After the firing mechanism has been primed with powder the musket is "cast about" or reversed and the remaining powder in the cartridge is poured down the barrel. The paper is compacted around the musket ball and the ball is then "seated" in the barrel. A ramrod is used to shove the ball to the bottom of the barrel where it contacts the powder (top). The ramrod is returned to its housing along the barrel of the musket. The hammer on the lock is cocked and the trigger pulled. This action causes a piece of flint to strike the rough surface of the frizzen, thus creating a spark which ignites the powder in the primer pan. A small channel through the barrel permits the explosion in the primer pan to ignite the powder in the barrel. The resulting explosion propels the musket ball.
Courtesy: 84th Regiment of Foot (Royal Highland Emigrants) Association, Ottawa
