During the 1850s and 1860s the British service rifle calibre was .577, both for the muzzle-loading Enfield rifle and its breech-loading successor the Snider (a conversion of the Enfield). Early manufacture of the Enfield relied on much hand labour and consequently lead to problems of inconsistent performance, non-interchangeability of parts and slow supply. Joseph Whitworth was approached to provide assistance with regards to the design of appropriate machinery for its manufacture.
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Whitworth Patent Cartridge
Hold the cartridge in the left band by the first and second fingers and the thumb, with the trap downwards, the muzzle of the gun being held at the same time against the palm of the left hand by the third and fourth fingers. Insert the cartridge into the conical recess of the muzzle, and hold it there.
Loading & Cleaning The Whitworth Patent Military Rifle
The cylindrical form of projectile is the best for general use. It is 530 grains in weight and is wrapped with paper. In loading, the projectile should be pressed gently home, and should not be so forced down as to crush the lubricating wad or the grains of powder. Projectiles cast from the mould are not to be relied upon for accurate shooting, unless they are passed through a die-press.