rearloading

Rearloading is a term used to describe the loading of a device through its rear or breech end rather than from the front. In firearms, rearloading is commonly used interchangeably with breech-loading, indicating that cartridges are inserted into a chamber via the breech and sealed by a mechanism such as a bolt, block, or screw breech. By contrast, muzzle-loading requires loading the projectile from the weapon's muzzle.

Mechanisms are varied: bolt-action breeches seal with a rotating bolt; lever-action or falling-block designs; in artillery, screw breeches or wedge-block breeches. The essential feature is access to the breech while keeping the chamber sealed during firing.

History: Breech-loading began to supersede muzzle-loading in the mid-19th century, driven by the need for faster loading, improved mechanical reliability, and safer loading in combat conditions. Early systems faced difficulties with gas leakage and chamber pressure, but advances in cartridge design and seal technology improved safety and performance.

Usage today: Breech-loading firearms, artillery, and many modern replicas adopt rearloading designs. The term rearloading is less common in contemporary literature, with breech-loading and cartridge weapons used as standard descriptors. In non-firearm contexts, rear loading may refer to loading processes from the back end in other mechanical systems, but these uses are rare.

See also: Breech-loading, Muzzle-loading, Bolt action, Revolver, Artillery.