Kind of OT- Paper combustible cartridge kits?

[awp101]

Are there any alternatives for a complete kit other than the $60 version DGW sells? I seem to recall seeing one somewhere else but I can't find it to save my hide...

Thanks!

[Rusty]

Dang it... I just deleted a link on my favorites a week or so ago about making paper cartridges. It's not hard to find though. Do a Google search on it. About all you really need is the right sized dowel rod.

[awp101]

Ah yes, the story of my life...

I don't mind the thought of making my own but I'd like one of the kits to get started with.

[Old Ironsights]

Kit = Rolling Papers, Balls, Powder & Sissors...

http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y180/M ... Cartridge/

[awp101]

Kit = Rolling Papers, Balls, Powder & Sissors...

http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y180/M ... Cartridge/

Hmmm, I guess I could measure the distance from the chamber to the rifling to get the correct length needed for a Sharps...

[Cliff]

I found the kit by Dixie to be less than desireable. A long time back I picked up a percussion replica of the .54 Sharps rifle in carbine form. Tried the kit and didn't work all that well the paper was treated with saltpeter to aid in its burning, it also attracted moisture. What did and does work good is double wide cigarette rolling papers, a smooth wooden dowl road about 3/8th's of an inch diameter. I made what is called a confederate cartridge, roll the paper on the dowl rod, fold one end shut then remove the paper from the dowel rod, glue with water glass to the base of the bullet, pour in the powder, fold that end shut. To insert it into the breech you use a .45 Basic cartridge case, about 3 and 1/2 inch long, load the prepped cartridge into the basic cast then breech seat it into the sharp's chamber, remove cartridge case, close breach, clipping the tail off, then you are ready to prime and fire. You should have a cartridge box type carrier for these cartridges they are fragile. There are several variations on this one. One is to paper patch the bullet with the rolling paper, pour in the powder, cut the end off when chambering by hand, and prime to fire. This method is good for the christmas tree type bullets. The normal powder charge is around 60 or so grains of FFG powder. They shoot amazingly well. Good Luck.

[awp101]

Thanks Cliff, that is a good description!

I don't understand this though:

glue with water glass to the base of the bullet

What is water glass?

Now to find out who around here carries rolling paper without hitting the head shops...

[Hobie]

A buddy and I walked into a "head" shop looking for rolling papers (he rolled his own cigarettes, too!) and there was a cop we knew in there (former military and Jim's buddy). What a look. Jim told him, "this is where I get my rolling papers for my fags and my Sharps." He looked VERY relieved. Jim bought the darn papers by the thousand. Jim was shooting an ORIGINAL carbine. IIRC he wrapped the bullets to make the tube. He had tried nitrating his own paper but wasn't as happy with that. Of course that was 30 years ago and Jim is shooting in St. Peter's squad now.

[Cliff]

WHAT IS WATER GLASS? It is a sodium silicate (sp?) solution, usually found at some pharmacies if asked for. It has been used as a glue on paper and fabric from way back, water clear, dries good and sticks stuff pretty good. Its original use was for preserving whole eggs in thier shells. Place the eggs in a stone crock and fill with the solution, store it in cool dark place and the eggs will be good for several months if done right. It seals the exterior of the eggs and keeps air from getting. It used to be dirt cheap andyou could get a lot of it in some places just for asking. Of course you can use other types of glue, it was that water glass didn't leave any residue behind and was an easy clean up if spilled,the stuff would dry almost instantly when applied with a small brush or even a cuetip. A few ounces went a long way if you kept it in a closed container. A glue stick would work as well. ATB

[awp101]

Thanks Cliff, I'd never heard of it by either name!

Hobie: