Civil War Paper Cartridges

[CharlesZ]

Can anyone instruct me or refer me to a book or site that shows one how to make a paper cartridge of the type used during the war? Specifically for my .58 Enfield.Thanks.
Charles

 

[Tumblernotch]

Go to http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/...t's+Roll+a+Few+and+Party/fromsearch/1/#357373 in the Civil War forum and you'll find dimensions and diagrams to help you.
:thumbsup:

 

[paulvallandigham]

Dixie Gun Works and other suppliers sell the papers, and templates.

Try this site:

http://members.shaw.ca/bobschewe/

 

[Va.Manuf.06]

For the P53 Enfield cartridge, there is no better place to look than Research Press:

http://www.researchpress.co.uk/firearms/british/enfield/cartridge.htm

Follow all of the links at the bottom of the page and it will take you through an accurate description of all phases of the process. You will be particularly interested in the one entitled "Cartridge Manufacture". "Loading" will also be interesting.

Remember that the rifle musket cartridge as loaded in England was different from that made for the US and CS forces, especially the orientation of the bullet in relation to the powder. The British cartridge was loaded WITH the paper still wrapped around the bullet, the American bullet was loaded without the paper.

This site may help a little but it refers to loading blanks for reenacting:

http://www.lazyjacks.org.uk/cartrdge.htm

Authentic bulleted cartridges of the American style, round ball or Minié, can be made using the info at the Lazy Jacks website above.

 

[CharlesZ]

One more question if I may--- Can anyone recommend a lube to use on the minie? And, should this lube also be used in the base of the bullet?
For years I've been using a grease that get's all over everything and I finally read the tube and it says-"patch lube." Jeez!

 

[Tumblernotch]

The original lube used during the War was 8 parts of beeswax to 1 part tallow melted and poured into a pan. A pan or plate holding several bullets sitting on their bases was dipped into this and removed and allowed to dry. Grease was not put in the cavities and I personally don't recommend it, though some people do. I've never seen any benefit and it will contaminate the powder if the three piece cartridge is not used.

By the way, Crisco can be substituted for the tallow and you can change the ratio to suit the temperatures you shoot in. The 8 to 1 mix works very well in most temps, but if you are shooting in very cold weather you can use an 8 to 2 or 8 to 3 with good effect.