I have walked through Cacabelos and over the bridge 5 times completing the Camino de Santiago. I know the broad ‘facts’ of the Plunkett story and always regale my walking companions with his exploits. However your excellent in-depth experimentation and analysis has added much more context and understanding of Plunkett’s famous shot. BZ to you - well done, and thanks from a first-timer to your channel - I’ll be back for more - for sure. Cooee from Australia.
It should be remembered that the Battle of Cacabelos was essentially a draw, in an otherwise disastrous campaign for Britain. The British were so keen to continue their hasty retreat to A Coruña that they made little use of their strong defensive positions during the battle. It goes without saying that Plunkett's action, inglorious though it was, helped the British to divert attention from the outcome of the campaign.
Bless you for your honesty, sir. It's great to see that you're not trying to show this in some false 'heroic' narrative, but dealing with true practicalities of the action. Also, credit for your very dry humour, this Brit definitely appreciated it.
It's good to see someone dedicated to showing the use of this equipment, with all its limitations, under field conditions. I've taken several elk with a traditional percussion muzzleloader, and understand the limitations of these rifles. Something rarely mentioned is the increased lock time of this type of rifle, and the adjustment and follow through necessary to ensure an accurate shot.
I have been looking forward to this! I found the analysis of the various factors here fascinating. It seems difficult to believe that he'd have kept his knapsack on given the experimental results here, although your point about not losing one's gear is very valid (I am reminded of a unit of the Berdan Sharpshooters losing all of their fancy Prussian knapsacks when they dropped them for skirmish duties, but were unable to return to get them again). And your analysis of the supine problems was very nice to see since we read a lot of uninformed speculation about this. Also, very cool hobnails. Thank you very much for going to all this trouble and sharing it with us.
11:20 THIS got me good! XD Sorry you were punished so much but you were a sport about it, and that description was a fitting one for anyone doing this type of shooting, educational and entertaining as ever Rob! Welcome back to YT after a, I can guess needed pause.
The other knapsack option is that he took the knapsack with him, and took it off before adopting the shooting position. Then, post shot, he grabs it and departs, stage left.
I've spent decades shooting Palma competitions, which involve prone sling supported shooting with iron sights. I've always been fascinated by the use of the supine position, which I've never attempted. As you so clearly demonstrate it would have an advantage over prone when the ground slopes toward the target, in which case a standard prone position would not work.
I just went through and liked as many videos as I could. I've been watching for years and often forget to like the video . Thanks for the great content.I'll keep liking the videos from now on .God speed
I appreciate the time and effort you put in to making this and I especially appreciate the willingness to dive into the "most historic shot of the 95th"
It should be remembered that the Battle of Cacabelos was essentially a draw, in an otherwise disastrous campaign for Britain. The British were so keen to continue their hasty retreat to A Coruña that they made little use of their strong defensive positions during the battle. It goes without saying that Plunkett's action, inglorious though it was, helped the British to divert attention from the outcome of the campaign.
@@MarquisVincentBissetdeGramont It wasn't really a battle, rather, an Action... It was never intended to be a decisive stand. The Army was in already in Villafranca. What Plunkett's shot did do, was give reason for the French to stop the pursuit for a brief while, allowing the rearguard to get away and the retreat to continue... exactly what a rear guard action was supposed to do... By assigning some sort of status to it with regards to winners or losers or (as in your point) it being a draw, there is a certain degree of gaslighting is a way. It's being elevated to a status that it never held nor would ever hold... "It must be remembered that it was a draw"... Not really... it must be remembered as a moderately successful rearguard action.... and apart from Plunkett shooting Colbert and the legend surrounding it, nothing more.
@@britishmuzzleloaders Thank you very much for your very interesting and well-argued reply. I wish your channel all the best for the future. Good day to you all.
Fine analysis and practical demonstration as always and great kit turnout too, top stuff. Keep them coming your vids are always fascinating as well as fun.
Fascinating! These are the first muzzleloading videos I've ever seen, but it does make me think that Plunkett's Shot may have been around 300 yards because some folks are just ridiculously good at what they do and it was a legendary shot. I do see how past 300 yards it starts to get quite fanciful. If Rob is in fact ridiculously good instead of just very good and is modestly not mentioning it, please correct me.
This is proper experimental archeology. You are a treasure. My two cents on Plunkett leaving his sack at the english line (he was moving toward the enemy after all) and reloading in a less akward position.
Your Baker Rifle series is the best flintlock series on YT. By the way, the supine position is much more comfortable and stable when you turn slightly to your right side. Best regards :)
I imagine the field expediency of ramming the paper cartridge home in its entirety with the open powder end down, may have happed more often than nought with experienced troops. The manual is often tossed out the window when bullets begin to fly. Great video!
Always loved the Plunkett story. Part of the charm is the ever increasing ranges at which the shot was "made". Makes me a little sad to come to terms with the fact it was probably "only" 200 yards. Still, damn fine shooting all the same under the circumstances. And he did bag a General
The last words of Brigadier General Colbert were: "I am still very young to die [31 years old]; but at least my death is that of a soldier of the great army, because, exhaling, I see flee the last and eternal enemies of my country!"
Top notch video! I've done this in an ACW uniform dressed in all of my traps with an 1853 Enfield. (A park ranger said it was never done, and I had to prove him wrong) I was much younger, and it was a bear, although loading the Enfield was much easier than loading a Baker and I didn't have a 2 foot tall hat on my head. Props to you for putting yourself through all that strenuous effort for our benefit.
Typically exemplary. While numerous others have opined from the warmth and comfort of their studies, you are out there in accurate period gear with a root sticking in your back, craning your neck, and picking rogue paper bits off your rifle bullet for science. Bravo, sir.
Another great video. You really give us the sense of how great the shot was, even if it was made at 200 yards. In fairness to you, though, you haven't had the long experience that Plunkett would have had.
Having read a few accounts of the action in question a few thoughts occur: 1. While rifleman Plunkett would have had his knapsack initially I personally believe he would’ve taken it off likely immediately before dashing out of line to attempt the shot. 2. Plunkett was a very experienced rifleman and shooting at up to 250 yards was likely within his capability, anything over that is exceedingly unlikely. 3. If a quick reload was necessary standing up was almost certainly how it was done. The fact that the follow-up shot was prominently mentioned kind of reads to me as saying that Plunkett made himself vulnerable by reloading then making a second shot.
It seems like the supine position would be greatly affected by the specific biomechanics of the individual shooter. In particular, the shorter average heights of the time would likely have resolved the issue of the feet extending past the muzzle.
you do some great challenges(much better than me )/doing these videos you find out what sort of shape you are in( I would be totally worn out after the first run)
Another excellent video. As to the question of the accuracy of the rifles, I have heard from several Baker rifle shooters that the replicas are not as accurate as the originals. Certainly looking at the example in the Birmingham proof house, the rifling seems different to the modern replicas. Have you had the opportunity to try an original to compare?
If not being fired at, thinking standing up to reload might have been used. Also a Baker rifle didn't get longer but humans have, not sure a few inches shorter rifleman would matter much.
Now I have got to the end. Three times…. I agree totally that Plunkett’s military contribution was doubling forwards well in front of his comrades lines. I note that native hunters in all survival hunting cultures get their necessary accuracy from getting close to the prey rather than routinely possessing exceptional accuracy from skill with their arm. I would suggest that Plunkett was a rather smaller man than yourself and, despite the privations of the retreat, probably rather more nimble and fit (no reflection upon your good self). I agree that he closed to about 200 yards and not more. Whilst the paper cartridge with ball was the norm in the army at the time he might have chosen to use the separate forced ball and patch to get the best accuracy? Lastly, and impossible to know, there may have been all sorts of temporary agricultural item affording some cover and maybe the opportunity to use a standing rest on them. Certainly, in his place, I would leave all possible kit behind if I expected to be chased back to my lines by very annoyed cavalry. Over 200 yards and definitely 300+yards a horse will catch a running man and Plunkett’s only protection of he were chased would be the fire of his comrades. That he was not chased suggests that.Colbert was in advance of his troops checking the ground they would have to face accompanied by perhaps only his aide. Even if he saw Plunkett he would have paid little attention to him under the circumstances. He might even have been content to have been fired at from the distance of the British troops to observe their positions from the smoke. Being hit at such ranges by small arms fire was the least of his worries. Thank you for all this Rob. BTW your TRS front sight is notably higher than the period one and certainly higher than my original. If you swapped it for another lower one the rear sights just might reach that extra 100 yards? It would be interesting to carry out an optimum exercise with 300 yard sights in minimum kit on level ground with forced ball as a final base line.
I think it’s unlikely that he would have tried that shot with his pack on as an experienced marksman. It creates too much tension in your neck and shoulders when holding your head up. I think if he kept it with him, it was on the ground. Theoretically, he could have reloaded kneeling. If it’s that hard to hit the horse at that range, a kneeling rifleman would be much safer. Very cool video, thanks so much for making the effort for us!
That is open to debate... as this was not some sort of target practice.. it was a fluid and dynamic episode and troops would be required to move at a moments notice... It certainly is a point worthy of consideration of course.
Hi Rob, great video as always. Would you suspect that your rifles rifling being a different type from the historical rifles might affect accuracy? Will the round and square bottom rifling make a difference? Greetings from South Africa
Ye be thinkin' we wouldn't come to notice that slip in photos of a rather enthusiastic rifleman in the supine good sir? 23:11 Still a great video as always, and really your doing a good service to bringing the context; if abit with the lack of campaign fatigue of the day, to the weapons that did had their impact in wars from the past.
Rob, do you know if it was usual for the riflemen to pile their kit before entering battle? I recall in one of the Sharpe films that the men piled their kit before forming up for the attack on the fortress. Of course, that's film and might not be historically accurate.....
I've seen a couple of Baker rifles but you are about the only one I've saw fire one in conditions it would have been used with honest results. I do have experience with the 54 cal Mississippi rife that is also a challenge to load period correct ammo in.
Just a thought , I’m thinking he probably ditched his pack with the lads to speed things up . Also I wonder if he stood up to reload Yes you are exposed to possible return fire but the difference in speed might have been advantageous .
It should be remembered that the Battle of Cacabelos was essentially a draw, in an otherwise disastrous campaign for Britain. The British were so keen to continue their hasty retreat to A Coruña that they made little use of their strong defensive positions during the battle. It goes without saying that Plunkett's action, inglorious though it was, helped the British to divert attention from the outcome of the campaign.
With regard the made cartridge. It was a single construction made up of parts. You had the cartridge paper, the into this would be put the powder charge, then the pre patched ball. In loading you would prime from the powder end, then you would put the cartridge powder end down the barrel allowing powder to fall into barrel, then push the rest of cartridge into barrel, them ram home. The ball was part of the cartridge and didn’t need to separated.
I learned about that in Sharpe's Rifles, that some of the boys in green were prone to re-cast their bullets and re-grind their powder to re-make their cartridges with supposedly better properties. Could those things also have contributed to a better shooting result?
Quite a work of fiction. Never seen it replicated in fact or period anecdotes. Be careful not to count Sharpe as history.... Rifle Powder was already much better quality than normal musket powder.
@@britishmuzzleloaders Yeah, I know. You just have to watch the training sequence of Sharpe with the fictional South Essex Regiment to get the idea that Cornwell was writing more on the fictional than the historical side of matters but even then they sometimes stumble over some small factoid that contains a kernel of truth, if they did any further research.
16:55 the danish 1855 marksmanship program include firing the smoothbore ex french M1822 at 250 Alen or 173 yards. It got fixed front and rear sights set for about 120 yards. The soldiers learned where to aim at that distance. Allowing them to fire at close order columns. And considering that the army fought a 3 year civil war in 1848-50 where the rebels had support of regular units from Prussia and a few other smaller German states the decision to spend time and money on this in the marksmanship program only makes sense if the war had shown the need for the men to know how to do this. So I would not be surprised if a experienced marksman did know where to aim with his rifle at 250 or 300 yards. Even when his sights did not have a setting for it. (I also know where to aim at 400m with my modern military rifle, even if the sights is set at 300m... some that admittedly require a much smaller adjustment.)
How much of the inaccuracy is down to the barrel and loading and how much to the lock? The time between the trigger pull and the main charge igniting is not inconsiderable and gives time for the aim to drift off? So would a baker ignited by a cap be more accurate at greater distances?
@ elmer keith developed a method to still see the target. Instead of aiming with the aligned front and rear sight and loosing the target, you just elevate the frontsight, keith even painted some white lines on his SW revolver front sight for different ranges. Ok not sure if the baker sight is tall enough for that.
Things are really different when you’re 10-20 years younger and 20 pounds lighter. Flexibility, stamina, strength. I feel it more and more as I try to PT with the active duty troops. Great job trying to duplicate the action!
@12:05 is it my eyes or is hit number 2 slightly larger and elongated compared to the others??? It looks like what happens when I put 2 shots through almost the same hole with my .22 .... is it possible that's what happened here?
Perhaps next time have a blanket or such behind the target to see where the misses went? Not sure if there would be a way to do it without contrasting the target more but its not exactly blending in with the white outline as is
One question I have is of the 7 hits on target which are are from 5 prone and which from 5 supine? Does the prone have the best 5 grouping? Also agree that sitting or standing for the reload seems to be the only sensible way unless presenting a smaller target is absolutely required. One final thought, what about keeping his knapsack with him but removing it where he fired- assuming it is not difficult to put on/take off even if not in regimentally correct format?
Modern paper is much tougher. It uses better binders and is less pulpy. The modern presses that mill our papers tend to make it more uniform and more dense. Older paper is easier to tear and is more prone to tear more jagged. This allows the cartridge to be easier to tear. Later american style cartridges are actually grooved to aid in it. I think they used a double loop sling like came on the 1768 flintlock that were sold to America's army.
Modern paper is made of wood.... Paper in the mid victorian era was made of rags (linen) as is the paper I am using here. The sling used here is of the historical "Rifles" pattern as found in Pierre Turner's book...
When reading about this shot i did wonder how it might be possible. I wondered if the first shot, though fired by an expert marksman, might have been somewhat luck as well as skill. The follow-up shot could then be explained by several people clustering around the mortally wounded officer, and this small knot of people seeing if they could save him would provide target for the second shot, being a far larger target than a lone man. Plunkett may not have been aiming for the second man in particular.
The value of experimental archeology…. I am 3:30 in and already confirmed in my opinion that Plunkett left his kit with his colleagues when he doubled forward and that he reloaded standing or kneeling before taking a prone or back firing position. Unless there was a handy field wall or similar to act as a rest. Now to continue.
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Notwithstanding "little fits of inebriety," Plunkett really was the model of a rifleman and, to quote his colonel, "a pattern for the Battalion."
I would say the fits of inebriety are what make him part of the pattern of the battalion! Never trust a man that cannot hold his liquor
Indeed.
I have walked through Cacabelos and over the bridge 5 times completing the Camino de Santiago. I know the broad ‘facts’ of the Plunkett story and always regale my walking companions with his exploits. However your excellent in-depth experimentation and analysis has added much more context and understanding of Plunkett’s famous shot. BZ to you - well done, and thanks from a first-timer to your channel - I’ll be back for more - for sure. Cooee from Australia.
Search out Rob's other stuff, a real wealth of great informative vids on his channel.
It should be remembered that the Battle of Cacabelos was essentially a draw, in an otherwise disastrous campaign for Britain. The British were so keen to continue their hasty retreat to A Coruña that they made little use of their strong defensive positions during the battle.
It goes without saying that Plunkett's action, inglorious though it was, helped the British to divert attention from the outcome of the campaign.
Bless you for your honesty, sir. It's great to see that you're not trying to show this in some false 'heroic' narrative, but dealing with true practicalities of the action. Also, credit for your very dry humour, this Brit definitely appreciated it.
Cheers!
Well when you misfired you didn't flinch! and you didn't shoot your foot! Inspirational...
I tried very hard not to....
I like that you keept the missfires in the video.
That's what I like about Robs presentations, He tells it like it is " warts and all." Even if He has a bad result, He leaves it in
They happen!
It's good to see someone dedicated to showing the use of this equipment, with all its limitations, under field conditions.
I've taken several elk with a traditional percussion muzzleloader, and understand the limitations of these rifles.
Something rarely mentioned is the increased lock time of this type of rifle, and the adjustment and follow through necessary to ensure an accurate shot.
It's a long wait for your videos, but it is *always* worth it. Thank you Rob!
Thank you!
Supine seems like a fine way to accidentally shoot your foot off. Thanks for a fascinating vid.
If you are not careful, yes..
I have been looking forward to this! I found the analysis of the various factors here fascinating. It seems difficult to believe that he'd have kept his knapsack on given the experimental results here, although your point about not losing one's gear is very valid (I am reminded of a unit of the Berdan Sharpshooters losing all of their fancy Prussian knapsacks when they dropped them for skirmish duties, but were unable to return to get them again). And your analysis of the supine problems was very nice to see since we read a lot of uninformed speculation about this. Also, very cool hobnails. Thank you very much for going to all this trouble and sharing it with us.
Thanks Rick!
@@britishmuzzleloaders this is Hugh!
@@Schlachtschule I'm so sorry, Hugh. I did know that... The perils of a moment of inattention while juggling multiple conversations. My apologies.
@@britishmuzzleloaders LOL! No worries, I never expect anyone to know who this is.
03:46 So funny-pure slap-stick after all that effort! 😂
Great show, thanks for making and sharing. 👍
Cheers!
11:20 THIS got me good! XD Sorry you were punished so much but you were a sport about it, and that description was a fitting one for anyone doing this type of shooting, educational and entertaining as ever Rob! Welcome back to YT after a, I can guess needed pause.
Thank you!
Happy to see another video from you.
Rumors were that Pedersoli was making a Baker, haven’t seen one or a prototype yet.
Apparently it is on its way...
This is living history at its best, thank you!
Very kind.
Well, sir, on first sighting the video, I naturally gave the order to Like and Subscribe. That's my style, sir!
Well said sir Henry
Many thanks!
Rifleman out in the field in 95th rifles uniform ringing targets at distance? now THAT'S soldiering
Cheers!
Good evening from Syracuse NY USA brother and thank you for sharing your adventures and information
Cheers!
Another excellent video. I think you produce some of the most detailed videos on this subject matter. Better than anything on television currently.
Very kind, thank you.
@23:11 haha well played, I thought I saw something!
Haha!
The other knapsack option is that he took the knapsack with him, and took it off before adopting the shooting position. Then, post shot, he grabs it and departs, stage left.
try both or neither at your discretion
All kinds of variables for sure!
I've spent decades shooting Palma competitions, which involve prone sling supported shooting with iron sights.
I've always been fascinated by the use of the supine position, which I've never attempted. As you so clearly demonstrate it would have an advantage over prone when the ground slopes toward the target, in which case a standard prone position would not work.
Once again another fantastically informative video. High technical standards and perseverance.
Thank you!
Awesome, thank you for sharing!
Cheers!
I just went through and liked as many videos as I could. I've been watching for years and often forget to like the video . Thanks for the great content.I'll keep liking the videos from now on .God speed
That is very kind. Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
I appreciate the time and effort you put in to making this and I especially appreciate the willingness to dive into the "most historic shot of the 95th"
Thank you. It was a fun project for sure!
It should be remembered that the Battle of Cacabelos was essentially a draw, in an otherwise disastrous campaign for Britain. The British were so keen to continue their hasty retreat to A Coruña that they made little use of their strong defensive positions during the battle.
It goes without saying that Plunkett's action, inglorious though it was, helped the British to divert attention from the outcome of the campaign.
@@MarquisVincentBissetdeGramont It wasn't really a battle, rather, an Action... It was never intended to be a decisive stand. The Army was in already in Villafranca. What Plunkett's shot did do, was give reason for the French to stop the pursuit for a brief while, allowing the rearguard to get away and the retreat to continue... exactly what a rear guard action was supposed to do... By assigning some sort of status to it with regards to winners or losers or (as in your point) it being a draw, there is a certain degree of gaslighting is a way. It's being elevated to a status that it never held nor would ever hold... "It must be remembered that it was a draw"... Not really... it must be remembered as a moderately successful rearguard action.... and apart from Plunkett shooting Colbert and the legend surrounding it, nothing more.
@@britishmuzzleloaders Thank you very much for your very interesting and well-argued reply. I wish your channel all the best for the future. Good day to you all.
Rob, have you tried this loading technique - Bite! Pour! Spit! Tap! Aim! You should be able to get three rounds a minute off in any weather like that.
That only works in rubbish TV shows.
Oh God,.... no.....
We must aplaud you for this display of indefatigable work, great work indeed.
Thank you kindly.
Fine analysis and practical demonstration as always and great kit turnout too, top stuff. Keep them coming your vids are always fascinating as well as fun.
Thank you!
Fascinating! These are the first muzzleloading videos I've ever seen, but it does make me think that Plunkett's Shot may have been around 300 yards because some folks are just ridiculously good at what they do and it was a legendary shot. I do see how past 300 yards it starts to get quite fanciful. If Rob is in fact ridiculously good instead of just very good and is modestly not mentioning it, please correct me.
Welcome!
This is proper experimental archeology. You are a treasure.
My two cents on Plunkett leaving his sack at the english line (he was moving toward the enemy after all) and reloading in a less akward position.
As discussed...
23:11
Haha!
@@britishmuzzleloaders I thought I was crazy for a sec lol. Watched your stuff for years keep it up friend!
Your Baker Rifle series is the best flintlock series on YT.
By the way, the supine position is much more comfortable and stable when you turn slightly to your right side.
Best regards :)
All kinds of variables, for sure! Cheers!
I imagine the field expediency of ramming the paper cartridge home in its entirety with the open powder end down, may have happed more often than nought with experienced troops. The manual is often tossed out the window when bullets begin to fly. Great video!
I have conducted numerous experiments in a three part series on Baker ammunition, if you are interested.
Always loved the Plunkett story. Part of the charm is the ever increasing ranges at which the shot was "made". Makes me a little sad to come to terms with the fact it was probably "only" 200 yards. Still, damn fine shooting all the same under the circumstances. And he did bag a General
Better the truth than internet babble! 😀
The last words of Brigadier General Colbert were: "I am still very young to die [31 years old]; but at least my death is that of a soldier of the great army, because, exhaling, I see flee the last and eternal enemies of my country!"
Love the new😉👌 chin whiskers Rob! And I takes me shako off to your dedication to the cause.
Yeah. I noticed that too!
Hey! I was on a retreat with French cavalry on my tail!..... no time for ablutions, this man!
Top notch video! I've done this in an ACW uniform dressed in all of my traps with an 1853 Enfield. (A park ranger said it was never done, and I had to prove him wrong) I was much younger, and it was a bear, although loading the Enfield was much easier than loading a Baker and I didn't have a 2 foot tall hat on my head. Props to you for putting yourself through all that strenuous effort for our benefit.
Glad you enjoyed it!
That reloading evolution, I could feel your discomfort
Great vid Rob
Certainly a very real takeaway in this experiment....
What I find interesting is the foot rest shooting position is something sniper's use or some modern variation of it in competition or shooting.
Indeed.. only really needed or useful when rests are not allowed...
Great video, and very well presented. Thank you! Regards from the Left Coast of Canada formally known as British Columbia.
Thank you!
Nice video...thanks...I'm forever fascinated by the napoleonic war period.... should a BP rifle and pistols in the past....
Nice!
Another great video and excellent subject. Wouldn’t it be great to watch one of these guys in action. How quick could they load and fire. Thank you
Cheers.
I'm shocked there isn't more information on the construction of the Baker cartridge and hope further research is done. Great video!
Me too!
Superb analysis, as ever.
Thank you Simon!
Nice vid rob
Thank you.
Always great to see you.
Thank you!
Love your content.
Cheers!
Typically exemplary. While numerous others have opined from the warmth and comfort of their studies, you are out there in accurate period gear with a root sticking in your back, craning your neck, and picking rogue paper bits off your rifle bullet for science. Bravo, sir.
I try.
@@britishmuzzleloaders
And succeed.
Amazing stuff. If there was a VC to be awarded for heroic experimentation, you woukd have it!
Hahaha!
Been waiting for this!
Cheers!
awesome work Sir
Thank you !
Rob… what was that 23:10 ?
Haha!
Another great video. You really give us the sense of how great the shot was, even if it was made at 200 yards.
In fairness to you, though, you haven't had the long experience that Plunkett would have had.
Cheers.
Having read a few accounts of the action in question a few thoughts occur: 1. While rifleman Plunkett would have had his knapsack initially I personally believe he would’ve taken it off likely immediately before dashing out of line to attempt the shot. 2. Plunkett was a very experienced rifleman and shooting at up to 250 yards was likely within his capability, anything over that is exceedingly unlikely. 3. If a quick reload was necessary standing up was almost certainly how it was done. The fact that the follow-up shot was prominently mentioned kind of reads to me as saying that Plunkett made himself vulnerable by reloading then making a second shot.
Sure thing! Certainly not the 600 or 800 of internet babble!
It seems like the supine position would be greatly affected by the specific biomechanics of the individual shooter. In particular, the shorter average heights of the time would likely have resolved the issue of the feet extending past the muzzle.
Still, the foot in sling method is rubbish.... someone's, 'good idea'.....
@@britishmuzzleloaders Have you tried wrapping it like you would with your arm? Probably not good for a quick getaway though.
@@tokinsloff312 I have not... typically, the simpler the better...
23:11 Rob, would you like to explain yourself?
23:11 "Feet" -Rob
No.
Thank you. Keep up the great work.
Thank you!
Great video
Thank you!
you do some great challenges(much better than me )/doing these videos you find out what sort of shape you are in( I would be totally worn out after the first run)
A fun project, for sure.
Another excellent video. As to the question of the accuracy of the rifles, I have heard from several Baker rifle shooters that the replicas are not as accurate as the originals. Certainly looking at the example in the Birmingham proof house, the rifling seems different to the modern replicas.
Have you had the opportunity to try an original to compare?
have you?
I have not fired an original Baker , no....
As Hagman said in Sharpe: Can't see the face...can't hit the heart.
The horse might have had something to do with the man's demise.
Range is a deciding factor....
If not being fired at, thinking standing up to reload might have been used. Also a Baker rifle didn't get longer but humans have, not sure a few inches shorter rifleman would matter much.
Certainly, as discussed.
Complimentary comment for the algorithm. Great well thought out video as always.
Thank you!
Now I have got to the end. Three times…. I agree totally that Plunkett’s military contribution was doubling forwards well in front of his comrades lines. I note that native hunters in all survival hunting cultures get their necessary accuracy from getting close to the prey rather than routinely possessing exceptional accuracy from skill with their arm. I would suggest that Plunkett was a rather smaller man than yourself and, despite the privations of the retreat, probably rather more nimble and fit (no reflection upon your good self). I agree that he closed to about 200 yards and not more. Whilst the paper cartridge with ball was the norm in the army at the time he might have chosen to use the separate forced ball and patch to get the best accuracy? Lastly, and impossible to know, there may have been all sorts of temporary agricultural item affording some cover and maybe the opportunity to use a standing rest on them. Certainly, in his place, I would leave all possible kit behind if I expected to be chased back to my lines by very annoyed cavalry. Over 200 yards and definitely 300+yards a horse will catch a running man and Plunkett’s only protection of he were chased would be the fire of his comrades. That he was not chased suggests that.Colbert was in advance of his troops checking the ground they would have to face accompanied by perhaps only his aide. Even if he saw Plunkett he would have paid little attention to him under the circumstances. He might even have been content to have been fired at from the distance of the British troops to observe their positions from the smoke. Being hit at such ranges by small arms fire was the least of his worries.
Thank you for all this Rob.
BTW your TRS front sight is notably higher than the period one and certainly higher than my original. If you swapped it for another lower one the rear sights just might reach that extra 100 yards? It would be interesting to carry out an optimum exercise with 300 yard sights in minimum kit on level ground with forced ball as a final base line.
Lot's to speculate about, John, for sure. Cheers!
Thanks 😎
Most welcome.
I think it’s unlikely that he would have tried that shot with his pack on as an experienced marksman. It creates too much tension in your neck and shoulders when holding your head up. I think if he kept it with him, it was on the ground. Theoretically, he could have reloaded kneeling. If it’s that hard to hit the horse at that range, a kneeling rifleman would be much safer.
Very cool video, thanks so much for making the effort for us!
That is open to debate... as this was not some sort of target practice.. it was a fluid and dynamic episode and troops would be required to move at a moments notice... It certainly is a point worthy of consideration of course.
👍 Will you come to Waterloo 2025? They say it will be a BIG one.
I was there in 2015 as a spectator.... Maybe...
Hi Rob, great video as always. Would you suspect that your rifles rifling being a different type from the historical rifles might affect accuracy? Will the round and square bottom rifling make a difference?
Greetings from South Africa
I doubt it... the spin being the most important aspect....
Swift and bold boys, swift and bold!
👍
Ye be thinkin' we wouldn't come to notice that slip in photos of a rather enthusiastic rifleman in the supine good sir? 23:11
Still a great video as always, and really your doing a good service to bringing the context; if abit with the lack of campaign fatigue of the day, to the weapons that did had their impact in wars from the past.
The battle skirt needs to be a thing
@@juver890 "Just fight according to your own style."
Haha!
That first reload, now that's soldiering.
It was all awful....... Haha!
Rob, do you know if it was usual for the riflemen to pile their kit before entering battle? I recall in one of the Sharpe films that the men piled their kit before forming up for the attack on the fortress. Of course, that's film and might not be historically accurate.....
As they were fighting a rearguard, naturally a very dynamic operation, piling or cacheing kit would have been a non-starter....
I've seen a couple of Baker rifles but you are about the only one I've saw fire one in conditions it would have been used with honest results. I do have experience with the 54 cal Mississippi rife that is also a challenge to load period correct ammo in.
Cheers!
Just a thought , I’m thinking he probably ditched his pack with the lads to speed things up . Also I wonder if he stood up to reload Yes you are exposed to possible return fire but the difference in speed might have been advantageous .
May very well have, or not had it at all....
Really drive home the point of breach loading cartridge being a game changer
Sure thing!
It should be remembered that the Battle of Cacabelos was essentially a draw, in an otherwise disastrous campaign for Britain. The British were so keen to continue their hasty retreat to A Coruña that they made little use of their strong defensive positions during the battle.
It goes without saying that Plunkett's action, inglorious though it was, helped the British to divert attention from the outcome of the campaign.
Answered in your other comment! Cheers!
With regard the made cartridge. It was a single construction made up of parts. You had the cartridge paper, the into this would be put the powder charge, then the pre patched ball. In loading you would prime from the powder end, then you would put the cartridge powder end down the barrel allowing powder to fall into barrel, then push the rest of cartridge into barrel, them ram home. The ball was part of the cartridge and didn’t need to separated.
Lot's of experiments in that type of cartridge in the Baker ammunition series.
I learned about that in Sharpe's Rifles, that some of the boys in green were prone to re-cast their bullets and re-grind their powder to re-make their cartridges with supposedly better properties.
Could those things also have contributed to a better shooting result?
Quite a work of fiction. Never seen it replicated in fact or period anecdotes. Be careful not to count Sharpe as history.... Rifle Powder was already much better quality than normal musket powder.
@@britishmuzzleloaders Yeah, I know. You just have to watch the training sequence of Sharpe with the fictional South Essex Regiment to get the idea that Cornwell was writing more on the fictional than the historical side of matters but even then they sometimes stumble over some small factoid that contains a kernel of truth, if they did any further research.
16:55 the danish 1855 marksmanship program include firing the smoothbore ex french M1822 at 250 Alen or 173 yards.
It got fixed front and rear sights set for about 120 yards. The soldiers learned where to aim at that distance. Allowing them to fire at close order columns.
And considering that the army fought a 3 year civil war in 1848-50 where the rebels had support of regular units from Prussia and a few other smaller German states the decision to spend time and money on this in the marksmanship program only makes sense if the war had shown the need for the men to know how to do this.
So I would not be surprised if a experienced marksman did know where to aim with his rifle at 250 or 300 yards. Even when his sights did not have a setting for it.
(I also know where to aim at 400m with my modern military rifle, even if the sights is set at 300m... some that admittedly require a much smaller adjustment.)
wow
Interesting!
I found that Sharpe is available on Amazon Prime, Britbox, in the US. Amusing tales of daring do...
There you are then!
How much of the inaccuracy is down to the barrel and loading and how much to the lock?
The time between the trigger pull and the main charge igniting is not inconsiderable and gives time for the aim to drift off? So would a baker ignited by a cap be more accurate at greater distances?
There are numerous inherent disadvantages in a flintlock over percussion...
I did raise the frontsight to keep seeing the target
?
@ elmer keith developed a method to still see the target. Instead of aiming with the aligned front and rear sight and loosing the target, you just elevate the frontsight, keith even painted some white lines on his SW revolver front sight for different ranges. Ok not sure if the baker sight is tall enough for that.
@@wolfganghuhn7747 Ah,.. cheers.
Things are really different when you’re 10-20 years younger and 20 pounds lighter. Flexibility, stamina, strength. I feel it more and more as I try to PT with the active duty troops. Great job trying to duplicate the action!
Sure thing!
@12:05 is it my eyes or is hit number 2 slightly larger and elongated compared to the others??? It looks like what happens when I put 2 shots through almost the same hole with my .22 .... is it possible that's what happened here?
Mmmmm,. I'd have to check the target again....
@britishmuzzleloaders please let me know. I really enjoy the channel and all the hard work you put into bringing this stuff to life
Is the inaccuracy in the barrel or in the lock work?
Would a baker with a cap ignition make for greater accuracy at longer range?
Yes, tests done in the 1830s showed that there was a distinct advantage in accuracy with percussion ignition.
I wonder if perhaps the supine position was more effective when used by the shorter average soldiers of the time?
Certainly worth considering, but that only addresses one aspect...
Perhaps next time have a blanket or such behind the target to see where the misses went? Not sure if there would be a way to do it without contrasting the target more but its not exactly blending in with the white outline as is
Sure... I can only carry and rig so much in the field.
@britishmuzzleloaders understandable, just a suggestion
One question I have is of the 7 hits on target which are are from 5 prone and which from 5 supine? Does the prone have the best 5 grouping?
Also agree that sitting or standing for the reload seems to be the only sensible way unless presenting a smaller target is absolutely required.
One final thought, what about keeping his knapsack with him but removing it where he fired- assuming it is not difficult to put on/take off even if not in regimentally correct format?
The second go around was more to see if I could hit the target with 'any' regularity, as opposed to shoot for any kind of 'group'....
@@britishmuzzleloaders Thanks for the reply. Great video- i have always admired re-creational/experimental historians.
“Do you believe in God Captain Sharpe?”
“I believe in the Baker Rifle sir.”
Haha!
Modern paper is much tougher. It uses better binders and is less pulpy. The modern presses that mill our papers tend to make it more uniform and more dense. Older paper is easier to tear and is more prone to tear more jagged. This allows the cartridge to be easier to tear. Later american style cartridges are actually grooved to aid in it.
I think they used a double loop sling like came on the 1768 flintlock that were sold to America's army.
Modern paper is made of wood.... Paper in the mid victorian era was made of rags (linen) as is the paper I am using here. The sling used here is of the historical "Rifles" pattern as found in Pierre Turner's book...
someone can tell me where i can buy 95th rifles uniform and loadout please! i love it!
There is a series on kit used on the channel if interested.
@britishmuzzleloaders yes. Thank you do much
23:11
Interesting
Good eye!
Nothing that bites you on the ground there, by the looks.
Not often...
When reading about this shot i did wonder how it might be possible.
I wondered if the first shot, though fired by an expert marksman, might have been somewhat luck as well as skill. The follow-up shot could then be explained by several people clustering around the mortally wounded officer, and this small knot of people seeing if they could save him would provide target for the second shot, being a far larger target than a lone man. Plunkett may not have been aiming for the second man in particular.
So many unknowns….
Private, Plunkat was a lot younger than you 😅......Good effort.
Yes he was.
I sent you an email several months ago from Whatcom Firearms…it had a file on British sniping in WW1. Did you get it?
Hi there… I had a look and did not see one…. I might have gone to the junk folder and just missed it. Sorry about that…. Sounds interesting!
damn that gun sounds cool
Cheers!
It turns out Rifleman Plunkett was a damn fine shot
Apparently, he was!
NOW THAT IS A MUSTACHE !!!
Thank you.
The Baker rifle will be produced for sales by Pedersoli later this year....finally.
I had heard! It'll be a big day for sure!
Riviting video had to watch it twice
Wonderful!
The value of experimental archeology…. I am 3:30 in and already confirmed in my opinion that Plunkett left his kit with his colleagues when he doubled forward and that he reloaded standing or kneeling before taking a prone or back firing position. Unless there was a handy field wall or similar to act as a rest. Now to continue.
Lot's to unpack, for sure!