Modern breech-loaders, sporting & military,

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1871 Excerpt: ...range, which it does very considerably. It strikes with a greater force, and the bullet expands very much, making a formidable wound. The point-blank range with 4J drams of powder is about 130 yards. It cannot be relied on for extreme accuracy over 200 yards; but at 140 to 160 it is very accurate. THE EXPRESS RIFLE, 450-BORE. This is a small-bore rifle, about 5 2-gauge, taking a large charge of powder, and having a very flat trajectory. It has been causing some stir among sportsmen for deer shooting at long ranges. The actual point-blank range of this kind of rifle, with four drams of powder, is 130 to 140 yards. The bullet is a short cone, with a hollow point. The hollow in the bullet causes it to expand on striking, thereby inflicting a most fearful wound. The bullet gets flattened to about ten times its original size. Another advantage obtained by the hollow is that the bullet can be made lighter, and yet retain the desired length, to take the rifling properly. The larger charge of powder with this light bullet gives a very high velocity, and long point-blank range. Many letters have recently appeared in the Field newspaper, from Indian sportsmen who have used these rifles at long distances at antelope and small deer, with great success. One sight is only necessary for sporting distances; and over 200 yards a full fore-sight must be taken, as the bullet begins to drop at over 150 yards. This is undoubtedly the best kind of rifle for hill-shooting, where it is difficult to judge distances. Animals shot at ranges varying from 50 to 140 yards must be struck if the aim is correctly taken. But for large and dangerous game shooting a much more powerful rifle is necessary. For such purposes we should recommend spherical ball or explosive shells. The 450 Express...