Bullets, Patched

One of the forms of modern rifle-bullets. The bullet has wrapped around its cylindrical portion a layer of thin paper called the patch . The bullet is perfectly smooth. The other form has grooves, or cannelures. (See Bullets, Grooved .) The lubricant for the patched bullet is a greased wad or disk of wax, placed between powder and bullet. The grooved bullet , carrying its own lubricant, is best adapted to shallow lands and grooves. The patched bullet to sharp lands. The grooved bullet would seem to be the best for military service, as the cartridge-case can be tightly crimped upon it, making the case waterproof. For very long range the best shooting has been done with patched bullets.