

166. The cartridges for small arms are to contain the following

quantities of powder:

For muskets 70 grains, Troy.

For muskets (marine) 60 grains, Troy.

For pistols 30 grains, Troy.

For revolvers 18 grains, Troy.

The ball-cartridges for rifles and rifled muskets are to be made with

a single Minie ball.

167. EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS AND CONTENTS OF BOXES

FOR SMALL-ARM AMMUNITION AND FIREWORKS.

------------------------+--------------------------+----------+------------

| EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS. | |

ARTICLES. +--------+--------+--------+ EACH BOX | REMARKS.

------------------------+--------+--------+--------+----------+------------

Musket-ball cartridges | 12-1/2 | 8-1/4 | 8-1/4 | 500 |

Musket blank cartridges | 9-5/8 | 7-3/4 | 8-1/2 | 500 |

cartridges | 14-1/2 | 9-1/4 | 7-3/8 | 1000 |

Pistol-ball cartridges | 13-3/4 | 6-3/4 | 7-1/4 | 1000 |

Blue-lights | 20-1/2 | 13 | 6-7/8 | 30 |

False lights | 20-1/2 | 13 | 6-7/8 | 30 |

Port-fires | 19-3/4 | 10-1/4 | 10-1/4 | 100 |First size.

Port-fires | 19-3/4 | 10-1/4 | 6-1/4 | 50 |Second size.

Signal rockets | 15-1/4 | 9-1/2 | 8-1/4 | 30 |

Percussion-caps | 11-3/4 | 9-1/4 | 7-3/8 | 6300 |

------------------------+--------+--------+--------+----------+------------

N.B.--There is a variation in the dimensions of the above boxes, as

made, of 1/3 of an inch, on an average, in their exteriors.

168. Percussion-caps and bullets for small arms will be supplied from

the Ordnance Yard at Washington.

169. The boxes in which cartridges for small arms, caps, primers,

etc., are packed for distribution to vessels, are to be marked with

the number they contain, and the kind of arm for which they are

intended. At the expiration of the cruise they must be carefully

returned into store, and the Gunner will be held peculiarly

responsible for their loss.

170. Standard powder-measures for filling cartridges for great guns

will be made at the Ordnance Yard, Washington, and distributed as they

may be required for the use of vessels and shore magazines. As the

gravimetric density of powder varies from 860 to 940, the weight of

the contents of ten measures should be ascertained for each lot, and

allowance made accordingly before filling the cartridges.

171. In taking the weights, the powder is to be scooped up from the

filling-chest with the measure until it is heaped, tapped twice

moderately on the sides with the palms of the hands, and then struck

with a wooden straight-edge. If the weight differs materially from

that marked on the measure, a small compensating measure should be

used to supply the deficiency or remove the excess.

CANNON-PRIMERS.

172. These are of two kinds, percussion and friction. Each

percussion-primer is composed of a quill tube capped by an explosive

wafer. The quills used for this purpose are first inspected by passing

them through a gauge rather smaller than the vent.

The tube is filled with fine-grained powder.

The wafer is composed of a cap of cartridge-paper, enclosing a layer

of fulminate of mercury combined with a small quantity of mealed

powder. When pressed and perfectly dry, the wafer is coated with

uncolored shellac, to preserve it from dampness.

173. Primers are to be kept in tin boxes containing fifty each, the

lids of which are luted with shellac to exclude moisture until wanted

for immediate use. These boxes are intended to fit in and form a

lining to the primer-boxes which slip on the waist-belts worn by

Captains of guns. For purposes of exercise no more of these boxes

should be opened than are required; but for action a full box should

be delivered to each Captain and 2d Captain of a gun.

174. A friction-primer consists of a tube charged with gunpowder, to

the top of which is fastened a spur containing friction-powder, which

is exploded by means of a slider pulled out by a lanyard. It is

intended for use in case the lock should be out of order, or the other

primers fail from any unforeseen cause. Friction-primers are packed in

tin boxes in the same manner as percussion-primers. They are obtained

from the Army as required.

175. Filled boxes of primers are kept in close laboratory cases, for

which stowage must be provided in the general store-room of the ship,

or other safe place.[1] They are on no account to be placed in the

magazine, and the boxes must be so labelled before being put on board

ship.

176. When primers have been returned from cruising ships, or have

remained in store for one or more years, they must be tested by firing

five per cent. of the number, and not issued again without special

orders.

177. Damaged fuzes, primers, caps, and tubes, are always to be

returned to the Ordnance Yard at Washington, in the condition in which

they were received on the return of the ship.

178. The boxes containing metallic cartridges for breech-loading arms

require the same care as percussion-caps, and are to be labelled, "On

no account to be placed in the magazine."

179. PERCUSSION-CAPS for muskets, carbines, and pistols are made in

the laboratory at the Washington Navy Yard. They are put up in small

packages of water-proof paper, labelled with the number contained in

the package and the date of fabrication, and stowed in tin cases

containing 350 caps each.

180. Laboratory boxes, in which these are packed, are of the following

dimensions: 11-3/4 x 9-1/4 x 7-3/8 inches, and will contain 6,300

percussion-caps each. These boxes are to be labelled, "On no account

to be placed in the magazine." Stowage is provided for them in the

general store-room.

CARTRIDGE-BAGS.

181. The material of which cartridge-bags are made is woven expressly

for the purpose, and furnished by the Bureau of Ordnance as required.

The color is white, and the calibre of the gun and the weight of the

charge must be stencilled on the bag in figures two and a half (2-1/2)

inches long. When procured of necessity elsewhere, the stuff should be

chosen of wool, entirely free from any mixture of thread or cotton,

and of sufficiently close texture to prevent the finer particles of

powder from sifting through. Wildbore, rattinet, merino, and

bombazette are named as proper materials for cartridge-bags; of these

the thinnest stuff, not twilled, but having the requisite strength and

closeness of texture, is the best.

182. MAKING CARTRIDGE-BAGS.--Cartridge-bags for cylindrical chambers

are made of a rectangle to form the cylinder, and a circular piece to

form the bottom. The flat patterns, by which the cartridge-bags for

the 8-inch and 32-pounder guns are cut, are, consequently, to be made

rectangular for the cylindrical part of the bag, and circular for the

bottom. The length of the rectangle is equal to the development of

the cylinder, together with the allowance for seam; and its width, to

the whole length of the bag before sewing, including the allowance for

seam and tie.

Special patterns are furnished for those of XV-in., XI-in., X-in.,

IX-in., 8-inch of 6,500 lbs., and 32-pounder of 4,500 lbs. shell-guns,

all of which have gomer chambers.

183. DIMENSIONS OF FLAT PATTERNS FOR CUTTING OUT CARTRIDGE-BAGS.

TO BE MADE OF PINE FOR THE 8-INCH AND 32-PDR. GUNS, AND OF METAL

PLATES FOR THE "GOMER" CHAMBERS OF OTHER GUNS.[2]

------------------------------+---------------+-----------------+

| 10-INCH, | 64-PDR. GUN |

DIMENSIONS. | OR | OF 106 CWT. |

| 130-POUNDER. | 8-IN. RIFLE. |

------------------------------+----+-----+----+-----+-----+-----+

Charges lbs.| 30 | 18 | 15 | 16 | 12 | 8 |

for seam. in.| 20 | 15.2| 14 | 18.7| 15.7| 12.7|

| ------^-------|--------^------- |

| Inches. | Inches. |

Length of rectangle | | |

(cylinder developed), | | |

including eight-tenths | | |

of an inch for seam. | 29.01 | 23.80 |

Radius of circular pattern | | |

of bottom, including | | |

four-tenths of an inch | | |

for seam. | 4.9 | 3.60 |

Diameters of cylindrical | | |

formers for inspection | | |

of cartridge-bags. | 9.00 | 7.00 |

Additional length for | | |

one pound of powder. | 0.40 | 0.80 |

------------------------------+---------------+-----------------+

------------------------------+--------------------------------------------

| 100-POUNDER RIFLE, 32-POUNDER GUN,

DIMENSIONS. | AND 8-INCH SHELL-GUNS, HAVING

| CHAMBERS OF 32-POUNDER CALIBRE.

------------------------------+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----

Charges lbs.| 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4.5| 4 |3

for seam. in.|16.6|14.6|18.0|12.6|11.6|10.6|10.1| 9.6|8.6

| ------------------^-----------------------

| Inches.

Length of rectangle |

(cylinder developed), |

including eight-tenths |

of an inch for seam. | 18.10

Radius of circular pattern |

of bottom, including |

four-tenths of an inch |

for seam. | 2.95

Diameters of cylindrical |

formers for inspection |

of cartridge-bags. | 5.50

Additional length for |

one pound of powder. | 1.22

------------------------------+--------------------------------------------

184. DETAILS OF CARTRIDGE-BAGS.

SHELL-GUNS WITH CONICAL CHAMBERS.

---------------------------------+-----------------+-----------+----------+

| | | |

CALIBRE OF GUN. | XV-IN. | XI-IN. | X-IN. |

---------------------------------+-----------------+-----------+----------+

Charge of powder. lbs.| 35. | 50. | 60. |20. |15. |15. |12.5 |

large end. | 13.5| 13.5|13.5 | 9.85| 9.85| 9. | 9. |

small end. | - | - | - | 5.50| 5.50| 5. | 5. |

cut bag. in.| 24. | 28. |30. |22. |20. |20. |20. |

including tie and seam. | 21.5| 25.5|27.5 |10. |17.5 |18.5|17.75|

Length of filled cartridge. in.| 12. | 15.5|18. |12. |10.5 |10. | 9. |

to cut one hundred bags. yds.|122. |122. |122. |92. |92. |86. |86. |

---------------------------------+-----------------+-----------+----------+

---------------------------------+---------------+----------+-----------+

| | 8-IN. OF | 32-PR. OF |

CALIBRE OF GUN. | IX-IN. | 6500. | 4500. |

---------------------------------+-------+-------+----------+-----------+

Charge of powder. lbs.| 13. | 10. | 7. | 6. |

large end. | 8.13 | 8.13 | 7.25 | 6. |

small end. | 4.50 | 4.50 | 4. | 8.5 |

cut bag. in.| 18. | 18. | 24. | 22. |

including tie and seam. | 16.5 | 15.5 | 12.0 | 11.0 |

Length of filled cartridge. in.| 11.5 | 10.5 | 7.5 | 9.5 |

to cut one hundred bags. yds.| 78. | 78. | 30. | 30. |

---------------------------------+-------+-------+----------+-----------+

In cutting, the length of the rectangle should be taken in the

direction of the length of the stuff, as it does not stretch in that

direction, and the material should be chosen, as nearly as possible,

of the width required for the length of the bags, to save waste in

cutting.

The bags are to be sewed with worsted yarn, with not less than eight

stitches to an inch; they must be stitched within four-tenths of an

inch of each edge, and the two edges of the seam felled down upon the

same side, to prevent the powder from sifting through. The edges of

the bottom are felled down upon the sides.

The bags, when filled, must be tied with woollen thrums.

185. CARTRIDGE-BAGS FOR SALUTING CHARGES.--Old cartridge-bags which

have been condemned for service charges are to be repaired and used

for saluting charges; and whenever it is necessary to make bags

expressly for the purpose, or for immediate use, they may be formed by

sewing together two rectangular pieces with semicircular ends.

186. INSPECTION.--The material especially procured for cartridge-bags

is to be carefully inspected to detect any mixture of cotton with the

wool, by burning a few bits taken at hazard from each piece; or, by

dissolving it in a solution of 1 ounce of caustic potassa in a pint of

water--the cloth to be put in when the water is boiling, which is to

continue until dissolution takes place. The texture of the stuff is

also to be examined and its strength tried, such standard for the

latter being established as may be found sufficient to insure perfect

efficiency.

After being made up, the empty bags are to be inspected, and those

which are sewed with too long stitches, or in any other than the

prescribed manner, must be rejected. The dimensions of each bag are to

be verified, first by laying it flattened out, between two marks on a

table showing the width of a pattern bag. A variation of 0.1 inch

greater or less is allowed. The bags are also to be tried on mandrels,

or formers, made according to the dimensions given on the preceding

page.

187. PRESERVATION FROM MOTHS.--Serge or any other woollen material

employed for making cartridge-bags is never to be exposed on the

shelves in store, either in the piece or when made up. It is to be

protected by packing with the hydraulic press, by sewing it up in

linen cloth, or by enveloping it in water-proof paper, hermetically

sealed.

An infusion of coloquintida, in the proportion of 15-1/2 grains Troy

to a quart of water, is said to be a good preservative against moths.

In case of using this preparation, the cartridge-bags should be

steeped in the infusion, and, after being thoroughly dried, may be

packed by the hydraulic press, and headed up in old whiskey barrels,

if stored on shore, or packed in empty tanks, if on board ship.

Cartridge-bags, as well as the material for making them, must be

frequently examined, to prevent their being damaged by moisture, as

well as to guard against moths.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] Primers and percussion-caps should be divided into two or three lots,

and stowed in different parts of the ship, so that an accidental explosion

would not deprive the ship of the means of firing cannon and small arms.

[2] The dimensions of those for the XV, IX, X, and XI inch guns, which

have Corner chambers, and cannot be conveniently tabulated, will be

furnished to all vessels mounting such guns. The formers for inspection of

bags will have the forms and dimensions of the Gomer chambers less 0.87

inch for the IX-inch, 1.0 inch for the X-inch, 1.15 inch for the XI-inch,

and 1.50 inch for XV-inch guns, for windage at the large end, in

accordance with the flat patterns furnished for cutting.

CHAPTER II.

MAGAZINES AND SHELL-ROOMS.

CONSTRUCTION, LIGHTING, STOWING, AND FLOODING.

188. No details of internal arrangement should be more carefully

considered and executed than those relating to the stowage and

delivery of powder, since a defect in these particulars, apparently

insignificant, may lead to the instantaneous destruction of the ship;

or, with the incendiary and explosive projectiles now used, to her

becoming, comparatively, an easy prey to an antagonist. Every possible

precaution, therefore, is to be taken to accommodate the full

allowance of powder completely; to guard it to the utmost against

injury and accidental explosion; and to deliver it at the magazine, as

required, with facility and certainty. To these ends, and in view of

the fact that all the powder for great guns is now put up in cubical

copper tanks, made water-tight, THE FORM OF MAGAZINES should be as

nearly rectangular as the shape of the vessel will admit, and they

should be built strong enough to resist sufficiently the effect of her

working in heavy weather, and also the pressure of water they will

have to sustain in case of being flooded.

189. All magazines should have a light-box for each alley at one end,

and a passage to deliver powder at the other; and the magazine and its

passage, considered as one, must be made perfectly water-tight by

caulking the bottom and sides, and then lining them internally, first

with white pine boards, tongued and grooved, and again with sheets of

lead of extra thickness, soldered together, over these boards. Both

these linings are to extend entirely over the bottom or floor, and all

the way up to the crown on all the sides.

190. When the magazine reaches the ceiling of the ship it must be

battened off two inches; the lining of the floor must be battened up

one, and also the magazine-deck, so that water leaking through the

sides of the vessel may run by and under, and not into the magazine.

An external lining of sheet-iron must also be resorted to as a

protection against fire, and to prevent the intrusion of rats.

191. A magazine aft in a ship is to have its passage for delivering

powder adjoining its forward part; and one forward in a ship is to

have this passage adjoining its after part, in order that it may not

be necessary to pass the powder over the light-box scuttle.

192. As many doors are to be cut in the bulkhead separating this

passage from the magazine-room as there are alleys to be left in the

latter, between the racks or shelves on which the tanks are stowed,

and these doors must correspond with those alleys. They are not only

to afford a means of entrance to the magazine, but also for passing

the tanks in and out. Through the upper part of each door a small

scuttle is to be cut,--two, if necessary,--for the purpose of passing

the cartridges out of the magazine-room with the door itself closed;

and it is to have a lid so arranged as to open outwards only, and to

close of itself when the scuttle is not actually in use.

193. Sailing ships-of-the-line and frigates should have two alleys for

each magazine. In screw-vessels of large class, where the shaft will

interfere with this arrangement, two alleys for the forward magazine.

In smaller vessels one alley will suffice. In all cases the alley is

to be not less than two feet and ten inches in breadth, and it ought

to be more, if practicable, to prevent confusion and delay. Each alley

is to be illuminated by a separate light.

If there is room in the magazine, there should be space left, at the

end nearest the light, for a man to pass from one alley to the other

without going into the passage.

194. Ships with two magazines--one forward and the other aft--are to

have them as nearly equal, in point of capacity, as the shape of the

vessel and other circumstances will admit.

Magazines should be constructed as low down as possible. Their floors

may rest on the keelson, but should not come below it. Their height

should be equal, only, to an exact number of times the height of a

powder-tank when lying on its side, in addition to the thickness of

the shelving. An additional inch for each shelf should be allowed for

play or spring. The whole height in the clear should be limited by the

condition that a man standing on the floor may reach the upper tier of

tanks with ease. Four tiers of 200-lb. tanks, three of them resting on

shelves two inches thick, and the other on inch battens on the

magazine-floor, will, with an allowance of one and a half inch for

play and spring, require a height, in the clear, of six feet two

inches. Both safety and convenience would suggest this as the maximum

limit in height, even for the largest magazine. Three tiers of these

tanks will require a height, in the clear, of about four feet eight

inches.

If, however, in ships of great draught of water, it should be found

practicable to extend the height of a magazine so as to accommodate

five tiers of tanks, then the lower or ground tier may be laid so as

to occupy the whole of the magazine-floor; and on the top of this

tier, in the alley-way, a light false bottom is to be placed for the

men to stand upon to enable them to reach the upper tier, which is the

one that should first be exhausted. This false bottom should be made

of gratings, and in sections convenient for speedy removal.

195. When it is impossible to avoid extending the sides of the

magazine so far out towards the skin of the ship as to leave only an

air-passage on either side, the crown should be at least six feet

below the deep load-line.

In all cases where this crown is less than six feet below that line,

the sides should be made susceptible of protection by allowing a space

to interpose materials, such as sand, coal, or water in tanks, between

them and the inner planking of the ship.

An average space of six feet or more on both sides will be sufficient.

Under no circumstances, however well the sides be guarded, should the

crown of the magazine, if it can be avoided, be less than four feet

below the deep load-line.

196. It is proper to add, in connection with this most important

subject, that in order to increase security against the effects of

lightning, a magazine should be placed, if practicable, so as not to

include a part of a mast.

197. All the metallic fixtures about a magazine, delivering-passages,

and light-rooms, must be of copper.

198. Each delivering-passage is to have, for the distribution of

powder, at least as many passing-scuttles communicating with the orlop

or berth deck as there are chains of scuttles above. The powder-man

will thus always find at the scuttle the proper passing-box.

MAGAZINE-COCKS.

199. Each magazine, as a whole--that is, including the

delivering-passage--being made, as stated above, water-tight, is to be

provided with an independent cock for filling it rapidly with water; a

waste-pipe leading from above the upper tier of tanks to carry off the

superfluous water; and a cock just at the floor for letting the water

off when the magazine is to be emptied after having been flooded. Both

the cocks must be turned from the deck above, each having a lever to

its spindle for the purpose, distinctly marked, with engraved letters,

what it is and how it is to be used, and kept secured by a proper

lock, the key of which is to be kept among those of the magazines. A

short pipe to lead the water down into the hold is to be attached to

the emptying cock, and with this the waste-pipe is to connect. All are

to be well boxed over for protection against injury. A perforated

disk, or strainer, is to be secured inside of the hole, at the upper

part of the magazine, for the waste-pipe. All couplings of hose shall

conform to the general naval standard.

LIGHTING THE MAGAZINE.

200. The magazine is to be lighted by means of one regulation-lamp, to

correspond with each alley of the magazine-room, placed in a box

arranged for the purpose. This box, of which a portion of the magazine

bulkhead forms a part, is to be lined, internally, with soldered

sheets of copper, and have a few inches of water in it whenever the

lamp is lighted. The entrance to it is at the top, through a scuttle

in the deck large enough to admit the lamp. For single-decked vessels

this scuttle may be surrounded by a composition coaming pierced with

holes one-fourth of an inch in diameter, on the forward and after

sides near the top. The cover must be so arranged that, when placed in

one position, all the holes will be closed--by turning it half round,

they are all open; thus supplying air to the lamp and carrying off

smoke. In the portion of the magazine bulkhead just alluded to, and so

as to throw as much light as possible into the magazine-room, an

opening with great bevelling is to be cut, which is to be covered by

two plane glasses of suitable thickness, somewhat separated from each

other, one of which, that next to the lamp, must be permanently fixed;

and the other, or that next to the magazine, is to be let into a

wooden frame so that it may be easily removed, and thus both glasses

cleaned at any time with convenience and safety. The glasses are to be

held in place by brass screws, after being closely fitted and having

their edges made perfectly tight. A small dome or reversed funnel of

copper, where it can be conveniently done, is to be placed above the

lamp and fitted with a pipe of the same metal to convey the smoke off.

This pipe may pass up through the covering of the light-box, which is

to have a plug-hole, lined with brass, for the purpose, and then led

farther, if necessary, taking care, however, to consult perfect safety

throughout.

The admission of air to the light-box may be from the division of the

hold in which it is placed, by small holes, near its top, through its

side or back, protected with copper wire-gauze, inside and outside of

the box.

The ceiling and bulkheads of all magazines and shell-rooms should be

thoroughly whitewashed.

STOWING THE MAGAZINES.

201. In the stowage of magazines, reference must be had to the

Gunner's duties (Art. 36, Part I.), and to Arrangements for Delivering

and Distributing Powder (Art. 180, Part I.). Ledges on the shelves, or

a bar of wood to ship and unship with facility, will be provided for

each tier of tanks, on both sides of the alleys, to secure them from

getting out of place when the ship rolls.

The Inspector of Ordnance will furnish the commander of the ship with

an exact plan of the magazine and shell-rooms, which shall be returned

to the Inspector of the Yard at which the ship refits or is placed in

ordinary, with any suggestions the Commander may have to make relative

to practicable changes which will render the service more safe or

convenient.

SHELL-ROOMS.

202. Rooms for the stowage of loaded shells require the same care in

construction and protection against an enemy's shot, and in provision

for lighting and flooding, as magazines. Therefore, they should always

be built with reference to these objects, as well as to affording room

enough to accommodate conveniently the number of loaded shells allowed

in their boxes, stowed in bulk. Each should have one light, arranged

like those for magazines.

203. In vessels partially armed with shell-guns, the best place,

perhaps, for these rooms is immediately forward of the spirit-room,

but not communicating with it; and in those armed entirely with such

guns, the additional shell-rooms necessary may be, perhaps, more

conveniently placed abaft, and adjoining the delivering-passage of the

forward magazine, than elsewhere.

204. With the introduction of rifled cannon, and various special

projectiles, it is essential to devote more care to the stowage of

shells, in order to avoid confusion in battle. Not only each kind and

calibre, but each length of fuze, is to be stowed in separate tiers.

DAMPNESS OF MAGAZINES AND SHELL-ROOMS.

205. Sponge clipped in a solution of salt water, dried and weighed, is

a means of ascertaining if dampness exists in these places. If it

become heavier, the room is damp.

VENTILATION.

206. Provision must be made, by means of grating-hatches, for

sufficient ventilation in action, to supply the magazine-men with

fresh air, and allow the dampness caused by perspiration to pass off;

and fan-blowers are to be fitted to increase the supply of fresh air,

and assist the ventilation. The magazine should be opened and aired,

at least once a fortnight, for a few hours, on bright, clear days.

[Illustration: SPACES REQUIRED for working DIFFERENT CLASSES OF GUNS

ON TRUCK CARRIAGES. (_with muzzle 18 in. inside of centre of Port_) C.K.

Stellwagen, del. Lith. by J.F. Gedney, Washn.]

[Illustration: SPACES REQUIRED for working DIFFERENT CLASSES OF GUNS

ON TRUCK CARRIAGES. (_with muzzle 18in inside of centre of Port_) C.K.

Stellwagen, del. Lith. by J.F. Gedney, Washn.]

CHAPTER III.

GUN-CARRIAGES, GEAR, IMPLEMENTS AND EQUIPMENTS.

GUN-CARRIAGES.

207. All gun-carriages shall be constructed in exact conformity to the

drawings furnished by the Bureau, and no alterations whatever will be

permitted without its express sanction.

The Inspector of Ordnance will keep approved copies of all plans, and,

in order to insure uniformity, will report to the Bureau any

deviations from the standard drawings which he may observe in

carriages received from other Yards.

The spaces required for efficient working of all guns are represented

in diagrams X, Y, Z, and these, as well as the distances between

pivot-centres, sizes and positions of bolts, are to be strictly

adhered to.

The distance between pivot-centres of all XI-in., X-in., IX-in., and

100-pdr. carriages shall be either 142 or 117-3/4 inches, depending on

the breadth of beam, position of hatches and other obstructions, and

shall not be deviated from except by explicit directions of the

Bureau, on a report of the particular circumstances in each case.

For the 60-pdr. Parrott, 130 inches between centres; and for the

30-pdr., 120 inches.

The sizes of sockets and pivot-bolts are established as follows:

FOR XI-IN., X-IN., FOR 60, 30,

IX.-IN., AND 100-PDR. AND 20-PDR.

Inches. Inches.

Length of bolt under the head 18. 14.

Diameter of bolt 4. 3.

Do. hole in socket 4.1 3.1

Do. boss 10.5 8.

Height of boss 1.5 1.1

Slot in the pivot-plate, 1/16 larger than the boss.

For XI-in., X-in., IX-in., and 100-pdr. carriages, the fighting and

shifting sockets are bossed, the housing-socket plain.

For 60-pdr., 30-pdr., and 20-pdr. carriages, the shifting-socket alone

is bossed.

For broadside-guns, the following positions for bolts are established:

20 AND 24 IN. 16 AND 18 IN.

PORT-SILLS. PORT-SILLS.

Inches. Inches.

Height of centre of lower bolt from deck 14.75 10.75

Distance between the bolts 3.75 3.75

Distance of centre of 1st bolt from side

of port 14. 14.

Distance of centre of 2d bolt from side

of port 22. 22.

Distance of centre of training-bolt from

side of port 36. 36.

Height of training-bolt from deck 21. 14. & 16.

Height of securing-bolt (side-tackle

bolt) above port-sill 8. 8.

For IX-in. guns, the port-sill should not be less than 20 inches in

height, and no port-sill less than 16 inches; otherwise, the carriages

will not give sufficient elevation, and the position of the Gun

Captain in aiming is exceedingly awkward and inconvenient.

Scraping and staining gun-carriages or keeping them bright is

prohibited; they should be kept well painted, and the trucks,

axletrees, and trunnion-holes oiled.

All new work shall be primed with red-lead.

Wrought-iron Broadside carriages, for IX-inch, new 8-in. of 6,500

lbs., and 32-pdr. of 4,500 lbs. shell-guns, have been designed by the

Ordnance Bureau, submitted to trial with success, and are being issued

for service at sea.

GUN-GEAR.

208. Breechings for all guns are to be made of the best hemp, of

three-stranded rope, shroud-laid, and soft; and for smooth-bore guns

not to measure less than seven and a half nor more than eight inches

in the coil, excepting those for IX-inch guns, which are to measure

nine and a half inches, and for XI-inch ten and a half inches.

209. The breeching-bolts must never be of less dimensions than those

prescribed by regulation, and there must be double sets for the IX and

XI inch guns.

210. In fitting breechings, a thimble is to be spliced into one end,

the strands stuck through twice, and marled down. A thimble is to be

turned into the other end, so that the length of the breeching may be

conveniently altered. Thus fitted, when the gun is run in and

levelled, breechings must be long enough to allow the muzzle of the

gun to come a foot inside of the upper port-sill, if the breadth of

the vessel will allow it. With guns of violent recoil this distance

may be advantageously doubled, where there is room enough, as thereby

the strain will be much lessened.

Breechings are neither to be covered, blackened, nor rendered less

pliable in any way.

[Illustration: New 8 in. Gun of 6500 lbs. and Iron Carriage. Lith. by

J.F. Gedney, Washn. C.K. Stellwagen, del.]

BREECHINGS.

KEY:

A: LENGTH OF BREECHING WHEN CUT.

B: LENGTH OF BREECHING WHEN FINISHED.

C: CIRCUMFERENCE OF BREECHING.

D: Diameter.

E: Depth.

F: Radius of Score.

G: Diam. bolt-hole.

H: WEIGHT, INCLUDING THIMBLE.

--------------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----------------------+------+

CLASS | | | +-----------------------+ |

OF GUN. | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H |

--------------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+------+

XI-inch | 38. | 32. | 10.5| 6. | 4. | 1.75| 2.05| 172. |

X-inch | 37.5| 31.5| 10. | 6. | 6. | 1.75| 2.05| 170. |

IX-inch | 34. | 28.5| 9.5| 6. | 3.6 | 1.6 | 2.05| 110. |

100-pounder | 37.5| 31.5| 9.5| 6. | 3.6 | 1.6 | 2.05| 130. |

60-pounder | 33. | 28. | 8. | 5.5 | - | 1.3 | 1.55| 91. |

30-pounder | 27.5| 23.5| 7. | 5. | - | 1.2 | 1.55| 43. |

20-pounder | 26. | 21. | 6. | 4. | - | 1.0 | 1.55| 40. |

| | | | | | | | |

XI-inch |38.0 | 32.0| 10.5| 6. | 4. | 1.75| 2.05| 172. |

X-inch |34.5 | 28.5| 10. | 6. | 4. | 1.75| 2.05| 160. |

IX-inch |31.5 | 25.5| 9.5| 6. | 3.6 | 1.6 | 2.05| 100. |

8-in. 63 cwt. |28. | 23.3| 8. | 5.5 | - | 1.3 | 1.55| 76. |

8-in. { 55 cwt.}|27. | 22.3| 8. | 5.5 | - | 1.3 | 1.55| 72. |

{6,500 lbs.}| | | | | | | | |

32-pounder 57 cwt. |28.5 | 24. | 8. | 5.5 | - | 1.3 | 1.55| 76. |

32-pounder { 42 cwt.}|26. | 21.5| 8. | 5.5 | - | 1.3 | 1.55| 70. |

{4,500 lbs.}| | | | | | | | |

32-pounder 33 cwt. |23.5 | 19. | 8. | 5.5 | - | 1.3 | 1.55| 65. |

32-pounder 27 cwt. |22. | 17.5| 8. | 5.5 | - | 1.3 | 1.55| 61. |

| | | | | | | | |

100-pounder |35.5 | 31. | 9.5| 6. | 3.6 | 1.6 | 2.05| 115. |

60-pounder |28. | 23.5| 8. | 5.5 | - | 1.3 | 1.55| 80. |

30-pounder |25.5 | 21.5| 7. | 5. | - | 1.2 | 1.55| 39. |

20-pounder |23. | 17.5| 6. | 4. | - | 1. | 1.55| 34. |

--------------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+------+

211. Gun-tackle falls will be made of Manilla or such other pliable

rope as may be directed from time to time by the Bureau of Ordnance.

It is prohibited to blacken them or to diminish their pliability.

Three-inch rope will be found large enough for the heaviest, and from

2-1/2 to 2-1/4 inch for the lighter guns.

The rope being well stretched, the falls are to be cut of sufficient

length to allow the full recoil, leaving end enough to hitch round the

straps of their inner blocks, when hooked to the middle bolts.

212. Blocks for gun-tackles should have pins of hardened copper,

turned smooth, and sheaves of lignum-vitae without bouching. Those to

reeve 3-inch falls to be 10 inches, those for 2-1/2 inch falls 9

inches, and those for 2-1/4 inch falls 8 inches long. The hooks of

gun-tackle blocks are not to be less than one and a half inch diameter

at the bend for heavy, and one and a quarter for light,

broadside-guns.

Metallic blocks with nibs, which keep the blocks fair with the falls,

and thus prevent the falls from fouling in the recoil, are to be

supplied to all Marsilly and heavy pivot carriages.

GRIOLET.

213. The GRIOLET-PURCHASE for dismounting guns on covered decks is

composed of--

A toggle-block, made of elm or oak, the outer end or head of which is

made rather larger in diameter than the inner one, which exactly fits

the bore of the gun. The head has two sheaves in it, so as to form the

lower block of the muzzle-purchase, and is bound at the outer end with

an iron band.

A double cascabel-block of iron is made either with a shackle or to

fit between the jaws of the cascabel, where it is secured by the

cascabel-pin. The iron pins on which the sheaves revolve are formed

with eyes, for the convenience of hitching the standing part of the

purchase.

Two iron treble-blocks, one for the muzzle and the other for the

breech-purchase.

The muzzle-purchase block is so fitted as to be either shackled or

toggled to the housing-bolt above the port, and the breech-purchase

block has an iron strap terminating above, with an eye by which it is

shackled to a bolt passing through the deck above the gun. This bolt

has an eye in one end, and a screw or key-slit at the other, and, when

in place, is secured above the deck with a nut or key, between which

and the deck a washer of hard wood or iron of suitable breadth and

thickness is placed.

The hole through which this bolt is put should be directly above the

cascabel-block when the muzzle of the gun is under the housing-bolt,

and may be bored at the time the gun is to be dismounted; it is to be

stopped afterwards with a plug of wood coated with white-lead.

But as it is desirable that every division on the gun-deck should be

exercised in mounting and dismounting its guns, a hole may be made in

the deck above each division and bouched with a composition screw-tap.

The purchase-falls should not be less than three and a half inches in

size, and should be made of Manilla rope, of sufficient length to

reeve full, the gun being supposed to be on deck and the upper blocks

in place, allowing also sufficient end for splicing in the thimbles

and hitching the standing part of the purchase when rove.

An iron thimble, large enough to hook the double-block of a side or

train tackle, is spliced into the end of each purchase-fall.

SELVAGEE WADS.

214. Selvagee wads are made by the wad-machine at the Navy Yards. This

consists of pairs of disks adapted to each calibre of guns, which

being placed face to face on a spindle and keyed, present an annular

score, grooved in such a way as to make, when filled, a grommet of the

requisite size. Transverse notches are cut in the circumference of the

disks to the bottom of the score, for the convenience of marling the

wad before taking it off the mould.

[Illustration: SPACES REQUIRED for working DIFFERENT CLASSES OF GUNS

on PIVOT CARRIAGES. Lith. by J.F. Gedney, Washn. C.K. Stellwagen,

del.]

In making the wad, the end of a rope-yarn is fixed in the score, and

the mould is turned by a crank until the score is filled. The grommet

thus formed is marled like a selvagee strap, and a section of about an

inch is taken out of it, in order to make the wad, when swelled by

dampness, enter the bore of the gun readily.

Selvagee wads should be made neither too hard nor too soft; and to

avoid either of these extremes, a sufficient number of hitches only

will be taken to give the wad the consistency required for service.

Sections of one-third or one-fourth of these wads will answer as well,

in case of need.

MAGAZINE-SCREENS.

215. Are made of thick fearnaught, or of double baize, with holes

through which to pass the powder; these holes to be covered by broad

flaps of the same material. One screen is to be hung abaft, and

another forward of the magazine passing-hatch and scuttles in

sloops-of-war; in ships-of-the-line and frigates, one is usually to be

hung abaft the fore, and one forward of the after, magazine-scuttle;

but as ships are differently arranged, two to each magazine will be

allowed, if required.

Canvas chutes for returning empty passing-boxes are to be supplied to

each scuttle.

MAGAZINE-DRESSES.

216. Are to be of worsted, like a simple shirt, to reach to the

knees--no metal buttons to be worn.

The shoes must be made wholly of cotton canvas or buckskin. In hot

climates or warm weather generally, the naked feet are preferred.

India-rubber and woollen slippers are prohibited.

RATTLES FOR CALLING BOARDERS.

217. To be made like those used by watchmen, of white oak, or some

other similar wood. Rattle, 12 inches long; ratchet, 2 inches in

diameter; spring, one inch in width, and of sufficient thickness and

elasticity to produce the requisite sound. Weight enough should be

given to the butt to cause it to revolve round the handle with ease.

Fixed rattles of greater power will be attached to suitable places on

each deck.

SHELL-WHIPS.

218. To be made of two-inch rope, rove through two single blocks one

above the other, in the shell-hatchway, and the ends knotted together.

A hook is fixed on each part of the whip, near the block, so that the

parts being bowsed on alternately, a full box is brought up on one

hook and an empty one lowered by the other, at the same time.

FLASH-PANS.

219. Shallow copper bowls, large enough to hold an ounce of powder,

with a handle two feet long, to be supplied to all vessels.

DARK LANTERNS.

220. To be made of copper, tinned inside, with two handles at the

side, that the shade may be turned without taking hold of the top. The

whole height, 12 inches; diameter, 4 inches.

BOAT GRAPNELS.

221. Are made of round iron, quite light, for throwing into the

rigging or chains of the enemy, for the purpose of holding on when

boarding; their prongs are barbed.

Six feet of small chain are to be attached to the ring, and connected

with six fathoms of one and three quarter rope.

TARGETS.

Ordnance Instructions for the United States Navy. 1866. Fourth edition. · 第 9 / 12 章

Guns rejected for such defects as render them dangerous to those who