"Tap Reload clarification" Topic
8 Posts
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Primipilus | 27 Dec 2016 1:09 p.m. PST |
page 43 of the SP2 rulebook has a tap reload section. Just need to make sure I'm understanding this correctly as it was a point of contention recently. "Rifle‐armed troops choosing that method reload more quickly, using just one Action to reload and another to fire, as though Line troops with a musket, and use that row on the Arsenal Table." So, musket armed troops CANNOT tap reload because they are not a rifle. Pretty sure I'm clear on that. Troops armed with rifled weapons (without minie) can tap reload AS muskets on the arsenal chart. Meaning they can reload and fire with one initiative or with command cards, etc; versus having to expend two initiative to reload and fire? So, what is the detriment (fouling, etc)? Does that mean troops armed with a "rifle" can just tap reload the entire game? Thanks in advance and I did try to find this. Maybe I'm just reading to much into it? |
Schogun | 27 Dec 2016 2:33 p.m. PST |
My understanding is: Rifles take 2 actions to reload. Or…it may tap load for 1 action then fire as a musket for 1 action. It can continue to do so as long as it wants…as a musket. At any time it can go back to firing as a rifle after taking 2 actions to reload. There is no fouling or long-term penalty. |
bandrsntch | 27 Dec 2016 6:13 p.m. PST |
The detriment is that Rifles have a longer range and a better chance to hit. Firing them as muskets negates that. (e.g. at 12 to 24 " range, muskets hit on a 6, rifles on a 5,6)and muskets cannot shoot at all in the 24 to 36 " range band. Shooting rifles as muskets at effective range wastes their potential. At Close Range, you are probably better off shooting them as muskets as the effect is the same and you reload faster. |
Winston Smith | 27 Dec 2016 11:33 p.m. PST |
There have been one or two discussions here on tmp about tap loading. The consensus of those who know more about it than I was that it was largely a figment of Cornwell's pen. No matter. I had a good time playing Fire and Steel games featuring tap loading. |
Randall | 28 Dec 2016 11:08 a.m. PST |
The use of tap loading is largely fiction, I'm sure, but I like this video (posted on [TMP] before), of reenactors testing tap loading. If you haven't seen the video yet, it's worth watching. YouTube link |
leidang | 28 Dec 2016 11:11 a.m. PST |
There is a video on you tube of some re-enactors playing around with tap loading. Their conclusion was that it works (For a while) provided you use a slightly smaller caliber of ball. Still provided reasonable to musket accuracy and penetration. However, once the barrel started to get fouled it was no use. |
Primipilus | 28 Dec 2016 11:50 p.m. PST |
Thanks to all. That fixes that! |
Clays Russians | 30 Dec 2016 11:05 a.m. PST |
That will not not not work with a rifled musket. I tried |
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