Metropolitan Museum of Art, Public Domain

Representative period example of this weapon type; no surviving expedition artifact is shown.

Powder Horns and Shot Pouches

Ammunition & Accessories • 1803

Type Ammunition Accessory

Category Ammunition & Accessories

Era 1803

Museum / Collection No positively identified expedition examples survive

Each of the 15 riflemen was issued a powder horn and shot pouch. The powder horn was a hollowed-out cow or ox horn, sealed at both ends, with a measuring spout at the narrow tip for pouring a measured charge of black powder into the rifle barrel. The shot pouch was a leather bag worn on a shoulder strap, containing pre-cast lead balls, patching material (greased cloth or leather), and small tools. These were essential personal equipment for every soldier carrying a firearm.

Specifications

Powder Horn: Cow/ox horn, 10-14 inches, wooden plugs Shot Pouch: Leather, ~6x8 inches, shoulder strap Quantity: 15 complete sets Total expedition powder: 200 lbs best rifle powder