The Spencer Carbine was capable of firing seven shots without reloading due to its cylindrical magazine that held cartridges, which included the powder charge and the bullet. The magazine was loaded through the butt of the gun and easily locked in place by turning it. Magazines, preloaded before battle and stored in a readily available carrying case, saved men time when reloading. This advancement had a devastating effect on the enemy, and the “repeater’s” firepower started to influence new battle tactics at the end of the war.