5.5 inch howitzer

[James Brenner]

During a recent conversation I had with some friends concerning loading, ramming, and swabbing ML cannon, we got on the subject of loading, ramming, and swabbing procedures for chambered pieces; specifically 5.5. inch howitzers and mortars. The question was whether or not #1 used his hand to place the charge in the chamber or used the rammer to insert the charge. It would seem safer to ram the charge as opposed to inserting it by hand, but, on some repro howitzers, the transition between the bore and the chamber is such that the charge will not slide into place.

So, with that as a preface, what's the accepted/best/recommended procedure for loading a blank round into a howitzer? We can talk about swabbing later.

Thanks.

 

[widget350]

A rammer with a cradle to hold loose or preload powder sized to match the powder chamber. Insert it in, rotate to leave the powder in the chamber.

 

[James Brenner]

Use the ladle. That makes sense. Thanks very much.

 

[hawkeye2]

I know a person who was inserting a blank charge into a Napoleon when it went off. I believe his hand was inside the muzzle. That was about 20 years back and to this day no one has seen his forearm or what remains of his hand as he keeps it wrapped with an Ace bandage.

 

[Wes/Tex]

He ought to do the Captain Hook routine. Knew a guy at NASA who'd lost his right hand in an accident and definitely got the most out of the artificial one he had. His favorite trick was to unhook it from his connection, pull the spring loaded cords to open the grip and wait for a secretary to pass by...reach out & touch skirt, release grip and 'snap', eek! Sometimes thought if I had half as much fun with something like that it'd be worth losing a hand...sort of!!