 However, the longer Pattern 1853 was more suitable for infantry units which fought in line formation of several ranks deep, in order to minimize the risk that the men in the rear ranks would accidentally shoot the men in the front ranks in the back of the head, or scorch their faces and burst their eardrums with the muzzle blast.It was much liked for its maneuverability, and being designed for use with Minié ball bullets they could have a killing range of up to 500 yards.This weapon is often referred to as a musketoon but due to it having a rifled barrel is more accurately a short rifle.