The GUARD CARTRIDGE has a smaller charge of powder than the ball cartridge, and five cannelures encircle the body of the shell at about the middle to distinguish it from the ball cartridge.  It is intended for use on guard or in riot duty, and gives good results up to 200 yards.  The range of 100 yards requires a sight elevation of 450 yards, and the range of 200 yards requires all elevation of 650 yards.

The DUMMY CARTRIDGE is tin plated and the shell is provided with six longitudinal corrugations and three circular holes.  The primer contains no percussion composition.  It is intended for drill purposes to accustom the soldier to the operation of loading the rifle.

All cartridges are secured five in a clip to enable five cartridges to be inserted into the magazine at one motion.  Sixty ball cartridges in 12 clips are packed in a cloth bandoleer to facilitate issue and carrying.  When full the bandoleer weighs about 3.88 pounds.  Bandoleers are packed 20 in a box, or 1,200 rounds in all.  The full box weighs 99 pounds.

SECTION 2.  CARE OF THE RIFLE.

Every part of the rifle must be kept free from rust, dust, and dirt, A dirty or rusty rifle is a sure sign that the soldier does not realize the value of his weapon, and that his training is incomplete.  The rifle you are armed with is the most accurate in the world.  If it gets dirty or rusty it will deteriorate in its accuracy and working efficiency, and no subsequent care will restore it to its original condition.  The most important part of the rifle to keep clean is the bore.  If, after firing, the bore is left dirty over night, it will be badly rusted in the morning, therefore your rifle must be cleaned not later than the evening of the day on which it was fired.  The fouling of the blank cartridge is as dangerous to the bore as the fouling of the ball cartridge.

Never attempt to polish any part that is blued.  If rust appears, remove, by rubbing with oil.  Never use emery paper, pomade, or any preparation that cuts or scratches, to clean any part of the rifle.

To beautify and preserve the stock rub with raw linseed oil.  The use of any other preparation on the stock is strictly forbidden.

Always handle your rifle with care.  Don’t throw it around as though it were a club.  Don’t stand it up against anything so that it rests against the front sight.  Don’t leave a stopper or a rag in the bore:  it will cause rust to form at that point.  It may also cause the gun barrel to burst if a shot is fired before removing it.

Guard the sights and muzzle carefully from any blow that might injure them.  The front sight cover should always be on the rifle except when rifle is being fired.  This is especially necessary to protect the front sight while rifle is being carried in scabbard by a mounted man.

In coming to the “order arms,” lower the piece gently to the ground.