Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-07-12
APPROVE SMOKELESS.
Report Of the Inspecting Board d
National Guard.
Believe No Change IL Powder Should bs Made
This Year.

Guard OF the State of Maine has ex-
amined and tested the smokeless powder
as they were ordered to do by Adjutan.
General Richards. and though they say
they approve Of the powder and believe
1t IL the proper thing for the rifle prac.
tice Of the state, they do not advise it
to be used this year on aceohnt of the
large amount Of black powder that IL on
hand at the presefit time.
The report of the examining board con-
sisting Of Inspector General of Rifle
Practice E. c. harrington, Major w. o.
Peterson. LIST Regiment. and Captain w.
A. Paul. I'd Regiment, will give the full
information on the subject and 1t IS
given herewith:
Office Of the Inspector General
OF Rifle Practice
Augusta. July 6. 1899.
Io General John T. Richards, Adjutant
Sir-Agreeable to General Orders No. q.
June y. 1899. appointing Col. f. c. Far
Iiington, inspector general Of rifle prac-
nee ice, Major William o. Peterson. LIST In
A. Paul. ID Infantry, N. G. s. Nj. as a
board to test the smokeless powder re-
ierred to In the order with view OF
deciding upon its adaptability to the use
rihe, calibre 49, az ISSUED by the United
States" the board was convened at Au.
susta, Saturday. July l. and was accom-
John T. Richards and General w. S.
Choate. former inspector general. and
VINO Is an expert rifleman, he being in
vited to be present.
Tests were made at 200 and 500 wards.
Springfield rifle.
The day day, was ;n bright. with about a
Increased to l0-mile wind with flaws
and changes in direction. The board used
cartridges loaded by the Latin & Rand
grains of powder: also 20 cartridges.
loaded by the board with powder made
Dy mat company. five each loaded with
Y; 20 Is and 16 grains. respectively, and
all the shells was put in loose. seating
the bullet in the usual manner.
The first firings Were taken at 200
bv each member Of the board, and then
by Gen. John T. Richards. adjutant gen.
eral. and Gen. w. S. Choate.
The elevation was placed at 200 yards,
sighting through the peep sight. The re.
cases. The aim was as nearly as could
be at the bottom OF the bullseye. The
hits were in all tests with the cartridges
loaded with % grains. above the bullseye,
either close three, but mostly close
four. except three which were in the
bullseye; This was without doubt owing
no apparent difference between those
loaded by the company and by the board.
Very little difference was observed be-
tween those loaded with 20 and q grains
Those loaded with IS grains came nearer
the center. and with that elevation APP
peared best suited for 200-yard shooting.
There was no attempt made to maze
high scores, the object being to see II
the shooting was uniform.
At 500 yards the elevation was placed
at $50 which was found to be about
rifyhf no nf
were bad for accurate firing, although
there was no difficulty in placing the hits
shooting was uniform. The target used
was the elyptical as used by the gov
eminent.
The rifle was not cleaned until after
TALLY cleaned. An examination of the
barrel before cleaning indicated that
there was not much fouling. 1t looked
quite bright much more so than when
black powder was used.
The recoil when using the 22-graln
cartridges appeared about the same as
when using the government carbinc
cartridges; not enough to prevent re-
cruit from doing successful work.
After the firings were completed. the
rifle was taken to the Office and an at
tempt made to clean 1t. There was founo
a fine coating, fouing the grooves, which
was with difficulty removed. The barrel
was considerably loaded. While this may
not greatly affect the accuracy. 1t will
without uOuDl Itquic hioiO SoiC ~ nSSP
the rifle clean anu the barrel in service
able condition.
No attempt was made to determine the
trajectory. as compared with the Dlack
powder ammunition, for there was not
time or the conveniences for that pur-
pose The apparent time of flight of the
bullet at each range indicated that there
this and that of black powder.
There was but trfling smoke. not
enough to attract any attention at any
considerable distance; in fact 1t may De
regarded as smokeless.
We therefore conclude that the powder
is well adapted for use in the United
States Springfield rifle. The tests gave
satisfactiO and We have no hesitancy IN
saying that it is far preferable to black
powder for the use of the Guard, tor ac-
tive service.
1t must be understood that for the re-
cruit to learn to shoot with the rifle, any
DoWder giving uniform results is sum-
Gent The main hindrance to good work
by the new beginner. Is the recoll wnlcn
attends the use of the 70-grain, SUI grain
bullet. The method heretofore adopted
in this State, the loading by companies
of shells with 60 grains of black powder
removes the difficulty in this direction.
The further fact that your department.
has on hand 5000 rounds of rifle ammu
milton and 81, 900 carbine cartridges ana
% ono bullets, compels the board not 10
advise any change for the present season.
Respectfully submitted.
&c. HARRINGTON.
Colonel and Inspector General OF fihe