Check in here if you're concerned about the ways our military has deteriorated since 1917

[The Magistrate]

32. Not So Sure About That, Sir

"From the shell deck, the projectiles were lifted via the upper hoists to a position behind and inboard of the gun breeches. Where the 1st loaders tilted them to a horizontal position and they spilled them onto the transfer trays with their noses toward the breech.105 lb. Propellant charges were wrapped in silk fabric. Black powder within. Red quilted ignition pads were sewn on one end. These “Bags” were stored in metal cans, two to a can, in the powder magazines. In order to fire the guns, the bags were removed from the cans and passed through scuttles designed to prevent any fire etc. from passing from or into the powder magazines. (note picture above). Water tubs were kept handy to immerse broken bags or loose propellant grains. The powder bags were placed in hoists which brought them up in pairs to a position forward of the “trunnions” or gun supports. Men then passed the bags through a scuttle which emptied onto the tray in the “Gun Pit” beneath the breech of the 14” guns."

http://www.usstexasbb35.com/14_naval_gun.htm

(scroll down to bottom of the linked page for the quoted portion, but I expect you will find the whole item an interesting read)