Making paper cartridges

[Type83]

I want to attempt to make some paper cartridges for the Brown Bess. What size forming rod should I use for .69 ball? The one kit online comes with a 3/4” dowel but I keep reading that you’re supposed to use one the same size as the ball you’re using. Any info would be great.

 

[64Springer]

My forming dowels are .010 over bore size.

Automotive masking paper for painting makes great cartridge paper.

 

[Stantheman86]

The dowel size should be the size of the ball, and tapered at the end like a pencil to make it easier to choke the ball with string. Paper size is vital so the cartridge slip fits down the bore after pouring the powder and lubing the ball end is important.

 

[maillemaker]

The Brown Bess used a .69" diameter ball, so the mandrel should be .69" also.

 

[Grenadier1758]

Now we need the tutorial for turning down the mandrel to the ball diameter for someone without a wood turning lathe or a list of sources for the mandrels.

Very informative video @maillemaker.

 

[maillemaker]

Now we need the tutorial for turning down the mandrel to the ball diameter for someone without a wood turning lathe or a list of sources for the mandrels.

Very informative video @maillemaker.

I sell the templates and mandrels at www.forth-armoury.com.

But, one way to make mandrels if you have no way to cut them down is to build them up. You can start with the next-size-down dowel rod and then carefully wrap them with clear packing tape. Masking tape will work also but I like the slick surface of the clear packing tape. Wrap up the dowel rod until you hit the desired diameter.

For .69 caliber you could start with a common 5/8 dowel (.625) and work up from there.

 

[bud in pa]

I used a French style cartridge, no string. The former was slightly under bore size. There is a dimple in the front of the dowel. I form the cartridge, put the ball in the top end and fold the paper over the ball with a dab of glue. next is the powder in the open end and that end is folded over. With the size of my fingers and arthritis I cant deal with string.

 

[Stantheman86]

I sell the templates and mandrels at www.forth-armoury.com.

But, one way to make mandrels if you have no way to cut them down is to build them up. You can start with the next-size-down dowel rod and then carefully wrap them with clear packing tape. Masking tape will work also but I like the slick surface of the clear packing tape. Wrap up the dowel rod until you hit the desired diameter.

For .69 caliber you could start with a common 5/8 dowel (.625) and work up from there.

I just bought one of your .69 kits

 

[Stantheman86]

I used a French style cartridge, no string. The former was slightly under bore size. There is a dimple in the front of the dowel. I form the cartridge, put the ball in the top end and fold the paper over the ball with a dab of glue. next is the powder in the open end and that end is folded over. With the size of my fingers and arthritis I cant deal with string.

I had wanted to try these

 

[FlinterNick]

I had wanted to try these

I make french cartridges too, they’re more like paper shotgun shells.

With the ball end being pre-wrapped and not pinched.

However I don’t use glue, I make a mixture often referred as brewers pitch, bees wax and pine rosen with a small amount of cooking oil. I did the ball end until is coated, then once dry i pour powder in.

 

[Beadman]

Great informative video.
Back in the early 1980's I made my version of these for my .54 using a half inch dowel.Makes for quicker second shots.
Any kind of good typing paper will do.
Cotton string to seperate ball from powder.
I dip the ball end in a mixture of bees wax and tallow.
When wanting to shoot rip the paper end off.Pour your powder in barrel.Stuff your ball home behind it and your ready.
The paper is the patch.

 

[maillemaker]

I used a French style cartridge, no string. The former was slightly under bore size. There is a dimple in the front of the dowel. I form the cartridge, put the ball in the top end and fold the paper over the ball with a dab of glue. next is the powder in the open end and that end is folded over. With the size of my fingers and arthritis I cant deal with string.

Do you have a historical source for the making of the French style of cartridge? I'd like to make some.

 

[bud in pa]

i don't worry about historical accuracy. My grandkids consider me ancient so I figure anything I do is historical!

 

[ArmorerRoy]

 

[ArmorerRoy]

3/4 inch dowel rod, cotton string, and masking paper. .715 ball 100 grains of powder.

 

[Louisk]

Thanks for all the great information here. I've been watching this thread with interest since I acquired a Pedersoli Brown Bess carbine earlier in the fall. I have yet to shoot it but thought shooting with paper cartridges might be easier on fingers for shooting in colder weather. I see both 69 calilber and .715 balls mentioned for use in the cartridges. Assuming both would work? All I have is .735 balls. Any reason to not use the green automotive masking paper instead of brown paper for cartridges? Just asking because I have a huge roll of the green stuff.

 

[Matt85]

Thanks for all the great information here. I've been watching this thread with interest since I acquired a Pedersoli Brown Bess carbine earlier in the fall. I have yet to shoot it but thought shooting with paper cartridges might be easier on fingers for shooting in colder weather. I see both 69 calilber and .715 balls mentioned for use in the cartridges. Assuming both would work? All I have is .735 balls. Any reason to not use the green automotive masking paper instead of brown paper for cartridges? Just asking because I have a huge roll of the green stuff.

Green paper won't look historical... but otherwise color shouldn't matter.

 

[Tumbledown]

Now we need the tutorial for turning down the mandrel to the ball diameter for someone without a wood turning lathe or a list of sources for the mandrels.

Very informative video @maillemaker.

A few minutes with a rasp will thin down a wood dowel.

 

[ArmorerRoy]

I thinned mine down with 100 grit. I didn’t measure anything. I have had no problems with fitting the loaded cartridges in the barrel or loading block.

 

[Eterry]

Now we need the tutorial for turning down the mandrel to the ball diameter for someone without a wood turning lathe or a list of sources for the mandrels.

Very informative video @maillemaker.

Sorry I'm late to the party, Gus.
I saw a guy mount his electric hand drill in a vise. Then chucked a short starter rod in it. Then turned on the drill, using the set button to keep it whirling.
Then he went forth with sandpaper and in short order had the dow rod to desired diameter.
I hope this helps someone.