.550 Pritchett Ball cartridge.

[Matt Maier]

I have 100 0.550 diameter Pritchett bullets that I intend to make Enfield type paper cartridges with. The original bullet was .568 in diameter, and that was for the 1855 type cartridge if I am not mistaken. What size mandrels would I need to make the later Enfield cartridges with the .550 bullet?

 

[nkbj]

Golly Matt, I'd just play with it and see what works. But, there's somebody around here that actually knows.

 

[Heelerau]

Mate, had a former turned up out of hardwood dowel, .483 diameter, by 6 1/2 inches long. Have you got a copy of the patterns for the 3 parts to the cartridge? I use Bienfang 360 which is a 100% linen rag, obtainable from Blick, a paper supplier., ordinary paper is too soft. Pm me if you need any help. I have been making these cartridges for some time, google" making enfield paper cartridges," and some photos of mine , and a target I shot will come up.

Cheers

Heeler

 

[Matt Maier]

Hi. I did actually find dimensions for the mandrels and the patterns and my dad is going to make those items up for me (I'm a machinist so I could do them myself I suppose, but I'm always pressed for time). What I have for the paper is the heavy wrapping paper you can get for mailing packages and such. I'm sure it'll work in a pinch but I'd like to know what types of paper are more of an equivalent to the original paper that the British used.

 

[nkbj]

Matt, how much clearance are you going to have between the bore and the patched bullet?
Do you know how much was the norm for the actual military issued ammo?

 

[Nemovir]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeDiyhotvJg

Watch this video. It all about enfield cartridges.