1861 Navy paper cartridges

CyrusP · Feb 4, 2024

I bought Guns Of The West paper cartridge fixtures for .36 and .44 Walker. I made some .36 loads with .375 ball, 17 grains 3F Goex and rolling paper from Guns Of The West. Elmer’s stick glue for paper and ball. I tried to add 15 grains but the paper wasn’t filled enough and it buckled a bit under the looseness. I could add 2 grains corn meal I suppose or stick with 17 grains. I loaded 24 cartridges but destroyed 7 in a typical boneheaded move. (Dropped the lid of my shooting box onto the tray holding the cartridges) Still, with 17 shots it fired perfectly and I’m EXTREMELY happy! I also ordered the capper 3 pack and it’s excellent. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to loading loose if I can help it.

45D · Feb 4, 2024

CyrusP said:
I bought Guns Of The West paper cartridge fixtures for .36 and .44 Walker. I made some .36 loads with .375 ball, 17 grains 3F Goex and rolling paper from Guns Of The West. Elmer’s stick glue for paper and ball. I tried to add 15 grains but the paper wasn’t filled enough and it buckled a bit under the looseness. I could add 2 grains corn meal I suppose or stick with 17 grains. I loaded 24 cartridges but destroyed 7 in a typical boneheaded move. (Dropped the lid of my shooting box onto the tray holding the cartridges) Still, with 17 shots it fired perfectly and I’m EXTREMELY happy! I also ordered the capper 3 pack and it’s excellent. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to loading loose if I can help it.

Very nice sir!!!

Mike

CyrusP · Feb 4, 2024

Thanks Mike! Just another step in this becoming my favorite firearm (unmentionables included)

Collie · Feb 5, 2024

I've used his cartridge kit in the past for my .36 and it's worked well. I'm not a huge fan of those cappers though. They work better than handling loose caps, but I've always like my Ted Cash snail capper for these Colts. It has the added benefit of holding 100 caps in the frame which is really convenient.
Now go see how fast you can reload with your new paper cartridges.

shootemup58 · Feb 5, 2024

They look good.

CyrusP · Feb 5, 2024

Collie said:
I've used his cartridge kit in the past for my .36 and it's worked well. I'm not a huge fan of those cappers though. They work better than handling loose caps, but I've always like my Ted Cash snail capper for these Colts. It has the added benefit of holding 100 caps in the frame which is really convenient.
Now go see how fast you can reload with your new paper cartridges.

I will try a Ted Cash snail as well next time I’m at Dixons. I have an inline that is ok.

BlazingIron · Feb 6, 2024

How do you get them so smooth and tight? P

wiscoaster · Feb 6, 2024

CyrusP said:
... 17 shots it fired perfectly and I’m EXTREMELY happy!...

Just curious what was your paper residue situation, if any?

Eutycus · Feb 6, 2024

Excuse my ignorance but what is a .36 Walker?

Eutycus · Feb 6, 2024

Eutycus said:
Excuse my ignorance but what is a .36 Walker?

Oops, never mind.

CyrusP · Feb 6, 2024

Eutycus said:
Excuse my ignorance but what is a .36 Walker?

.36 AND Walker.

CyrusP · Feb 6, 2024

BlazingIron said:
How do you get them so smooth and tight? P

I’d like to say I had lots of practice with rolling papers but I never used them. Never smoked anything but an occasional cigar.

45D · Feb 6, 2024

Eutycus said:
Excuse my ignorance but what is a .36 Walker?

Well, since you asked, it's this . . .

This came through the shop 7 or 8 years ago. "Simi-Bushed" chambers and a lined barrel . . . a
36 cal Walker !!

Mike

Whitworth · Feb 7, 2024

45D said:
Well, since you asked, it's this . . .
View attachment 292448

This came through the shop 7 or 8 years ago. "Simi-Bushed" chambers and a lined barrel . . . a
36 cal Walker !!

Mike

As in "semi bushed" I'm guessing mean you left a bottle necked chamber? If so that a lot of powder behind a .36 :thumb:

45D · Feb 7, 2024

Whitworth said:
As in "semi bushed" I'm guessing mean you left a bottle necked chamber? If so that a lot of powder behind a .36

Yes, best I remember they were tapered not stepped. It had been done before I got it, I just did my coil spring conversion and tune. Owner said it was a screamer !!!! Heck, it may be a bp 357 mag !!!

Mike

OldNo7 · Feb 7, 2024

Thanks for the report, I'll have to check that out more closely!

Old No7

CyrusP · Feb 8, 2024

wiscoaster said:
Just curious what was your paper residue situation, if any?

Very little if any residue.

Pete453 · Feb 8, 2024

2 Sundays ago, I shot 25 cartridges through my 60 army. They contained 30gr Goex 3f, lubed wads, and 454 ball. I had quite a bit of fouling in the second half of the barrel, something I'm not used to seeing. I'm wondering if it's paper residue. I'll try it without paper for score, then run some carts through it this Sunday, it's league day. Anyone else noticed extra fouling when using cartridges?

wiscoaster · Feb 8, 2024

Pete453 said:
...Anyone else noticed extra fouling when using cartridges?

Yes, it depends on the paper used, whether or not it's nitrated, and the method of cartridge base fabrication. It takes some experimentation to find what works best. My prefered paper is nitrated curling paper, with minimal base cutout size and shell overlap. In my experience, the cutouts shown in the OP's pics have too much overlap, and I was surprised he didn't have any residue. It's been my experience those bases tend to remain in the cylinder while the cartridge shell blows out and/or burns up. They don't interfere with subsequent shots because they've been burned through by the cap fire igniting the cartidge powder, but they make more of a mess cleaning the chamber. YMMV.

PS: if you lube the ball you don't need to wad. IMO you don't need to wad, regardless, but others may differ.

Pete453 · Feb 9, 2024

Thanks for your reply. I'll try nitrating my curler papers. I haven't before, but I guess I didn't notice it fouling. I guess I took it for granted that they shot as clean as without cartridges. I'll give it a shot, thanks again for your time

1861 Navy paper cartridges

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