What action should be taken when filling the flash pan with priming powder?

When filling the flash pan with priming powder, tilting the gun slightly is the proper action to take. This technique helps to ensure that the priming powder appropriately settles in the pan without spilling. By tilting the gun, you create a controlled angle that allows the powder to collect in the pan effectively, which is crucial for proper ignition during the firing process.

Maintaining the right angle in this scenario prevents overfilling or creating an air pocket within the priming area, both of which could lead to misfires or inconsistent firing. Keeping the gun level would not adequately assist with the filling process and may allow the powder to remain too far from the touch hole, affecting ignition. Inverting the gun or holding it upside down can lead to excessive loss of powder or even accidents if not handled correctly. Therefore, a slight tilt strikes a balance between accessibility and safety while ensuring that the flash pan is filled correctly.