Paper Cartridges

I've read several threads concerning making paper cartridges at home using cigarette rolling papers and decided to give it a whirl.

One of the things I recall having read (it's been a while since I've read about it) was to use a 7/16" dowel to help roll the paper properly. I topped the dowel with my conical and used just enough paper to reach the first lube groove or the second band (~1/8") as I used 3 different types of conical.

I cut the papers in half and loaded them up with 35 grns of 3F powder and twisted the end to hold it in. There was usually just enough to get a little twisty on the end.

Then I began looking around for old threads on paper cartridges and found that a taper will help, if it's not required. Oops! I hadn't thought of that.

What do you guys use to roll the paper to make it tapered? This guy used plastic tubing of some sort. It looked like a piece of Bic pen or something.

And then I also found a fellow who uses a wet sponge to moisten the glue as licking it is likely a good way to ingest some lead. Oops again!

I used American Spirits rolling papers which are very thin and made of flax (IIRC).

My first time out with my rifle and pistol I spent 6 hours and only shot 50 rounds through each. This will really speed things up if it works well!

I can't wait to get to the range and try them out!

In a video I just watched today (after the fact) the fellow in it made his cartridges out of thick Bugler papers and his all went off nicely. But I'm also using Triple 7 vs him using Goex. If most anything other than BP doesn't light well with a spark from a flintlock, then maybe I'll get delays or misfires.

This was all a test to see how it does. I also want to see if it leaves paper or residue behind. If it works I'll likely get an ammo box or two for 45 Colt cartridges.

I couldn't help myself! I sanded down the dowel a little bit and made some more!

These are 30 grns with a 190 grn conical.

I've run out of handy things to store them in and am using some tupperware. I fill in my gaps with cotton balls.

Has anyone stored them bullet down, tail up without the bullet pulling out? Mine are mostly held on by the lube sticking to the paper. I'm laying them flat as I'm afraid the bullets may pull out if I store them nose down.

Is there any reason why I couldn't make cartridges using PRB for my side lock?

When I mean paper rifle cartridge, I mean can I shove the whole thing down the bore without tearing the bottom as I see in reenactments. Their paper looks much more thick.

I'd think the peanut oil I'm using for lube would ruin the paper.

My cartridges worked quite well. It did leave paper residue in some of the chambers. Eventually I tried loading cartridges without cleaning out the chambers to see if it caused issues, which I had none.

I did have one bullet come dislodged. But out of 42 cartridges I think that's fairly good.

I did have minor problems getting a few into the chambers, but I think it was likely due to the cartridge not being very tight. A little bit of laxness and it tried to bunch up causing a bind. A little finagling fixed it.

kituwa: I'd like for you to explain your paper burning compound. I suppose a faster burning powder would work better. I take it it is liquified in acetone? Does the ratio matter? Could I use my Pyrodex, Triple 7, Blackhorn 209, or BP for this instead?

Is the idea to paint he cartridge before the acetone evaporates?

What ratio of powder to acetone are you using?

I was checking my chambers after firing. I never noticed an ember, but I wonder how easy it could be to miss.

I began this out of curiosity, as well as a way to put more rounds at paper while at the range. I also considered it'd be helpful with the people who are more accustomed to the speed of bottom feeders. I've had friends lose interest quickly when they have to wait and wait until it's shooting time.

Now I'm considering these for hunting and possibly backpacking. Less stuff to carry afield would be nice. Now it's time to consider waterproof cartridges or containers to carry them in...

I tried loading a RB by barely passing it's center. It wasn't enough to hold it securely. What I've seen is people wrapping the whole ball. It takes the whole paper with long twisty tails on either end.

From what I've read the cheaper Tops/Bugler papers are thicker and sometimes don't work well. Use thin paper.