a possible explanation for "bite the bullet"

I have an explanation of the expression "bite the bullet", in connection to "bite the bullet end of the cartridge":

Consider the process of reloading a muzzle-loaded rifle in the times when cartridges were in use:
1. Take the new cartridge into your hand so that the bullet end is up.
2. Bite the bullet end to tear the cartridge open and take the bullet into your mouth.
3. Pour the powder into the muzzle.
4. Spit the bullet into the muzzle.
5. Put the cartridge envelop into the muzzle as a wad.
6. Push everything down.

I believe those cartridges were used mostly in the military, and the process was associated primarily with being in a battlefield and preparing for action.

But is that really consistent with the meaning of the phrase, which is to bravely accept the difficulties of a situation?

DFG

There's a good deal of discussion about "bite the bullet" in our Archive. At the tope of the previous page type in "bite the bullet," or click on:

www.phrases.org.uk bulletin_board 43 messages 165.html

The phrase apparently referred to the practice of asking wounded soldiers to bite on a bullet when undergoing surgery, since anesthetic was still unavailable, and bullets were soft enough to bite on without breaking teeth.
SS