Abstract: A first member, such as a primer cartridge (33), is inserted in an aperture in a second member, such as a chamber (8) in a gun breech block (4,5), by means of an apparatus such as a primer loader (52), comprising a tubular member whose bore (16) serves as a guide for positioning the first member and which is aligned with the aperture in the second member. A fourth member, such as a ramming rod (19), may be provided to move the first member into the guide and thence into the aperture as the fourth member advances from a first to a second position. In the case where the primer cartridge passes across a gap (18) in order to enter the aperture, the fourth member may be arranged to advance an additional distance to a third position wherein the additional distance is not less than the width of the gap, the additional distance being the permitted movement of a fifth member, such as a slidable bush (38), between two positions.

Abstract: Methods for applying coverings to surfaces by casting at least a portion of the covering in a mould from a solidifiable liquid mix. The mould may be applied directly to the surface or to an already cast layer of the covering. In another embodiment an outer portion of the covering is cast in a mould and is affixed to the surface, or to an already cast layer of the covering, so as to define a void between the outer portion and the surface or already cast layer. The void is filled with solidifiable liquid mix.