Paper catridge lube

[40calFlintlock]

I made a dozen paper cartridges for my bess, using .003 inch thick brown paper rolled around a .715 diameter dowel. Any recommendations for a beeswax mixture lube?

Dry, the paper cartridge just fits the bore. I don't want to shoot dry paper, but I don't want a greasy mess either, so I'm looking for a 'tried-and-true' beeswax base lube.

 

[Heelerau]

40Cal,
I make Enfield paper cartridges for both my Pat 1853 Enfield rifle musket and my PH 1858 Navy rifle both in .577. I use the standard British army mix of 5 parts bees wax to 1part by volume of unsalted tallow. I have the mixture piping hot, and dip the cartridges to just below the tear line, and count 5 seconds. This works well for me, can fire 40 odd shots off with little fouling.

Cheers


Heelerau

 

[ericb]

Any of the Hi-Flashpoint Vegetable oils will work, as does Tallow. But my go-to mix is Beeswax & (Light)Olive Oil. Seems to burn the cleanest. Ratio depends on the Temps you're shooting in. Cartridges I dip in Mid-Winter become a slippy mess in Mid-Summer. More Oil in Winter - Less in Summer...

Eric

 

[40calFlintlock]

A "Youtube" video shows making wonder wads with beeswax & lamb tallow mixture. I thought the ratio would be too greasy.

I've heard of the beeswax & olive oil mixture, but no ratio's were ever given for summer shooting.

Thank you both for the info! :hatsoff:

 

[Ranch 13]

Might want to try jojoba oil. I use it on paper patched bullets in my cartridge guns. Dry's to a nice wax and doesn't add diameter.
You can get it in small bottles at health food stores for about 4$ an oz, but that will do several hundred bullets. Just put a drop on your finger tip and rub it on the bulleted part of your cartridge, wipe the excess off with a cotton rag.

 

[ericb]

I use a little Coffee Cup Warmer Plate I got at a Secret Santa Party at work. I use a Cat Food Can, put some Light Olive Oil in it (Have used many different Vegetable Based Oils, including Castor Oil) and put in a few Chunks of Beeswax & let it melt into the Oil. Embarrassed to say I really don't know what ratios - my original goal was to have it end up like Wonder Lube - though for handling Paper Cartridges in and out of a Cartridge Box it needs to be a Tad harder, IMHO. Doesn't take long to figure out. Quick way to tell where you're headed is to dip a spoon in it, take it out and let it cool, then smear into it with your finger. If it's too smeary add a little Beeswax - If it gets too hard add a little Oil. If you shoot in varying seasonal Climates you'll soon realize what's good for Cold Weather vs Hot. It's not a demanding Art...

Eric

 

[40calFlintlock]

Thanks for the info ericb. I've got a starting point now. :thumbsup:

 

[Black Hand]

I made a dozen paper cartridges for my bess, using .003 inch thick brown paper rolled around a .715 diameter dowel. Any recommendations for a beeswax mixture lube?

Dry, the paper cartridge just fits the bore. I don't want to shoot dry paper, but I don't want a greasy mess either, so I'm looking for a 'tried-and-true' beeswax base lube.

I use deer tallow.