The Pattern 1853 Enfield rifle-musket is one of the iconic weapons of the mid-19th century, used extensively in the American Civil War, the Indian Rebellion of 1857, and other conflicts. While the history of the Enfield rifle is well known, it was the ammunition developed for this rifle that was truly revolutionary. Brett Gibbons traces the history of the muzzleloading cartridge used in the Enfield rifle from the early development of the Minié bullet in France, to the dramatic yet ultimately unsuccessful attempt by the Confederate States to adopt the Enfield cartridge for the Southern armies in the American Civil War. The role of the Enfield "greased cartridge" in the outbreak of the Indian Rebellion of 1857-1858 is carefully handled. Crossing several oceans and continents, from the sweltering heat of Central India in the summer of 1857 to the trenches of Petersburg in 1864, Brett Gibbons ties together the fascinating history of Enfield rifle-musket ammunition. Each development of the Enfield cartridge from 1853 to 1864 is covered, with over 60 helpful illustrations.

The Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle was the first rifled firearm issued to every soldier in the British Army, and gave the infantry a revolutionary increase in firepower. First issued in 1853, the Enfield proved itself worthy during both the Crimean War and the Indian Mutiny, where its long range, durability, and interchangeable parts made it a perfect campaign rifle. However, it was during the American Civil War that the Enfield saw the greatest use, with over a million rifles being sold to the armies of both the North and South. This title takes an in-depth look at the design, the history, the mechanics, and the use of one of the most important firearms of the 19th century.

THE ESSENTIAL, COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO CARTRIDGES--PAST AND PRESENT! Serious shooters and reloaders will find the cartridges they love--and many they never dreamed of--in this newest edition of the most widely read cartridge reference book ever published. From the latest introductions in standard American sporting cartridges, to the hottest proprietary rounds, and new authoritative feature articles by the gun industry's heavy hitters on cartridge design, application, selection, tips and idiosyncrasies, this book is packed with everything shooters, handloaders and cartridge collectors need to know. Cartridges of the World, 16th Edition is packed with over 688 pages of concise information and data on old, new and currently manufactured ammo. Heavily illustrated with more than 1,500 photos, this book is the ultimate guide for gun owners interested in current and historical ammunition for handguns, rifles and shotguns. With 50 new cartridges, from the latest cutting-edge factory loads to wildcats that will set ballistic trends for years to come, plus updated cartridge descriptions and the newly expanded full-color feature article section, Cartridges of the World, 16th Edition is the most comprehensive reference of its kind, and a must-have for every firearms owner--from beginner to advanced. IT'S ALL HERE! 50 new cartridges Full-color feature story section Trendsetting wildcats Updated spec and reference charts Expert advice on handloads and cartridge selection

On the battlefields of the Crimean War, William Howard Russell described the new weapon in the hands of British troops -- the rifle-musket -- as "the Destroying Angel" that swept away their Russian foes. In a response to the popular belief among current historians that the rifle-musket's impact on military history was very limited, Brett Gibbons argues that the rifle-musket was in fact the first modern infantry weapon. Drawing upon a wealth of previously unidentified primary sources, Gibbons examines the rifle-musket and it's role in not just the American Civil War, but also the Crimean War, the Indian Rebellion of 1857, and the Italian Wars of Unification. He compellingly demonstrates that the rifle-musket forever changed the way battles are fought, and just as importantly, revolutionized the way soldiers are trained. Gibbons considers a number of historical battles, from well-known actions like the "Thin Red Line" at the Battle of Balaclava to obscure yet ferocious actions during the Indian Rebellion, to illustrate the varying impact of the rifle-musket in both trained and untrained hands. Drawing upon his broad domain knowledge as an expert on 19th century arms and a U.S. Army Ordnance officer, Gibbons compellingly demonstrates that the rifle-musket deserves a better reputation than it currently has from military historians.

Gun Digest has been publishing "Cartridges of the World" since 1965. This newest, most comprehensive 14th Edition has been totally updated, with a newly expanded, full-color 64-page color section featuring essays from some of today's most prominent gun writers. Every firearms enthusiast, cartridge collector and hand loader will benefit from "Cartridges of the World, 14th Edition."

Extensive reference book on the arms, material, and support furnished to the Confederate States of America by Great Britian.