Blue Gray Alliance
Artillery Safety Regulations and Requirements
General (section 1)
1.1 The Artillery Chain of Command and the Chief of Artillery are obligated to enforce these regulations and minimum requirements. In addition, the chain of
command is charged with conducting historically based events.
1.2 Each Battery commander is responsible for the conduct of his Battery and shall be held accountable for the misconduct of any Battery member. Also,
the chief of the piece and/or the gunner is responsible for the discipline of the gun crew, safe operation of the piece, and the carrying out of orders of the elected
and appointed Chain of Command.
1.3 All gun commanders shall be required to attend an artillery meeting immediately following the daily officers call or at another time to be designated by
the Chief of Artillery. If a gun commander is unable to attend, the Chief of Artillery or in his absence the Brigade Commander may remove that gun from the
field.
1.4 There is to be no discharging of cannon in camp. All discharging other than in the scripted battle shall take place on an established firing line after notifying
and receiving approval from the Brigade Commander/Chief of Artillery.
1.5 NO MEMBER OF A CANNON CREW SHALL BE ALLOWED ON HIS PIECE IF HE HAS BEEN DRINKING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES DURING THE 6
HOURS PRECEEDING THE COMMENCEMENT OF FIRING AND/OR HE APPEARS INTOXICATED.
1.6 The maximum rate of fire for any one cannon will not exceed one round per minute, from the time of discharge to the placing of the next round into
the muzzle. Slower rates of fire are encouraged. Battery commanders are responsible for controlling the rate of fire. Batteries shall only be assaulted by
pre-arranged signal. The signal to opposing infantry or cavalry shall always be the furling of the Battery guidon indicating all guns in that battery are clear
and safe for assault. All gun tubes will be elevated during battle scenarios.
1.7 A 150 foot minimum safe firing distance to any forces shall be maintained at all times.
1.8 All artillery officers shall hold an accountable position as defined by the Chief of Artillery and as approved by the Brigade Commander. All rank must
be consistent with those positions.
1.9 Any deviation from these Artillery Regulations must be approved by the Chief of Artillery or in his absence by the Brigade Commander in advance of
the opening fire for the event or the day. It is our intent to have safe, enjoyable and Historical events. The Chain of Command is in place to provide you support. If
you forget an implement, break a lanyard, short a cannoneer or have other deficiencies please request assistance through your Chain of Command before field
inspections. We can probably help you meet the requirements that will be enforced.
Ordnance Inspection and Requirements (section 2)
2.1 All reproduction artillery tubes will be equipped with a steel safety liner or sleeve. Original tubes will be inspected and determined serviceable on an
individual basis. All carriages will be inspected for general condition and determined serviceable on an individual basis.
2.2 Only friction primers or percussion primers shall be used to discharge cannon during a battle. Linstock firing may only be used for demonstration purposes
by experienced crews.
2.3 Cannon rounds shall be made up of black powder only, not to exceed 4 oz. per inch of largest bore diameter. Black powder shall be placed in triple
heavy duty aluminum foil rolled into a tightly compacted cylinder to prevent powder leakage. The use of a compacting sleeve is highly recommended. The inside
of the sleeve should match the diameter of the bore/or chamber.
2.4 Compression wads, when used, shall consist only of flour or very fine sifted sawdust.
2.5 Only cannon grade, 1Fg, or 2Fg black powder is permitted to be used. No 3Fg or 4Fg is to be contemplated for artillery rounds. Powder grades cannot
be mixed.
2.6 Cannon rounds will be stored in the ammunition chests at all times. While in use in the field the chest shall be placed at least 35 feet to the rear of the
trail. The lid of the chest shall remain closed and the chest locked at all times except when rounds are being removed, during inspections, or while work is
being performed inside the chest. No rounds shall be constructed in the field unless given permission by the Chief of Artillery.
2.7 Each cannon shall be equipped with the following implements in good working condition:
A. 1 Wet and 1 Dry Sponge/Rammer
1. No carpet or static causing material to be used as sponge heads.
2. Sponge shall fill the bore and be capable of sponging the bottom of the bore. On field howitzers the sponge shall fill the chamber.
3. Rammer heads should be tapered.
B. Worm
1. Shall be of a size to dislodge all foreign objects in the bore.
C. Sponge Bucket
D. Thumbstall or glove for thumbing the vent.
E. Priming wire pick of brass or bronze only
F. Gunner’s Haversack
G. Primmer Pouch
H. Gimlet or Vent Punch
I. Vent Brush
J. Two pairs leather gauntlets or gloves for Nos. 1 & 2
K. Model 1848 Ammunition chest with lock.
Crew Inspection and Requirements (section 3)
3.1 A satisfactory evaluation at an artillery inspection, to be conducted by the Chief of Artillery, or his designee in the Chain of Command, is MANDATORY
for participation in this event. This inspection will include the piece, implements, accouterments, uniforms, and the crew’s ability to perform the basic functions
of loading and firing the piece and execution of the misfire drill. Each crew shall keep a written copy of their drill in their limber chest. Should a gun or gun
crew fail to meet the artillery requirements, the Chief of Artillery may remove the gun from the field.
3.2 Women shall not be precluded from participation in an Artillery unit during this Battle if a proper impression of an artilleryman is a made. An woman found not
to have an appropriate and concealed impression representing a man during the war between the states will be asked to remove herself from the Battlefield.
3.3 A cannon crew (detachment) shall consist of a minimum of seven men including the gunner (corporal). Nos. 1, 2 and the gunner shall be over the age
of 18. Nos. 3 through 8 must be 16 years of age or older. A detachment can consists of 4 men, provided this is approved by the Chief of Artillery.
3.4 Crew members Nos. 1 and 2 shall wear their jackets with sleeves down while serving the piece.
3.5 A Chief of the Piece (Sergeant) is authorized for a crew that meets the minimum crew size.
3.6 Only the Chief of the Piece is authorized to wear a saber and saber belt. No enlisted cannoneers are authorized to carry revolvers/pistols without approval
of the Brigade Commander.
3.7 ALL ARTILLERYMEN ARE EXPECTED TO WEAR CANTEENS AND HAVERSACKS IN THE FIELD. KNAPSACKS AND BLANKET ROLLS ARE
HIGHLY ENCOURAGED.
3.8 The Chief of the Piece and the Gunner should each carry a high intensity flashlight in their haversacks.
3.9 All crew members should wear hearing protection devices. These devices shall not be so obtrusive, in color or form, that they are noticeable to spectators
or a distraction to the Infantry.
3.10 NO PIECE SHALL BE MOVED FROM ONE LOCATION TO ANOTHER WHILE LOADED.
3.11 The loading and servicing of the piece will be performed with the artillery practice of the period.
A. The gunner shall regulate the correctness and rate by which the crew serves the piece.
B. The bore shall be wormed, thoroughly sponged with water, and dry sponged after each cartridge is discharged.
C. The vent shall be stopped with the proper thumbstall or glove from the time the worm enters the bore, to such time that the rammer is removed after the charge is properly seated.
D. The No. 1 man, to seat the charge in a smooth bore gun, will grasp the rammer underhand, thumb-to-the-side, and keeping the rammer in line with the tube, ram home the charge in one motion only. The hand should pass under the tube. (Rifled guns may use the procedure found in “National Safety Rules and Procedures for Shooting
Muzzleloading Artillery”)
E. DOUBLE TAPPING IS FORBIDDEN!! The charge will be rammed home in one motion only. No round will be reseated or “tamped” if the primer fails to discharge the piece.
F. In the event of a misfire (for any reason) the command is given “Do not advance, the primer has failed”.At this point the No. 1 ma n shall place his rammer on the hub of his wheel as a clear indication of the misfire.
G. After a minimum 3 minute wait, the crew shall go into the proper failed primer drill and upon its completion, reprime the piece. During this time the cannon shall not be left unattended or moved.
H. Should a piece have three consecutive misfires the Battery and Chief of Artillery shall be notified. Prior to any additional action on behalf of the gun crew, the Battery commander shall be present.
I. After a 5 minute wait the gunner will flood the vent with a large syringe. Once the vent is flooded, the No. 2 man will pick up the sponge bucket with the worm and raise it to the height of the tube. The No. 1 man will tilt the bucket using the rammer. After the bore has been fully flooded, wait an additional 3 minutes before worming out the charge.
Mishaps, Incidents, & Misfires (section 4)
4.1 Misfires will be reported by each Chief of Piece or Gunner in writing after each occurrence to the Chief of Artillery within 14 days of the misfire. The Chief of
Artillery will forward a full report of each misfire to the Brigade Commander upon receipt of same.
4.2 Mishaps or incidents involving personal injuries or significant property damage shall be investigated by the Chief of Artillery or his appointee and be reported
to the Brigade Commander. Minor injuries that occur in camp or in the field not involving ordnance shall be investigated as ordered.
NO ARTILLERYMAN MAY TAKE THE FIELD IF HE HAS BEEN DRINKING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WITHIN 6 HOURS PRIOR TO THE BATTLE OR IF HE
APPEARS INTOXICATED.
Artillery Safety Regulations and Requirements
General (section 1)
1.1 The Artillery Chain of Command and the Chief of Artillery are obligated to enforce these regulations and minimum requirements. In addition, the chain of
command is charged with conducting historically based events.
1.2 Each Battery commander is responsible for the conduct of his Battery and shall be held accountable for the misconduct of any Battery member. Also,
the chief of the piece and/or the gunner is responsible for the discipline of the gun crew, safe operation of the piece, and the carrying out of orders of the elected
and appointed Chain of Command.
1.3 All gun commanders shall be required to attend an artillery meeting immediately following the daily officers call or at another time to be designated by
the Chief of Artillery. If a gun commander is unable to attend, the Chief of Artillery or in his absence the Brigade Commander may remove that gun from the
field.
1.4 There is to be no discharging of cannon in camp. All discharging other than in the scripted battle shall take place on an established firing line after notifying
and receiving approval from the Brigade Commander/Chief of Artillery.
1.5 NO MEMBER OF A CANNON CREW SHALL BE ALLOWED ON HIS PIECE IF HE HAS BEEN DRINKING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES DURING THE 6
HOURS PRECEEDING THE COMMENCEMENT OF FIRING AND/OR HE APPEARS INTOXICATED.
1.6 The maximum rate of fire for any one cannon will not exceed one round per minute, from the time of discharge to the placing of the next round into
the muzzle. Slower rates of fire are encouraged. Battery commanders are responsible for controlling the rate of fire. Batteries shall only be assaulted by
pre-arranged signal. The signal to opposing infantry or cavalry shall always be the furling of the Battery guidon indicating all guns in that battery are clear
and safe for assault. All gun tubes will be elevated during battle scenarios.
1.7 A 150 foot minimum safe firing distance to any forces shall be maintained at all times.
1.8 All artillery officers shall hold an accountable position as defined by the Chief of Artillery and as approved by the Brigade Commander. All rank must
be consistent with those positions.
1.9 Any deviation from these Artillery Regulations must be approved by the Chief of Artillery or in his absence by the Brigade Commander in advance of
the opening fire for the event or the day. It is our intent to have safe, enjoyable and Historical events. The Chain of Command is in place to provide you support. If
you forget an implement, break a lanyard, short a cannoneer or have other deficiencies please request assistance through your Chain of Command before field
inspections. We can probably help you meet the requirements that will be enforced.
Ordnance Inspection and Requirements (section 2)
2.1 All reproduction artillery tubes will be equipped with a steel safety liner or sleeve. Original tubes will be inspected and determined serviceable on an
individual basis. All carriages will be inspected for general condition and determined serviceable on an individual basis.
2.2 Only friction primers or percussion primers shall be used to discharge cannon during a battle. Linstock firing may only be used for demonstration purposes
by experienced crews.
2.3 Cannon rounds shall be made up of black powder only, not to exceed 4 oz. per inch of largest bore diameter. Black powder shall be placed in triple
heavy duty aluminum foil rolled into a tightly compacted cylinder to prevent powder leakage. The use of a compacting sleeve is highly recommended. The inside
of the sleeve should match the diameter of the bore/or chamber.
2.4 Compression wads, when used, shall consist only of flour or very fine sifted sawdust.
2.5 Only cannon grade, 1Fg, or 2Fg black powder is permitted to be used. No 3Fg or 4Fg is to be contemplated for artillery rounds. Powder grades cannot
be mixed.
2.6 Cannon rounds will be stored in the ammunition chests at all times. While in use in the field the chest shall be placed at least 35 feet to the rear of the
trail. The lid of the chest shall remain closed and the chest locked at all times except when rounds are being removed, during inspections, or while work is
being performed inside the chest. No rounds shall be constructed in the field unless given permission by the Chief of Artillery.
2.7 Each cannon shall be equipped with the following implements in good working condition:
A. 1 Wet and 1 Dry Sponge/Rammer
1. No carpet or static causing material to be used as sponge heads.
2. Sponge shall fill the bore and be capable of sponging the bottom of the bore. On field howitzers the sponge shall fill the chamber.
3. Rammer heads should be tapered.
B. Worm
1. Shall be of a size to dislodge all foreign objects in the bore.
C. Sponge Bucket
D. Thumbstall or glove for thumbing the vent.
E. Priming wire pick of brass or bronze only
F. Gunner’s Haversack
G. Primmer Pouch
H. Gimlet or Vent Punch
I. Vent Brush
J. Two pairs leather gauntlets or gloves for Nos. 1 & 2
K. Model 1848 Ammunition chest with lock.
Crew Inspection and Requirements (section 3)
3.1 A satisfactory evaluation at an artillery inspection, to be conducted by the Chief of Artillery, or his designee in the Chain of Command, is MANDATORY
for participation in this event. This inspection will include the piece, implements, accouterments, uniforms, and the crew’s ability to perform the basic functions
of loading and firing the piece and execution of the misfire drill. Each crew shall keep a written copy of their drill in their limber chest. Should a gun or gun
crew fail to meet the artillery requirements, the Chief of Artillery may remove the gun from the field.
3.2 Women shall not be precluded from participation in an Artillery unit during this Battle if a proper impression of an artilleryman is a made. An woman found not
to have an appropriate and concealed impression representing a man during the war between the states will be asked to remove herself from the Battlefield.
3.3 A cannon crew (detachment) shall consist of a minimum of seven men including the gunner (corporal). Nos. 1, 2 and the gunner shall be over the age
of 18. Nos. 3 through 8 must be 16 years of age or older. A detachment can consists of 4 men, provided this is approved by the Chief of Artillery.
3.4 Crew members Nos. 1 and 2 shall wear their jackets with sleeves down while serving the piece.
3.5 A Chief of the Piece (Sergeant) is authorized for a crew that meets the minimum crew size.
3.6 Only the Chief of the Piece is authorized to wear a saber and saber belt. No enlisted cannoneers are authorized to carry revolvers/pistols without approval
of the Brigade Commander.
3.7 ALL ARTILLERYMEN ARE EXPECTED TO WEAR CANTEENS AND HAVERSACKS IN THE FIELD. KNAPSACKS AND BLANKET ROLLS ARE
HIGHLY ENCOURAGED.
3.8 The Chief of the Piece and the Gunner should each carry a high intensity flashlight in their haversacks.
3.9 All crew members should wear hearing protection devices. These devices shall not be so obtrusive, in color or form, that they are noticeable to spectators
or a distraction to the Infantry.
3.10 NO PIECE SHALL BE MOVED FROM ONE LOCATION TO ANOTHER WHILE LOADED.
3.11 The loading and servicing of the piece will be performed with the artillery practice of the period.
A. The gunner shall regulate the correctness and rate by which the crew serves the piece.
B. The bore shall be wormed, thoroughly sponged with water, and dry sponged after each cartridge is discharged.
C. The vent shall be stopped with the proper thumbstall or glove from the time the worm enters the bore, to such time that the rammer is removed after the charge is properly seated.
D. The No. 1 man, to seat the charge in a smooth bore gun, will grasp the rammer underhand, thumb-to-the-side, and keeping the rammer in line with the tube, ram home the charge in one motion only. The hand should pass under the tube. (Rifled guns may use the procedure found in “National Safety Rules and Procedures for Shooting
Muzzleloading Artillery”)
E. DOUBLE TAPPING IS FORBIDDEN!! The charge will be rammed home in one motion only. No round will be reseated or “tamped” if the primer fails to discharge the piece.
F. In the event of a misfire (for any reason) the command is given “Do not advance, the primer has failed”.At this point the No. 1 ma n shall place his rammer on the hub of his wheel as a clear indication of the misfire.
G. After a minimum 3 minute wait, the crew shall go into the proper failed primer drill and upon its completion, reprime the piece. During this time the cannon shall not be left unattended or moved.
H. Should a piece have three consecutive misfires the Battery and Chief of Artillery shall be notified. Prior to any additional action on behalf of the gun crew, the Battery commander shall be present.
I. After a 5 minute wait the gunner will flood the vent with a large syringe. Once the vent is flooded, the No. 2 man will pick up the sponge bucket with the worm and raise it to the height of the tube. The No. 1 man will tilt the bucket using the rammer. After the bore has been fully flooded, wait an additional 3 minutes before worming out the charge.
Mishaps, Incidents, & Misfires (section 4)
4.1 Misfires will be reported by each Chief of Piece or Gunner in writing after each occurrence to the Chief of Artillery within 14 days of the misfire. The Chief of
Artillery will forward a full report of each misfire to the Brigade Commander upon receipt of same.
4.2 Mishaps or incidents involving personal injuries or significant property damage shall be investigated by the Chief of Artillery or his appointee and be reported
to the Brigade Commander. Minor injuries that occur in camp or in the field not involving ordnance shall be investigated as ordered.
NO ARTILLERYMAN MAY TAKE THE FIELD IF HE HAS BEEN DRINKING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WITHIN 6 HOURS PRIOR TO THE BATTLE OR IF HE
APPEARS INTOXICATED.