Photos of my paper cartridges.

[Tallbald]

Thanks to folks here I've ventured into making paper cartridges for our Ruger Old Army's and CVA Optima V2 .50 caliber single shot. These are both fantastic guns and cheap to shoot the way we do. These pictures are of loads for the .50 caliber CVA.
I made the mandrel and holder from a broken mop handle on the wood lathe. I worked beeswax into the wood while they were spinning then buffed them to keep the stick paste I use from adhering. I used hair curler papers from Sally's Beauty Supply ($3 per thousand), homemade waxed felt wads, and home cast Lee 250 grain pure lead REAL bullets. I found that making up many tubes first was easiest for me.
The tubes are trimmed and pasted so that there's only one layer of the paper where the primer flash will strike, and don't know yet if I will have to puncture the paper for flash to get to the powder. I'm hoping this is an accurate load, but only made up 20 or so rounds so I can see if I need to change the powder load to improve things.
A J-20 series "Medium Rifle" MTM two piece cartridge case fit the cartridges well when I put a strip of foam rubber in the lid to keep them down in the bottom of the case.
In the last photo you will see a heavier load I made up for the CVA. I decided though that they kick too hard for just fun, and I know they areway more pricey to shoot. I'll come up with a heavy, accurate load and roll maybe half a dozen to keep on hand should I "get a wild hair" at the range some time though. Don

 

[Panzerschwein]

NICE! I need to get around to making some paper cartridges for my Colt's revolving belt pistol of naval caliber.

 

[Patocazador]

Can you show a close-up of the base where the cap will ignite it? I'm curious about the technique used to seal in the powder with only one layer rather than a folded base.

 

[Tallbald]

Until I can get a camera again I'll have to just describe it. I clip the rolled tube as in photo number two trimming away half the tube leaving just one layer to bend over. I use a glue stick and wipe it on the inside of the remaining paper tab, and the outside of the tube where the tab will fold over the end and enclose the end. I roll the end while still on the mandrel between my fingers while the glue is still moist to create a smooth sealed end. I take the now closed end tube off the mandrel let it dry before putting powder in the tube. I've seen this done similarly in books. Does that help some? Question I have is if the flame can flash through the single layer of paper, or if I will have to poke it with a pick through the flash hole before priming as some say is needed for ignition. I'm also hoping that the rammer will help crush the paper and spill the powder well in the chamber at loading. WOn't know until I get to try these at the range though. Don

 

[Don McDowell]

Those don't look to bad.
If you're using a good cap the flame will burn thru any paper that will be in the way with no problem.

 

[Tallbald]

Don I hope you're right on my cartridges. I use CCI, Winchester and Rios 209 primers. I won't be going up against a bear or even hunting (can't any more) with them so it's a matter of easy use for me. Maybe I'll get to shoot next week weather depending. Don.

 

[Don McDowell]

Those 209 primers likely blow right thru with zero problems, and large rifle primer in a 45-70 case will blow a hole thru a .030 fiberwad set down against the flashole of the case and still ignite a charge of blackpowder.

 

[washbuster]

paper cartridges

theres a good video of me makin paper cartridges on you tube.
title is makin my paper cartridges

 

[Tallbald]

Don that's good to hear. Washbuster I couldn't find your video. Care to post a link? Don

 

[jim in Anchorage]

Would the ignition concerns be eliminated by nitrating the paper?

 

[Patocazador]

If you ram the "cartridges" in firmly, it usually tears the paper in several places thus allowing ignition to happen more or less normally.

 

[washbuster]

Its The One By Tony Calp

 

[Panzerschwein]

Nitrated, cotton based paper, sealed with waterglass, is a historically correct and very reliable method of ignition for paper cartridges. Using REAL black powder also can help.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Those are really nicely made. I'd offer a warning to those reading this that the guys are talking about an ignition using a modern primer, not a cap. One can find adapters to change a traditional caplock into using a modern primer...but if you use a traditional cap...you might find a delay in ignition, or worse, a fail to fire.

I've seen folks use flash paper from a magic supply shop to make good cartridges, and thus avoid any concerns.

I wonder if the standard paper is completely consumed or if there is a risk of remaining, smoldering bits of paper in the barrel if one reloads quickly, or if un-incinerated paper bits might clog the flash channel on subsequent shots?

LD

 

[4v50 Gary]

Good work. I made some powder packets once with Zig-Zag paper but that was when I had more time.