Unlike the muzzleloader, which only needs gunpowder, bullet, and percussion cap, the breech-loading Snider rifle does not work without the ammunition (ball cartridge) in a cartridge case, the base of which was mainly made of brass molded by hydraulic press.
火薬・弾丸・雷管さえあれば使用できる前装式銃と異なり、後装式のスナイドル銃の弾薬(実包)は真鍮を主材料として水圧プレスで成型される基部を持った薬莢が不可欠で、これが無ければ銃として機能しない。