| 2/95th Regt (Australia) reenactors research and test tap or spit loading as shown in Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series of books, especially Sharpe's Eagle. We tested safety, speed, accuracy and penetration, all with period correct ammunition. Black powder was 2F. Ball was .67, bore of muskets was .75 inches. Notably, we did not have bayonets fitted. But we tried it and the bayonet does not prevent spitting the ball down the barrel. Anyone who locates a contemporary reference to spit or tap loading, please add the reference to the comments log. CAUTION: not all safety procedures used in this demonstration are evident in the video. |
