Paper Cargridge Lube Recipe

[doglock01]

Hey musket shooters: when you're rolling up your paper cartridges, what concoctions do you like to use for lubricant? I've heard that a decent recipe is 50/50 beeswax and olive oil or mutton tallow. I'm just curious to know what some of you like to use. I know there has been some discussion on this in the past, but I'd let to get some additional details such as the consistency of the lube when dry that I should be trying for. I'm guessing I don't want it too greasy or too waxy. Also, what sort of paper do you prefer? I'm fairly new to paper cartridges, so I'd love some insight. Thanks!

 

[Stumpkiller]

Beeswax straight. I use old onionskin typewriting paper (don't know what I'll use when that runs out).

 

[Joel/Calgary]

I use old onionskin typewriting paper (don't know what I'll use when that runs out).

The paper used in clothing patterns is rather similar, and was recommended to me for paper patching. You can often find some in thrift stores that have never been cut out, but even the cut ones will give you a fair bit of paper to work with.

Regards,
Joel

 

[MSW]

there are lots of places to get tissue or onion skin paper ... if you need a few hundred pounds, contact Putney Paper in Putney, Vermont - they made the tissue paper for all the Walt Disney stores when i worked there, but that's been a number of years and customer loyalty in the paper industry is pretty thin.

talk to a stationer or printer - you'd be surprised what's still out there.

good luck in your search, and make good smoke!

 

[doglock01]

Thanks guys. This is good stuff. Appreciate the tips.

 

[wulf]

I have used news paper and telephone book paper
and no lube for years. Dirty after about 22 shots.

 

[evildog]

Tablets of "Newsprint" from the local craft store, best I've found. Tried several recipes involving tallow and such but keep coming back to plain ol' melted Crisco. Using a .715 ball in my Pedersoli made Brown Bess I'm usually good for 20+ shots before it's time to wipe the bore.

 

[B. Miller]

I have a NSW Officers Fusil. I roll paper cartridges using 20 pound cotton bond paper. Once my 0.648 RB is rolled in the paper I dip it in a bees wax, unsalted crisco and olive oil mix. The base for this mix starts out at 1/3 rd of each then adding one component or another as the ouside temperature changes. I get an entire local trail walk in before cleaning the bore which is usually 18 shots.

 

[MSW]

wow- cotton bond is pretty nice stuff to be launching downrange ...

but then again, go with what works - and make good smoke!