Paper pistol cartridges

[gjkershul]

I have been experimenting with combustible paper pistol cartridges for my .44s using the techniques outlined in the Dixie catalog general information section. The only problem I have been having is that the cigaret papers are not buring up completely all the time resulting in blocked revolver vents/nipples. Anybody have experience or advice for fabricating paper revolver cartridges? Eventually, I would like to use them on the pistol portion of our monthly club trailwalk if I can fabricate an %80 functioning, easy to field load round.

 

[rebel727]

I've had good luck with tea bags. :thumbsup:

 

[Rikeman]

I did not try the tea bags, but did try many different types of cig paper. Had the same issue as you....the residue left in the cylinders eventually would build up so bad that I was getting approx 90% failure. That was only 3-4 cylinders worth.

After making myself a loading stand and getting an appropriate sized nozzle for my flask, I found reloading to be very rapid so bagged any further trials with the paper cartridge. When I am out in the woods I really dont need to reload much, so I load fully (no cartridge) then carry six paper cartridges in case of a need to reload.

 

[Tinker2]

Magicians Flash Paper

I have used flash paper to make my paper cartridges from
back in the 60’s. Used Elmers Mucilage glue too, goes up
in the same flash. Worked good for me.

Do read this. http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/221593/


Tinker2

 

[rebel727]

I don't make a lot of them because it's time consuming but I've been getting 100% burn with tea bags plus they're tougher than cigarette papers. Don't need to punch them through the nipple either. The cap will blow through them.

 

[Rikeman]

Like you said....very time consuming. I will certainly give the tea bags a go though the next time I put together some cartridges. :thumbsup:

 

[JackAubrey]

If I might make a suggestion.I too had great difficulty w/ the combustibles so I quit using them.I read in Mr.Joe Bilby's excellent book"Civil War Guns"that in the border areas of Missouri(sp?) and Kansas it was not at all uncommon for the irregulars to cast ball/bullets and roll small cartridges of non combustible paper,much like mini musket cartridges.They were handled in the same manner.I have since used this method and am very satisfied.Best regards,J.A. Post script:I find these revolver cartridges more durable than the nitrated paper ones.

 

[wulf]

Tinker,,I form airplane tissue paper around a
mandrel and dab it with some glue. When i have
enough made I paint them with potasseum Nitrate and let them dry..Then I fill with powder and glue
the ridge and put a ball in that end. I tried doing it the recomended way of soaking the paper
in it but it flakes too much in handling..pretty
good at getting all used up in shooting..

 

[gjkershul]

My wife, a very practical lady, born in Central Missouri not far from where Bloody Bill Anderson got a hot reception at Fayette, made a similar suggestion after watching me struggle with the cigarette paper cartridges. She has watched me make cartridges for my Brown Bess for many years and knows, as you do, that thicker paper is more
easily handled. Now I have two wise advisors helping me on the road to field reloading sucess.
BTW is Dr. Maturin in Florida also? :thumbsup:

 

[crockett]

For about $5.00 you can get the 2005 Dixie Gun Work's Black Powder Annual that had an article on this topic. I'll briefly review the idea, you need to make a pattern out of the cigarette paper so that it is only one sheet thick, the type in the DGW catalog has all the paper crunched up at the back end.
Cut the paper in the shape of an isocescles (sic?) trapezoid with the long base (with the gum) on top and the short base on the bottom. Below the short base is a tab or "trapdoor" that gets folded over the back of the case.
You'll need to sand down a wood dowell to create a mandrell used to form the paper cases. The sides of the trapezoid overlap and are held together using a glue stick. Fold over the trapdoor to seal the back- you now have a little paper cup. The top of this cup has the gummed edge and it is on the inside.
Fill with 15-18 gr. of FFFg and put in the bullet. Dixie sells PC bullets that have a rabbit or recess around the base. Lick the paper and the moisture goes through to activate the gum and stick the paper to the case. Let dry and store in a SAFE container. These are combustible!!!!!
At the range, don't let this type of ammunition lie exposed to flame and fire. Remember, this is dangerous stuff.
With the single sheet case you ought to be able to fire about 6 rounds per chamber before the works start clogging up. That's the nature of the beast.
AND... WHY DO YOU USE COMBUSTIBLE PAPER????
It is NOT so the flame from the percussion cap can "burn through" the paper. I've used plain newsprint and thin tin foil and the power of a percussion cap busts through them just fine. The idea of combustible paper is that there is SUPPOSE TO be no residue. The main concern is LIVE EMBERS in the chamber. Be very careful.