Powder Horns and Shot Pouches
Ammunition & Accessories • 1803
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
Where It Was Used
Journal entries mentioning this weapon along the expedition route.
June 10, 1805
Lewis: June 10, 1805
Marias River decision camp
June 11, 1805
Clark: June 11, 1805
Marias River decision camp
June 29, 1805
Clark: June 29, 1805
Great Falls Portage
August 6, 1805
Lewis: August 6, 1805
Jefferson/Beaverhead River near present-day Dillon
December 26, 1805
Clark: December 26, 1805
Fort Clatsop, salt works established
January 24, 1806
Lewis: January 24, 1806
Fort Clatsop, winter quarters
Showing 6 of 35 journal entries that mention this weapon.