998. Storage, classification, examination and test and issue of ammunition. [§ 12, Act V, 1861].
(a)General instructions for the storage, examination and test of small arms ammunition, which have been drawn up by the Inspector of Ammunition are given in Appendix LVIII.(b)"Service ammunition" is the quantity of ball and buckshot ammunition which is always to be maintained in stock as reserve to meet emergencies.(c)"Practice ammunition" is the quantity of ammunition, ball, blank and buckshot which is yearly expended for exercise and practice.(d)Ammunition for service and for practice shall be kept separate. Service ammunition shall not be expended for practice. The "service" of one year shall be used for practice in the next year so as to ensure old stock being used.(e)Each box of ammunition on receipt shall have a label pasted on it showing clearly (i) the contents, (ii) the date of receipt and (iii) whether it is for service or practice. All ball and buckshot ammunition on receipt shall be classified as service in the first instance and an amount of the oldest service ammunition in stock equal to the amount received from the Arsenal shall be transferred to practice and labelled "practice" with the date of original receipt.(f)All ammunition issued to guards and escorts shall be from service ammunition.(g)Whenever any ammunition is expended, the officer-in-charge of the party shall count all unexpended ammunition in pouches and all empty cases picked up, and shall be responsible for any deficiency.(h)Buckshot cartridges, when carried lose in large pouches, quickly become unserviceable, and must be changed frequently. These shall, therefore, always be carried in the expense pouch. If they fit loosely in the pouch, a piece of soft dry cloth should be inserted to prevent the pellets being shaken out.(i)Ammunition carried in pouches shall be expended for practice after certain periods, which shall be fixed after tests have been carried out with the pouch ammunition. These periods will naturally vary with the climatic conditions in different districts.(j)As blank ammunition readily absorbs moisture when exposed to the air, having no bullet to protect the charge, boxes of this ammunition shall not be opened at damp stations until the ammunition is actually required for use, and shall not then be kept open longer than is necessary. A box having been once opened shall be temporarily reclosed by means of a tape band secured by shellac, cement or varnish, if the contents are not expended at the time.(k)To meet sudden emergencies, four boxes each containing 180 rounds ball shall always be kept open in the magazine guard room.
