Existing comment:
From Muzzleloading to Breechloading:
The advance from muzzleloaded to breechloaded weapons increased the rapidity of fire. The muzzle-loading process was cumbersome and could not be done at all on a horseback because the gun had to be upright, the contents of the torn cartridge poured down the barrel, the material packed with a ramrod, the used percussion cap removed and replaced, and the hammer cocked. Breechloading reduced firing time because the cartridge was loaded through the breech without being torn or packed. Once metallic cartridges containing the detonator and projectile were mass produced, breechloaders became widespread. Breechloaders also limited the number of loads one could use. Muzzleloaded weapons could be rendered inoperable if, in the heat of battle, one put in an unopened cartridge, more than one cartridge, or an upside-down cartridge.
From Smoothbore to Rifled Barrels:
Muskets with smooth barrels were accurate against individuals up to 100 yards and against larger targets, such as masses of troops, up to 200 yards. Rifling, or scoring the inside of the gun barrel with spiral grooves, put a spin on the projectile that increased accuracy, for skilled marksmen at least, up to 600 yards. Rifling was most effective with weapons .58 caliber or less. Larger caliber weapons were weakened by rifling. |