Ammunition

[Charles Heath]

Folks,

At any number of events, especially living histories, where ammunition is collected for issue for demos, it isn't always returned to the original owner, or returned at all. For a lot of participants, once the tagged Ziplock bag goes into the big red metal box, it is likely gone forever. Most people don't like to see a couple of arsenal packs go away in this manner.

This brings us to a pair of events in the 2008 season, and the thought occurs to me that this sort of ammunition loss can be turned around. To take that one step further, it beggars the question of whether or not a person would be willing to have ammunition collected at one event to be repackaged and issued at a future undertaking.

It's possible.

[IowaYank]

Re: Ammunition

Charles, the one thing I dont like about ammunition issuing is one thing you stated in the pole. There are some out there that dont put as much effort into rounds as others. An example of this was at BGR, some of the rounds I had gotten issued were obviously paper lady type cartridges. Another thing is what some use for the "bullet" in their cartridge. In the rounds I make I use toilet paper as the "bullet". I have been issued rounds that had a cotton ball as the bullet. This caused problems of getting stuck halfway down the barrel when ramming.

[crabby]

Re: Ammunition

What Dan said!

[Marc]

Re: Ammunition

I agree with the above statements...perhaps at an event that wants issue ammunition, we should pay an extra fee and have all the ammunition bought at one of the authentic commercial makers and then everyone will have the same.

[john duffer]

Re: Ammunition

For the "A Wood Gathering Detail" event the MOOCOWS Stearage Committee rolled four or five thousand rounds and did an ammunition issue (we also built ammo boxes that were used for firewood once empty). Not the most beautiful rounds I've seen but they all matched. In my experience the re-issue of turned in rounds scenerio usually either results in having to look for names written on the packs as you hand them out or the aforementioned problem of turning in quality rounds and being issued crap in return.

[DougCooper]

Re: Ammunition

The other phenomena that plays here is more folks appear to be opting to fly to events and of course we can't bring rounds, so must beg, borrow or get a blackpowder license to ship ahead. I am rapidly accummulating arsenal packs around the country and this plan would make life easier at those events where I am toting a gun. I just have a comrade bring the rounds I have stored up and they go into the pool. As long as I get some for each event, I don't care where they go. Big thumbs up.

[BorderRuffian]

Re: Ammunition

I was fortunate as I had gotten in on the bulk buy from Watson by Bill Treadway for BGR.It was my experience that I got issued the same type of rounds that I had contributed to the ammo box on the Confederate side.
I would echo that if this was to be done then one source for ammo should be selected,to prevent the problems listed previously.

[toptimlrd]

Re: Ammunition

One thing that can be done (I have done this in the past) is mark the arsenal packs so that they are issued to the person who made them. I was at one event where someone was obviously having their first experience with arsenal packs and the look on his face when he poured caps down the barrel was priceless.Fortunately he noticed as did the corporal next to him and the guy in the rank behind him.

[Civilwardude22]

Re: Ammunition

Ammunition issue.. No.

Never get anything good back

[justthemiller]

Re: Ammunition

The short answer to ammo issue for events being used for other events is should be no. A lot of the better groups have this aspect down to a science as they issue out rounds (made by folks in their own group) as needed to folks for whatever bigger events they go to. The excess is taken care of as needed by either selling it off to others who don't have any or re-cycling it for future use. Not too long ago I attended an event where I manufactured close to 2,000 rounds for issue to both Confederates & Federals from issue crates, but unlike what Mr. Duffer did they did not end up as firewood (I spent too much time putting them together to let that happen). Most of the groups that I attend events with will have one event per year where an ammo issue is done on some scale. It all depends upon the event itself & whether or not there is time to perform this aspect of soldier life. Sometimes it is not necessary and other times it would be a great addition to do so. Also, as far as the NPS is concerned, it is up to the park itself as to whether or not close to period style rounds may be used. I know that such parks as Harpers Ferry for example always issue you their made-up rounds whereas parks like Chickamauga amongst others let you use whatever rounds you brought to the event as seen by the excellent WIG LH done this September past. As far as the rammer issue goes, well, it's been years for me at least since I've been to an event where I did not use my rammer. And the last time I was witness to a rammer getting shot out of a musket was at the 125th battle reenactment of South Mountain way back in 1987! So basically, so long as the person has a working cerebellum and is mindful of his place rammers shouldn't be a problem. Take care all.

[Charles Heath]

Re: Ammunition

Brian, that reminds me we did have an ammunition preparation and issue session at the COI this season, but those were live rounds. One of our pet Rhode Islanders shot well that day, although some believe most everyone was shooting at his target. Well done.

[Coatsy]

Re: Ammunition

I have been to a few events where period looking was issued out of the box. Good times! It added "that little something" to the event. Now most of the time the groups I reenact with just have everyone bring their own rounds. Yes there are differences with each round, but they are generally similar.

This past weekend at Outpost, Corbin's A-Team company but their extra ammuntion in an ammo box. The funny thing is that we realized that we could not find the supply wagon to haul the box so Sgt Mitchell and I re opened the sealed box and issued the extra ammo to the men to carry.

Yes there were proper procedures to follow, but we had to improvise. Hey didn't that happen during the ACW? It was annoying as all, but an acutally funny "moment" for me.

As for rammers and safety issues. Pretty much the only time I am not allowed to use a rammer is at mainstream events. I've been reenacting for 10 years now and I've never seen any problems with using a rammer. The officers and NCOs that I have reenacted with are always watching the men in the ranks, it never fails. But then again I do not go to many mainstream events where this might be a problem. It seems that a vast majority of Campaigners who attend the events solicited on this website have a clue how to use thier musket in a safe and efficient manner.

I honestly do not understand the fear of using a rammer.

[ley74]

Re: Ammunition

Charles:

Are you thinking what I am thinking?

By the way... I had the November 16, 2007 square. What do I get?:D

[Charles Heath]

Re: Ammunition

Are you thinking what I am thinking?

I'm thinking the little mule can swim pretty darn good on her own, but not quite as well with three lead-lined ammunition boxes on her back. We'll have to convince her the Land of Tasty Apples and Carrots is on the far bank of that swamp.

Just sayin'.

[GrumpyDave]

Re: Ammunition

Every time I turn in properly constructed packs, I get back crappy paper ladies. No, I hate it. It's like the lottery, always a no win proposition caused by lazyness or, do we need to have everyone's rounds pass at the pre event registration inspection?