PROOF of Artillery and Small Arms, is a trial whether they stand the quantity of powder allotted for that purpose. The rule of the board of ordnance is, that all guns, under 24-pounders, be loaded with powder as much as their shot weighs; that is, a brass 24-pounder with 21 lb. a brass 32-pounder with 26 lb. 12 oz. and a 42-pounder with 31 lb. 8 oz.; the iron 24-pounder with 18 lb. the 32-pounder with 21 lb. 8 oz. and the 42-pounder with 25 lb.
The brass light field-pieces are proved with powder that weighs half as much as their shot, except the 24-pounder, which is loaded with 10 lb. only.
Government allows 11 bullets of lead in the pound for the proof of muskets, and 14.5, or 29 in two pounds, for service; 17 in the pound for the proof of carbines, and 20 for service; 28 in the pound for the proof of pistols, and 34 for service.
When guns of a new metal, or of lighter construction, are proved; then, besides the common proof, they are fired 200 or 300 times, as quick as they can be, loaded with the common charge given in actual service. Our light 6-pounders were fired 300 times in 3 hours 27 minutes, loaded with 1 lb. 4 oz. without receiving any damage.